Wondering where to paddleboard in Delaware? Check out one of these 5 locations for your next adventure!
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Did you know Delaware is full of great places to paddle board? It’s true! The tiny state on the East Coast is home to world-class beaches and fun towns with a lively nightlife. It’s easy to overlook because Maryland and New Jersey surround it to the north—both great places for outdoor activities. But instead of ignoring this oft-forgotten state, today, we’re going to dive deep into some of the best places to check out in Delaware (even if you’re just passing through).
Cape Henlopen State Park
Our first sport on where to paddleboard in Delaware takes us to the northern part of Delaware. Located in Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park offers miles of unspoiled beaches and a diverse array of habitats for paddleboarders to explore. The park features a variety of launch locations, including a designated paddle launch at the park’s southern end. The park also offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and parking.
And that’s why it’s number one on our list. Not only is this location a great place to paddle, but it’s an excellent place to spend a weekend camping underneath the stars. Plus, once you’re of the water, you can explore the park by walking the many trails or visiting interesting locations. For example, you can “See where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and experience the Point, a great place for viewing birds, dolphins, seals, and more. You’ll also see both the East End Breakwater and the Harbor of Refuge lighthouses.” For these reasons, if you had only one place to check out while in Delaware, we’d suggest Cape Henlopen State Park.
For more information about the park, how to make a camping reservation, and what else to do while there, check out their state park website.
White Clay Creek State Park
Our second location on where to paddleboard in Delaware is located in Newark. White Clay Creek State Park offers miles of scenic waterways for paddleboarders to explore. The park features a designated launch area for paddle boarders, as well as a variety of amenities such as restrooms, showers, and parking. And while that may be enough to get you on the water and having fun, White Clay Creek also offers plenty of fishing opportunities for your SUP anglers out there.
The creek at this state park is quiet, mostly slow-moving, and perfect for a paddle boarder who enjoys SUP fishing. In fact, there are a few locations you can give it a try, “The Smith Mill Pond offers accessible docks for bluegill fishing, and a catch-and-release program for largemouth bass can be found at Judge Morris Estate. The White Clay Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for stocked rainbow and brown trout. Trout fishing opens the first Saturday in April. A fishing license is required at all times when fishing.” Take along your cooler, drop a couple of lines overboard, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Plus, with places to camp, food nearby, and a wide-open park to explore, you won’t get bored while you’re off your board. For more information about the park and to make camping reservations, check out their website here.
Rehoboth Bay
While you can paddle board on Rehoboth Beach, one of the most beautiful locations in the state, if you’re a more flatwater paddler type it’s a great idea to hop on over to Rehoboth Bay. The bay offers a peaceful and scenic paddleboarding experience. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including herons, ospreys, and eagles. Rehoboth Bay has several launch locations including the Dagsworthy Street boat ramp, which is a great spot to start your paddleboarding journey.
It’s also much easier to park on the bayside compared to the beach side so it makes for an easier, smoother time in and out of the water. Once you’re done paddling though, hit up the beachside for plenty of fine dining options, boardwalk games, and a stroll on the beach. It’s the perfect weekend location for a fun visit! For directions to parking locations near Rehoboth Bay click here.
Indian River Inlet
Our next location on where to paddleboard in Delaware takes us to the Indian River Inlet Park. This is a great place to check out the Indian River Bridge, with plenty of parking for cars, trucks, and RVs right underneath the bridge. If you’re into surfing as well as SUPing, then this location should be your #1 choice. Some of the best waves in Delaware are to be had at the Inlet with a nice peeling right-breaking wave fairly consistent here on most days. However, with such a localized wave, comes a localized crowd! Make sure you always respect their space on the water and definitely do not take an oversized SUP into the lineup where you might cause trouble.
On the other side of the park is where you can drop into the flatwater space of the inlet and enjoy time paddling on a peaceful stretch of water. This is a great spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset, pack a picnic, and feel the peace that comes with exercising on the water. For more information about the park, be sure to check out their website here.
Blackbird Creek Reserve
Located in Townsend, Blackbird Creek Reserve offers a peaceful and scenic paddle boarding experience. The reserve features a variety of habitats, including wetlands and forested areas. Blackbird Creek Reserve has a designated launch area for paddle boarders, as well as a variety of amenities such as restrooms, showers, and parking.
if you enjoy trail hiking as much as you do paddling, then Blackbird Creek Reserve is your number 1 choice on this list. The reserve boasts several miles of trails for the adventurer to explore, have fun, and take in the peaceful sounds of nature. To find out more information about this location’s designated launch location for paddlers as well as their extensive trail systems, check out their website here.
Conclusion
See, there are actually some great spots in little Delaware to explore, have fun, and experience your SUP. Who would have thought? So, next time you’re. in the area, or if you live in Delaware and you’re in the mood to explore, be sure to check out one of these 5 locations for your next SUP adventure!
Questions? Comments? Drop us a message, our inbox is always open. And until next time Atoll family, be sure to adventure on!
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