Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is gaining in popularity for good reason. It’s another way to have fun in the water when conditions aren’t ideal for surfing. And some surfers have gotten so good at it, they don’t go back to their regular board very often.

If you’re stoked on the SUP and looking to try it outside your home break, we’ve got some ideas for you.

Punta Mita, Mexico

Punta Mita in Mexico is a true paradise that is living up to its name, which means “the gateway to paradise” in Aztec. From its beautiful white sand beaches and picturesque coastlines to a diverse range of different surf spots, it offers you both magnificent scenery and a natural surfer’s paradise vibe. Punta Mita is only 20 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta airport and has plenty of lodging options nearby, perfect for accessible surf trips. Aside from that, Punta Mita provides a variety of surf breaks, ranging from challenging reef breaks to excellent point breaks and super enjoyable beach breaks that scatter throughout its coastline, making it ideal for all board types, including short board, longboard, and even stand-up paddle board. 

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is a 7-mile stretch of crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and best surf breaks that extends from Ka’ena Point to Kahuku, making it one of the best tourist spots on the island and one of the perfect surf trip destinations all over the world, especially during winter when swells can be challenging and enjoyable for advanced and expert surfers. If you don’t like big swells, you may ride the waves on Turtle Bay’s beaches, which are perfect for beginning stand up paddle boarders and are well-known for their incredible SUP surf events. You may also enjoy a relaxing and scenic stand up paddle boarding adventure on Haleiwa River, especially during summertime.

Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki is located on Oahu’s south shore and is just a 20-minute drive from the Honolulu airport. It is one of the most famous and convenient beaches in Hawaii, since it is the island’s main area for hotels and restaurants. Waikiki is well-known for its long white sand beach and calm turquoise waters. It is also famous for its great surfing spots for surfers of all skill levels, and amazing SUP boarding adventures perfect for both seasoned and beginner SUP boarders.

Sauble Lake, Lake Huron, Ontario

Sauble Beach is situated on Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. It is the world’s second longest freshwater beach and is extremely popular among tourists, thanks to its warm water and a variety of leisure activities available in the area. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, board rentals, and parking lots near the beach, making it very convenient for travelers. Sauble Beach offers fairly consistent and gentle waves, perfect for rookie wave riders. The long coastline is also excellent for stand up paddle boarding adventure, while enjoying the natural sceneries from the beach up to the famous Sauble Falls Park.

Dana Point, California

Dana Point, known as the origin of surf culture in the United States, is one of California’s greatest beachside communities. It has a wide range of surf breaks ideal for surfers of all skill levels. Doheny State Beach, which is also known for hosting spectacular SUP surf tournaments, is ideal for beginner surfers and SUP boarders. Longboarders will appreciate the longer swells at San Onofre State Beach, and if you want wilder waves, you’ll love surfing at Salt Creek and Strand Beach, which are perfect for experienced and pro wave riders.

Slickrock Resort, Belize

Slickrock Resort is an all-inclusive private island resort in Glover’s Reef Atoll and one of Belize’s top private resorts. On its miles of pure blue seas, it offers a wide range of water sports adventures, including sea kayaking, surf kayaking, SUP boarding, kayak fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, board surfing, scuba diving, and even snorkeling. Since the resort only accommodates around 24 visitors at a time, you can have the peaceful relaxation you need without worrying about an overcrowded trip experience.

Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

Playa Guiones is a pristine paradise situated at the coastline of Nicoya Peninsula. Lush jungles are intact along its four-mile-long white sandy shorelines. It has a variety of surf breaks that are suitable for different board types, including short boards, longboards, and SUPs. Playa Guiones is also regarded as the surf break for beginners due to its gentle waves, soft sandy bottom, and uncrowded beach. There are also several surf schools and local instructors who offer both surf and SUP lessons to first-time wave riders.

Surfer’s Point, Barbados

Surfer’s Point is situated at the east coast of Barbados, along the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the most favored surfing and SUP boarding spots in the region, thanks to its gentle point breaks and consistent rideable waves throughout the year. There are a lot of lodging options, such as hotels and guest houses dotted in the area. There are also shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby, which makes it an extremely convenient destination for your surf trip.

Tofino, Canada

Tofino, known as the surfing capital of Canada, is part of a protected natural sanctuary and one of the most laid-back surfer towns in North America. Pristine rainforests are intact along its 20-mile coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, and despite its cold water, it is a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels. Tofino offers gentle rollers, perfect for rookie wave riders and SUP boarders. It also pushes big barrels and wild swells that are perfect for experienced and pro surfers. Along the coast, there are a lot of surf shops, surf schools, and all types of boards and wetsuit rentals available, making it very convenient whether you’re planning on a surf trip or an SUP adventure.

Treasure Cay, Bahamas

Treasure Cay is a small beach situated in the island of Abaco of the Bahamas. It is known for its 4-mile stretch of a snow-white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. It is only 6 miles away from the Treasure Cay airport and has a lot of lodging options along the way, perfect for an accessible surf trip. Treasure Cay’s waves are tiny and mellow, making it suitable for beginning surfers and SUP boarders. There are also several surf and SUP camps located around Treasure Cay that provide surf and SUP lessons as well as all-type board rentals.