Paddleboarding is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable water sports ever. Well, many people mistake paddleboarding for a summer sport. But in reality, you can enjoy this sport almost every season. So, you might be curious to know whether or not can you paddleboard in fall.
You can do paddleboarding in the fall season for sure. In fact, fall is the ideal season for paddleboarding. But, whatever the season is, making sure you pick the best spot and follow the right guidelines is necessary for a good paddleboarding experience.
There are numerous reasons to try paddleboarding in the fall. However, for enjoying any sport at any specific season, you must keep in mind certain aspects of the season and plan accordingly.
So, in this article, I will discuss a few tips for paddleboarding in the fall season, along with some other information that could be of use to you.
Why Paddle Board in the Fall?
The ideal wind and water conditions are the main reasons why you should try paddleboarding in the fall. Besides, you get to enjoy the beautiful colors of nature and wildlife while paddleboarding this season.
During the fall season, the winds are generally calmer, and the water is smooth, making paddling and gliding easier. In addition, you get the chance to paddle among the fall leaves as they drift in the air around you while watching the colors from the water.
You can even enjoy witnessing the underwater wonders during these months because the water is cleaner and more transparent. Moreover, the comfortable weather and moderate temperature help you get the most fantastic paddleboarding experience in the season.
Also, as the fall is often considered off-season, there is less traffic on rivers and lakes. That’s why many of the native animals return, and you can see them while paddling around.
So, whether you want to enjoy the beauty of nature or paddleboard in a comfortable environment, fall is the perfect season for you.
5 Tips for Paddling Board in the Fall Season
The quiet and peaceful environment is the best part of paddleboarding in the fall. It is a great time to relax and ponder because there are not many people around.
But there are also some risks too. For example, the sun sets earlier in the fall, daylight fades swiftly, and the weather and temperatures can be fickle.
So, you must be careful and consider a few things for a beautiful and safe paddleboarding experience in the fall. Here are few tips for paddleboarding in the fall season-
Stay Updated about Weather Forecast
Although the weather is delightful in the fall, the morning and nighttime temperatures can be pretty chilly. Besides, the weather can change suddenly in this season. So, be sure to check the weather forecast to see when the temperatures will drop dramatically before going out on the water.
In the fall, it is also crucial to be cautious of wind conditions. Winds tend to pick up more swiftly and shift and change more than in the summer.
So stay informed about wind changes to ensure you don’t get stuck somewhere where getting back to shore will be difficult.
Don’t Go for Paddle Boarding Alone
Paddling with others is even more critical because the lake has fewer boaters and sailors during the off-season. Also, if you go alone, no one can get informed when something goes wrong. So, it is highly risky to go paddle boarding alone in the fall.
Thus, you must bring a partner or a group if you want to go paddle boarding this season. Besides, paddle boarding with your friends or a group of people is way more fun than paddling alone.
Bring Necessary Items
You must bring essential items such as a headlamp or a flashlight for paddleboarding. As I have mentioned earlier, during the autumn, daylight tends to diminish faster than at any other time of year.
So, to safely return to your place, you would need a headlamp. The lamp will not only supply you with light, but it will also make you more apparent to other boaters who may still be on the water.
Consider buying a flashlight or headlamp that you can use underwater to stay safe from coral reefs, oyster beds, and other underwater dangers.
Dress-up According to the weather
As the weather begins to get cold, it’s time to consider fall-appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, cotton textiles take a long time to dry; therefore, they aren’t the ideal option.
Wear a wetsuit if you’re a newbie paddler, as there is a chance you will fall in the water. Even if you have previous experience in paddleboarding, you will need to wear boots to keep your feet warm.
Wear Life-jacket and Leash
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, life jackets and leashes are a must for everyone. You must have your board leash fastened at all times.
However, by any chance, if you fall off your board and get injured or perhaps unconscious, the leash won’t help you much. So, don’t forget to wear your life jacket for your safety.
Best Places for Paddle Boarding in Fall Season
Some of the best places for paddleboarding in the fall season are Lake Travis, Flathead Lake, Torch Lake, Key West in Florida, Hawaii, etc.
The following are a few of the best places for paddleboarding in the fall season:
- Key West, Florida
For people who like a warmer environment, Key West in Florida is another option. Because a good portion of the place is a protected habitat, guided trips are offered to educate paddlers while enjoying the tranquil waters.
You’ll see mangrove forests and a shoreline full of sea stars, horseshoe crabs, pelicans, manatees, etc. among other creatures.
- San Diego Coastline, California
The San Diego shoreline is considered a paddleboarder’s paradise. The city stays warmer during cold seasons. Moreover, as the water temperature does not dip too much below freezing, you can paddle without a wetsuit all year.
So, this is one of the best places for paddleboarding during the fall season for sure.
- Lake Travis, Texas
One of the top-notch destinations for paddleboarding is Lake Travis in central Texas. The lake not only has warm water, but it also offers a diverse range of scenery to explore.
While paddleboarding here, you can enjoy the lovely vistas of marinas, stunning gold-sand beaches, gorgeous grass-covered hillsides, and a vast stretch of coastal houses.
What Do You Wear for Paddle Boarding in the Fall?
You will have to add layers to your summer clothes to get ready to paddleboard in the fall season. You should also wear a dry suit, neoprene gloves and boots, and wool socks in the fall.
It’s all about layers when it comes to autumn weather. You can wear your summer paddleboarding gear as a basis, then add a long-sleeved shirt and a waterproof jacket to keep yourself warm. If you get cold quickly, you can put an extra light layer over your long sleeve shirt.
However, be sure to keep an eye on your temperature and remove or loosen clothes as needed because as soon as you start to feel warm, you’ll start sweating, which may be pretty uncomfortable while paddleboarding.
Also, because the water is colder, you might wish to invest in neoprene boots, which are similar to water shoes but keep your toes warm as well.
Furthermore, choose clothes that dry fast because you never know when you’ll be caught off guard by a sudden cold air while wearing wet garments. Finally, bring a dry bag if the sun shines brightly and you need to shed a layer or two.
Conclusion
So, can you paddleboard in the fall? Yes, you most definitely can. In fact, too many people, and I included, it is the best time to paddleboard. But do make sure you follow my guidelines for safe paddle boarding.
That will ensure the best possible fun for you and the people you bring with you. Hope you found what you were looking for in this article. Thanks for stopping by.