WHY SUP?

Versatility! Stand up paddling (SUP) is an enjoyable, versatile mode of self-propelled waterway exploration suitable to all abilities depending on weather and water conditions. It can be relaxing and gentle or challenging and fitness oriented. In Jasper, SUP enthusiasts explore flat water lakes, lazy rivers, and more dynamic class 1 or 2 whitewater. We hike our inflatable boards into small mountain lakes or take our yoga practice outside to use our boards like floating yoga mats. To be part of SUP in Jasper National Park is to connect with a community of mountain lovers embedded in living a life in sync with natures rhythms so both relaxation and pushing physical limits are embraced by local SUP enthusiasts.

Can I RESERVE A BOARD IN ADVANCE?

No, we do not offer advanced reservations during our regular hours of operations from 11 am to 6pm. Boards are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend groups of five or more people text 780-852-3509 at least 24-hours in advance to make a reservation for a private time outside our normal hours such as 8am, 9am,10am, 7pm, or 8pm launch times.

WHAT ARE YOUR regular RENTAL HOURS at lake edith?

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
That means our last one-hour board rental will launch at 6 pm. We pack up and close the doors of our shop to the public between 6 and 7 p.m. once all rentals are returned. Depending on staff capacity and board availability, we may rental a final 2-hour rental as late as 5pm.

WHAT IF I’VE NEVER BEEN ON A PADDLE BOARD BEFORE?

Great! We specialize in helping people new to stand up paddling. Our instructors will give you information on how to have a safe enjoyable time on the water and our sandy beach makes launching safer for beginners. Every rental includes a 10-minute lesson with a safety briefing, lake and equipment information, launching demonstration + key beginner paddle skills. Our education oriented rental model ensures that all paddlers go out on the water feeling like they have some knowledge to enhance their enjoyment of this new sport. We also offer group courses, group events, and private group lessons.

WHAT IF I’m a larger person, DISABLED, or I want to bring my child or partner on the board with me?

Our owner is dynamically disabled and we strive to be as accessible as possible. We can accommodate riders of all sizes and weights. For independent little fishes under 18-years, we have a couple smaller boards and paddles. For large folks, we also have two boards that can support approximately 400 pounds. Standing up is not required and paddle boards offer a wider variety of options for body positions than kayaks or canoes because you aren’t limited by boat sides. Our larger boards can hold 2 adult bodies.

While the Lake Edith public beach area isn’t the most accessibility friendly space because of rugged pathways and rocky obstacles, we can accommodate wheelchair or motorized chair access with some advanced warning via a gated, emergency access road leading to our rental shack. We have had paddlers with various types of amputation or paralysis visit our location with the help of mobility aids.

The main parking area is a short walk from the beach/ our board launching area. Don’t hesitate to come down to the rental shack near the beach to ask for assistance or recommendations for accessibility from one of our staff.

How OLD DO YOU NEED TO BE TO PADDLE ALONE?

Swimming able children 7 - 13 years of age may only use the boards with the assistance/ supervision of their parents or an adult guardian and must stay within shouting distance of their parent.

Children under seven must remain within grabbing reach of an adult and all non-swimmers under 16 must also remain within arms reach of an adult swimmer even when wearing a life vest. Neither of these two groups can paddle a rental board alone.

Strong swimmers over 13 may paddle within distance perimeters set by their guardians. We strongly recommend that anyone under 16 remains within shouting distance or sight of their guardian and that the guardian is on the beach activity supervising where the younger paddler is on the lake.

What If I Can't Swim?

Stand up paddling is a sport for swimmers. The high probability of falling into the water at some point during your first few experiences means this is not a sport for solo non-swimmers. Participants need to have enough swimming ability to tread water to recover from a fall into the lake and then remount the board successfully. An adult without basic swimming skills must have the company of another adult who is a strong swimmer. Non-swimmers may not go alone because they may not be able to get on the board if they fall off and hypothermia after remaining in the water for 20+ minutes is a concern, even on hot days, because the water is so cold.

All children with weak swimming abilities, regardless of age or size, must be on the board of an adult who can swim and remain within arms reach. All participants must wear their personal floatation vests or manual inflation waist belts while out on the water.

We don't like to deny anyone a SUP experience. If you're a non-swimmer please contact us in advance (780-852-3509) for the possibility of a private lesson at regular rental rates. We are committed to not excluding folks who have grown up without the privilege of swimming lessons.

