How to Paddle in Flowing Water — Tips for Stand-up Paddleboarders
This past weekend, I took advantage of having absolutely no Labor Day plans (#COVID19) and decided to try paddling a section of North Carolina’s Neuse River solo.
(The Neuse River runs east of Raleigh. There’s more location-specific information about the route at the end of the article.)
Although I’ve taken my stand-up paddleboard to several lakes in the area, this was my first attempt at paddling with my board in flowing water. I highly recommend it!
If you’re new to paddleboarding in rivers — like me — here’s my advice for the smoothest trip possible:
- The fin may drag in shallow water. It’s quite easy to hop off in shallow spots and walk alongside the board. This keeps you moving and also helps protect the fin. I use a leash, so I wasn’t too worried about the board drifting away.
- Paddle defensively. Pay attention to ripples, which can indicate submerged rocks or limbs.
- For whitewater or areas with rocks and limbs, drop down to your knees or sit on the board to paddle. It’s easier to keep your balance. If a collision happens, you also have a shorter distance to fall.
- Pack more water and snacks than you think you will need. Unlike still water, it’s not as easy to return to your starting point. The 5.5-mile section that I paddled took two hours at a relaxed pace. By the time I arrived at my pick-up point, I was a little hungry and very thirsty, which brings me to my next tip…
- Use carabiners or otherwise secure your water bottles, shoes, and bag. I lost my water bottle in a whitewater section, even though I have dedicated gear section on my board with bungee cords that’s never failed me on lake trips.
- And this might be a little obvious, but wear a life vest. The moving water is more unpredictable than still water.
Now for some Raleigh-specific details.
Falls Lake Dam is considered Mile 0 on the Neuse River. I put my board in the water near Buffalo Road, which is Mile 10.7. My pick-up location was at Anderson Point Park, Mile 16.2. (Shout-out to my wonderful family for picking me up!)
The City of Raleigh provides excellent descriptions for launch sites on the Neuse River. I wish they would also add some additional signage for paddlers that can be seen from the water. The Anderson Point access site, for example, is quite small, muddy, and somewhat hidden.
What I saw during the trip:
- Only one fellow paddler, surprisingly! A man was heading upstream in a kayak. Respect.
- Several cool bridges, designed for cyclists and pedestrians on the Neuse River Greenway Trail.
- Milburnie Dam at Mile 14.2. My suggestion is to portage. (This is where I lost my water bottle, among other minor disasters.)
- Great blue herons, a shy turtle and lots of dragonflies.
- Some beautiful homes with elaborate backyards designed to make the most of the river banks. I had a short conversation with a couple enjoying a morning campfire next to the water.
Have fun paddling, everyone!
