Go Ahead, Walk on Water: Paddleboarding in SJ

Originally published in Courier Post

Worldwide, stand-up paddleboarding (aka SUP) on oceans, lakes and rivers is experiencing a revival and attracting new, enthusiastic fans. It’s becoming a favorite summertime sport in South Jersey as well.

Evelyn Dichter of Medford tried stand-up paddleboarding for the first time in Ocean City, Maryland, a few summers ago. Instantly hooked, she wanted to enjoy  the sport closer to home.

“I love the freedom of being able to explore different areas and just being outdoors,” she said. “I paddle on various lakes in Medford and Medford Lakes because it’s convenient to where I live.”

Through paddling around the calm waters of Medford Lakes, Dichter has had the opportunity to see her own neighborhood with renewed perspective. “I like exploring new lakes, especially ones with homes situated on them. You may think you know what a home looks like by driving by it on the street, but paddle by the backyard — and you will be amazed!”

Professional kayaker and paddleboarder Margo Pellegrino lives in Medford Lakes. She is a clean-water and healthy-ocean activist who started stand-up paddleboarding in the summer of 2008. Since then, she has explored many waterways in the region.

“I SUP anywhere from LBI on down to Ocean City …  and a few points further south. Corson’s Inlet is my favorite spot because sometimes you see seals and dolphins. I also paddle on the Rancocas River, as it’s relatively close by to my home, and the little lake behind my house.”

“I think SUP is taking over the planet. The Medford Lakes Educational Foundation even (had) a race as part of their family fun day fundraiser. Folks are really getting into it,” she said.

“Where I paddle on the Rancocas is also kind of fun,” Pellegrino said. “The north branch of the Rancocas goes through downtown Mount Holly … It is especially fun to paddle during lunchtime hours when the lawyers and guys in suits are strolling by, and I’m in my comfy paddle gear enjoying myself on the amazing resource that they hardly pay attention to … unless someone is SUP-ing on by.”

The paddleboards themselves are evolving, as well. On average, boards cost from $500 and up. Traditionally made of wood or Fiberglas, newer “inflatable” models are gaining in popularity.

Pellegrino points out that inflatable paddleboards are ideal for South Jersey, as they are easy to transport via car as well as navigate on the water. “Inflatables have really come a long way. I’m partial to using inflatables on the Rancocas River, the Mullica River (my personal favorite) the Toms River, the Maurice River and the Mantua Creek.”

Alfred Raciti, owner of Sunrise Surf Shop in Cherry Hill, says he’s also seen a spike in SUP interest in recent years.

“It’s a fun sport for our area because we have a lot of options here. You don’t need an ocean — there are plenty of paddlers in the smaller rivers. As long as you have about 12 inches of water, you can paddleboard.”

Richard Bubnowski, owner of Paddle Surf New Jersey in Point Pleasant, recommends boarders focus on safety.

“Paddleboarding can look easy, but for beginners, it’s optimal to take a lesson, especially on the Jersey Shore,” he said. “Tides and winds can change quickly and dramatically, and larger boats can’t always see paddlers. I recommend that boarders always use their leash and wear a flotation device.”

So, what happens after you get your sea legs and long to try SUP-ing in a more tropical setting? According to experts, Hawaii is an ideal spot to experience the sport at its purest.

In Hawaii, June Cappiello, director of public relations for Sheraton Kauai Resort and the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, says, “SUP has a long history, but awareness of it has definitely grown over the past several years, and it’s become more accessible in terms of rental equipment, lessons and tours. These days, there are even SUP yoga lessons, so it’s great to see the sport evolve in different ways.”

On the island of Kauai, there are plenty of SUP tours and rentals on the ocean, but also along the Hanalei, Wailua and Huleia rivers.

“As the water is flat, this is a great opportunity for beginners to find their balance on the board,” Cappiello explained.

Not surprisingly, paddleboard companies are also seeing growth.

Shain Logeais, representative from KIALOA Paddles, has witnessed it.

“Today, we find ourselves involved in one the most popular outdoor activities amongst first-time participants. SUP has given almost anyone anywhere the opportunity to stand up on a surf-shaped board, glide across local waterways and view the world from a whole new vantage point. The popularity of SUP has now stretched from coast to coast in the U.S. with thousands of new participants each year — from Malibu, California to the inland waterways of New Jersey.”