There is no better panorama of the Rocky Mountain scenery than from the middle of a high elevation lake or pond. While biking, hiking, golf and kayaking are the warm weather activities that come to mind for most Breckenridge visitors, stand up paddle boarding has quickly become another local favorite during the spring and summer months.
SUP Yoga at the Maggie Pond
The Maggie Pond at the base of Peak 9 is Breck’s paddle boarding hot spot, offering a tranquil oasis of calm water on which to glide gracefully, dialing in one’s paddle skills. If you’re new to the sport, it’s possible that your instant, pressing first thought is “what if I fall into that freezing cold water?” Taking an inadvertent dip into a frigid bath of freshly melted snow is nobody’s idea of a good time, but the first reality of the paddle board, especially when maneuvered in still water such as that of the Maggie, is that it is surprisingly easy to stand on. Balancing on a long paddle board is not unlike standing on a solid dock. This is why the Maggie Pond in particular has become a popular location for SUP yoga classes. If people are doing headstands on their boards in the middle of the icy pond, you know the tipping potential must not be too serious. Check out Meta Yoga Studio's SUP Yoga Classes offered during the Summer.
SUP at Lake Dillon
Lake Dillon has become another paddle boarding hub, with several beach access points, including from the Frisco and Dillon Marinas. There are no motorized boats or swimming allowed on the lake, but paddle boarding is fair game. Beginner paddlers can try their skills close to shore while experienced, ambitious paddlers glide to their hearts’ content, cruising to a peaceful solitude surrounded only by peaks in the middle of the lake.
SUP at Green Mountain Reservoir
Travel a few miles north of Silverthorne and find paddle boarding at another popular hub at Green Mountain Reservoir. Here, you share the vast expanse of water with sailboats, motorboats, jet skis and water skiers. Plunging into the water is a welcome wake up on a hot sunny day, as swimming is allowed here.
SUP Tips
New to paddle boarding? As mentioned, it’s easier than you’d think, but here are some solid beginner tips from SUP TV and Blue Planet Surf:
- When initially stepping onto the board, be sure to put it far enough into the water to where the bottom fin does not scrape on the bottom of the pond or lake.
- If standing right away feels intimidating, first try sitting or kneeling on the board.
- Stand on the middle of the board with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and back straight.
- Hold the paddle with the blade angled forward. Plant the blade fully in water before pulling back for full power and stability. Place the paddle in water vertically to go forward and out to the sides to turn.
- Use your core muscles to paddle, otherwise your arms get tired fast.
- Keep the board as quiet as possible for maximum efficiency. Engage the muscles in your feet and lower legs for support/
- Look forward, not at your feet.
Where to rent
Charter Sports at Main Street Station in Breckenridge is located on the banks of the Maggie Pond and rents paddle boards by the hour ($25), two hours ($35) to a full day ($60).
Where to stay
There are a number of options within a stone’s throw of Maggie Pond and its paddle boarding opportunities as well as within a few minutes’ walk of downtown Breckenridge.
All units at The Corral at Breckenridge are two- to three-bedroom and include a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi and private decks and patios, including some with private hot tubs, grills, private garage parking, plus mountain and pond views.
These resort-style one- to three-bedroom units are as close as you can get to the SUP scene in Breck, since Maggie Pond is adjacent to Main Street Station’s outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. The place also offers free underground parking.
Watch your friend or family member paddle through Maggie Pond from the hot tub on your private deck in these one- to three-bedroom condos. They also feature cozy stone fireplaces and kitchenettes.
Let us book your perfect summer vacation in Breckenridge. Call us at 888.453.1001, or email us at information@gwlodging.com.