What do I wear?

All adults must wear either a life vest or an inflatable belt pack PFD based on their swimming confidence and comfort with cold water immersion; both options provided.

Adult non-swimmers must wear a provided life vest. Non-swimmers may not paddle alone. Non-swimmers must be accompanied by at least one adult with strong swimming abilities on a paddle board or traveling alongside in another watercraft. We are not lifeguards and do not provide rescue services.

All participants must wear the provided SUP leash while traveling on the water.

The best material for stand up paddling are synthetic or wool. Wear clothing that dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto water. For longer paddles or when circumnavigating a lake that doesn’t have trail access on all shorelines, it's a good idea to wear or pack extra layers in a dry bag in case weather conditions change. On warm days, a hat and long sleeved synthetic top are important to avoid burn or heat stroke. On cool days, a wet suit and neoprene booties is ideal, but many paddlers choose to wear quick dry hiking pants or tights, fleece tops or waterproof shells. Whatever you choose, be sure it doesn’t include cotton. Some yoga leggings are entirely synthetic and marketed for SUP while other types of workout wear has cotton fibres that will be heavy and clammy if wet.

WILL I FAll in THE LAKE?

Quite possibly, yes. However, many people don't - even on their first launch. We have very stable boards suited to beginners and the majority of people who prefer not to swim, do manage to stay on their board. However, it’s always necessary to be prepared to fall. At very least, most participants do get a little wet while launching their board or damp from water spilling onto the board while they paddle. All participants must be swimmers.

On days below 20C (68F), we recommend packing an extra change of clothes, a thermos of hot tea, or a blanket in your car in case you need to warm up quickly when you get off the water. As your paddle skills improve so will your confidence and, surprisingly quickly, you’ll find you can choose whether you swim or not.

Once you’re stable on your board you can go out and enjoy paddling in colder weather with more confidence that you’ll stay dry. If you want to practice skills that put you at risk of a dunk in the drink, then practice those skills at the end of your paddle so you can keep your body heat for the journey and finish with some fun. If you don’t fall in the lake at least once, we believe, you’re not getting the full SUP experience.

What Should I have ready for after my paddle?

It’s smart to pack a change of clothes, towel, water, a snack, and a sweater of some kind for after you get off the water. On cooler days, it can also be helpful to have a warm drink and pants to change into. Any physical activity, especially in an aquatic environment, can make your body less able to maintain warmth and it can be common to become cold quickly after you return from your paddle.

WHat if it's cold outside? Is it still fun to STAND UP PADDLE on rainy days?

Every day is a paddling day unless there’s lightweight involved; you just need to dress appropriately for the weather. In the spring or fall, you would be best to have a wetsuit or dry suit with neoprene gloves, booties or a splash jacket. All year round, our rivers and higher altitude lakes, such as Maligne Lake, are quite cold so more the more specialized paddling gear mentioned above is a good idea depending on the length of your paddle and the air temperature that day.

Just as with hiking, some of the most rewarding experiences in nature can happen on days with weather that’s less than ideal. As long as you’re dressed appropriately and prepared to manage your comfort in the outdoors, a rainy day paddle can be magical and hugely rewarding. Some of the many benefits of rainy day paddling include: having the lakes completely to yourself, enjoying the mist and solitude, sometimes better chances of seeing fish and other aquatic life.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS OR MY DOG ON THE BOARD?

Yes! Stand up paddling is a safe and highly enjoyable family activity provided everyone has the ability to swim and wears a personal flotation device. We have a selection of children’s sized life jackets for use should your children not have their own already. We also have a selection of larger boards suitable for supporting an adult plus children and/or pets.

WHY PADDLE IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK?

To be part of SUP in Jasper National Park is to connect with a community of mountain lovers embedded in living a life in sync with rhythms of nature. That means the paddling opportunities change with the seasons from spring to fall and that our lakes offer a unique opportunity to experience a solitude not available in most popular lakes outside the nationals park system. It is a chance to get away from the buzz of daily life and to avoid the challenges of busier waterways. In Jasper, we have the unique treat of paddling on lakes free of gas or diesel boat traffic (with the exception of Maligne Lake). We have many small lakes throughout the park where an early morning or dusk paddle means you might only share the lake with the loons.