Stand-up Paddleboarding in Montana

Stand-up Paddleboarding

SUP in Western Montana

SUP in Western Montana

Note: Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

Gliding across a calm mountain lake on a stand-up paddleboard has become an increasingly popular vacation watersport, especially here in Western Montana, with our numerous lakes and rivers.

Many companies offer stand-up paddleboard rentals (as well as guided options and lessons), for a unique way to explore the region. Recommended waterways include the Blackfoot, Clark Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead rivers, or paddle one of the following lakes: Swan Lake, Whitefish Lake, Flathead Lake or Lake McDonald.

First-Timers: get gear ready and learn basic techniques before you hit the water. Also, take a partner. You’ll need a board, a paddle, a PFD and a leash* plus a few skills to ensure your adventure is successful. Basics include standing up, balancing, and getting back on if you’ve fallen off, plus forward, reverse and sweep strokes. Again, local outfitters can show you the ropes.

SUP Safety - Rivers

  • Spring runoff means fast-moving rivers. (If you’re new to SUP, stick to a late-summer guided river trip or take a calm lake tour.)
  • * Wear a quick-release leash around your waist. It’s IMPERATIVE that you use quick-release technology in SUP, as ankle leashes can get hung up on rocks and other debris.
  • Wear a PFD, a helmet, a wetsuit and protective gear, especially in shallow rivers.
  • Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

SUP Safety – Lake Touring

  • Bring a flotation device.
  • Know the weather, and note that it can change quickly.
  • Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
  • If you’re new to the sport, try to confine your trip to an hour or less, and stay closer to the shore. Paddleboarding can really wear you out (in a good way, of course).

Featured Listings

Base Camp Bigfork
8525 State Highway 209
Bigfork, MT 59911
406.871.9733
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Dog Creek Lodge + Nordic Ski Center
8775 U.S. Highway 93 N.
Olney, MT 59927
406.881.2071
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Enjoy Montana Vacation Rentals
20 Summit Ave.
Somers, MT 59932
406.203.5055
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Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
11970 U.S. Highway 2
West Glacier, MT 59936
406.387.5555 | 800.521.7238
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Go Sail Flathead Lake
43546 C St.
Dayton, MT 59914
406.515.9585
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Great Northern Resort & Whitewater Rafting
12127 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936
406.387.5340 | 800.735.7897
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The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Ave.
Whitefish, MT 59937
877.887.4026
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The Sitting Duck
15265 State Highway 35
Bigfork, MT 59911
406-692-6024
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Action Rentals
1027 Martin Creek Road
Olney, MT 59927
406.881.3510
Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides
44227 A St.
Big Arm, MT 59910
406.260.5090
Bitterroot Valley Shuttle
Missoula Airport 5225 W. Broadway St.
Missoula, MT 59808
406.550.0001
Camp Kapapa
27885 Old U.S. Highway 93
Elmo, MT 59915
406.214.0302
Clark Fork Surf
8575 State Highway 35, Suite 9
Bigfork, MT 59911
406.212.2117
Crazy Moose Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
511 W. Main St.
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
406.827.3030
DREAM Adaptive Recreation
1822 Baker Ave.
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.885.9539
FLUX Adventure Designs

Whitefish, MT 59937
4062532356
Glacier Wake
70 Lakeside Blvd.
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.404.6724
Lake Five Resort
540 Belton Stage Road
West Glacier, MT 59936
406.387.5601
Old Faithful Watersports
14746 Yenne Point Road
Bigfork, MT 59911
406.253.2702
Overdale Lodge
1076 Overdale Lodge Road
Troy, MT 59935
406.295.7246
Paddleboard Outfitters
5327 U.S. Highway 93
Somers, MT 59932
406.212.2300
Paddlefish Sports, LLC
70 Lakeside Blvd., City Beach
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.260.7733
Polebridge Mercantile, Bakery and Cabins
265 Polebridge Loop
Polebridge, Montana 59928
406-888-5105
Polebridge Outfitters
265 Polebridge Loop
Polebridge, MT 59928
4068885105
RiverView Ranch Retreat & Western Adventures
28800 Southside Road
Alberton, MT 59820
406.382.9020 | 800.357.4456
Sky Eco - Glacier General Store & Cabins
10630 U.S. Highway 2 E.
Coram, MT 59913
406.414.7538
Slow Drift Shuttles
Blackfoot River
Missoula, MT 59801
406.285.8638
Tamaracks Resort
3481 State Highway 83 N., Mile Marker 17
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
406.677.2433
Whitefish Outfitters & Tours
541 Spokane Ave.
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.212.0080
Zoo Town Surfers
1001 S. Fourth St. W., Suite 5
Missoula, MT 59801
406.546.0370