Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Colorado River: Learn & Play
Master paddleboarding on moving water, then ride the Colorado's waves
Stand up paddleboarding on the Colorado River near Arches National Park, with on-land instruction, a guided practice session, and a 3–4 hour paddle down river features and four wave sets. Small groups stay at a 4-to-1 guest-to-guide ratio. Children from age 10 are welcome. You'll learn river safety, get comfortable on the board in shallow water, then paddle the river itself once everyone is ready.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Stand up paddleboarding on Colorado River
- Learn river safety on land
- Practice stand up paddleboarding
- SUP down Colorado River
- Follow southern boundary of Arches National Park
The experience
The day starts on land. You get a stand up paddle lesson covering the basics before you touch the water, so you're not learning balance and technique while already floating. Then a practice session in the shallows lets you find your footing and ask questions before the current picks up. Once the guide sees you're steady, you push off into the Colorado River proper and paddle the section that runs along the southern boundary of Arches National Park.
The river section itself is the draw. You'll encounter four sets of waves and a bunch of fun river features to play on. The kind of terrain that keeps beginners engaged and gives experienced paddlers something to work with. The guide shows you how to read the water and handle each feature as you come to it. This is a guaranteed-to-get-wet kind of day, and that's the point. You're not gliding down a flat stretch. You're actively paddling and reacting to what's in front of you.
All paddleboard equipment comes with you. Bring a personal water bottle and wear clothes you don't mind soaking. Transportation to and from the river is included, and the guide is a licensed professional who keeps the group small enough that you get real attention. Morning and mid-day departures let you fit this around the rest of your day in the area.
What’s included
- All stand up paddleboarding equipment.
- professional licensed guide.
- on-land lesson and water practice session.
- snacks.
- transportation to and from the river.
Options for this experience
2 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Paddle Moab
Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to paddleboard early and have the afternoon free in the area, or the mid-day tour if you prefer a later start. Either way, the small group size and 4-to-1 guide ratio mean you get real instruction as you learn, not just a tag-along experience.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.
What's the Colorado River section like for someone who's never paddleboarded before?
The river section is designed for all abilities. You get an on-land lesson and a practice session in calm water first, so you build confidence before paddling the actual current. The four wave sets and river features are fun to navigate rather than dangerous. The guide is there to show you how to read and handle each one, and the 4-to-1 ratio means you get real instruction as you go.
How much of the day is actually on the water paddling?
The full trip runs 3 to 4 hours total, which includes the on-land lesson, the practice session, and the paddle down the river itself. Most of that time is spent paddling once you're comfortable.
Do I need to bring my own paddleboard and gear?
No. All stand up paddleboarding equipment is included. You just need to bring a personal water bottle and wear clothes that can get wet.
What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?
The guide, all paddleboard equipment, snacks, and transportation to and from the river are included. Bring your own water bottle and wear clothes you don't mind getting soaked.
Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Colorado River: Learn & Play
3h–4h · EN
from US$ 93 per person
4.9858 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider