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Paddleboarding and kayaking on the Red River in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a must-try activity all adventure seekers and water lovers on this enchanting, ancient body of water. The Red River uniquely runs north and is home to an array of wildlife including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and its world-famous channel catfish and walleye.
Connection to Nature and Each Other
Once you find your balance on the paddleboard, you’ll love the rush of gliding along the water and feeling the wind play with your hair. During the pandemic, Matt and I had our second date here. Unsure how to have “safe” dates, we rented kayaks from The Boathouse on the Red. By kayaking on the Red, we could keep our distance, while still being able to connect with one another and nature. So, this place will forever have a special spot in my heart.
Whenever we go, we enter the Red either downtown or at Lincoln Park. Paddling south is an unparalleled way to step away from your laptop, loosen your shoulders, and breathe in some fresh air. Whenever we get tired, we turn back around, and let the current drift us back to our starting point.
The Boathouse on the Red offers paddleboard rentals at a subsidized and cheap price. They are a great option for anyone wishing to give standup paddleboarding a try!
Tips and Tricks for Standup Paddleboarding
While paddleboarding is a blast once you get used to it, you might face a bit of a wobbly start. So, a few tips and tricks to help you get started quicker can never go amiss.
- Learn Paddle Strokes
It’s important to know how to move the paddle in the water correctly to steer the board. You’ll increase your endurance on the water if you don’t have to switch from side to side all the time. Learn how to steer from each side, turn, and stop.
- Start on your knees.
Before you stand on the board, try getting a feel for the motion of steering, by starting on your knees. It will help you find your balance and it’s a great way to push off!
- Smooth strokes.
Don’t dig the paddle into the water. Let it glide past you in long, straight strokes. Keep your knees bent as you reach it out in front of you and tug it back to your feet.
- Standing is a fluid motion.
Try not to pause or hesitate when you stand. You can use your paddle as a “third leg” to keep you balanced as you transition to standing.
- Keep your feet apart!
To stay balanced, stand with your feet in a wide stance.
- Stand in the middle.
Don’t shift to either end of the board, stay in the center with your knees relaxed.
- Hold the paddle correctly.
Place one hand on top of the paddle’s grip and hold the shaft by your waist. Make sure the paddle blade is angled forward.
- Keep your head up.
It’s only natural to want to look down while you are paddling, to make sure you are doing it correctly, and to watch the water lapping at the sides of the board. But if you keep your chin up, and look ahead, you will achieve a better balance as you will be less likely to rock back and forth on your heels.
When Mom and Dad visited in May 2021, we were spotted kayaking and SUPing down the Red by a local standing on the bridge above. She took these three photos of us, and then asked me for my phone number as we floated under the bridge. I was shocked when we got off the river to find them on my phone!
Must Bring Items
There are some things you just can’t forget to bring for your adventure on the Red. These items will help your trip go smoothly and safely.
A dry bag
You don’t want your belongings to be splashed with water! I use this one
Waterproof Shoes
Dry and protected feet during launch and return is a true game changer. You can attach them to the front of your board once you’re on. I use these
Lifejacket or PFD
Even experienced swimmers should wear one. Make sure you choose a paddle sports life jacket. Other life jackets tend to rub funny when you paddle, and no one wants chaffing. Both of us LOVE this PFD!
Paddleboarding vs Kayaking
Standup paddleboarding (or SUP) is very similar to kayaking. Whenever I’m tired of standing, I let my legs rest by simply sitting. I can still paddle the board like a kayak. There are even paddleboards now with kayak seats. I personally love my inflatable kayak as it’s easy to transport, and you wouldn’t even know it is made of fiberglass once you inflate it. An electric air pump is another handy tool to bring along as you don’t want to be tired before you even start paddling.
Renting a kayak from the Boathouse is an amazing way to boost your confidence, and strengthen your core muscles, and the perfect way to cruise down this canal of magic. There is nothing like the idyllic sound of splashing water as the sun casts fiery hues on the calm, fragmented surface.
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