For years my Mom and I have talked about stand-up paddle boarding, but it never materialized. We always ended up renting a kayak instead because it was more comfortable. She came upstate to visit me for some summer fun and I decided it was time to take action. Up the northway to the Kayak Shak [251 Staffords Bridge Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866] and we just went for it. I can’t wait to do it again!
The staff is really friendly, the girl who got us out on the water gave us newbies a few tips. The boards were very stable and if you have kayaked before (and have decent balance) you will get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Heading out on the water if you take a left you can paddle to Saratoga Lake, but we took the great suggestion from the employee and headed right under the bridge up the Fish Creek.
Early in the morning it was quiet, we had the place to ourselves on the glassy water. It was the perfect day. Warm and sunny, so many lily pads and lotus flowers, every color dragonfly, wood ducks and their babies, we even spotted a kingfisher fly across the water! We were in nature heaven. It was a hot one, I would definitely suggestion sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat. To get your core temperature down after being in the sun and exercising, why not jump in the water? We did three times, it was unbelievable refreshing.
Stand-up paddle boarding was the highlight of our mini-trip together and a new found sport. It is so fun to try new things and get out of your comfort zone!