USVI Stand Up Paddle Boarding FAQs

For many people, their vacation in the US Virgin Islands is the first time they’ve gotten the opportunity to try stand up paddle boarding (also known as “SUP”). And while many of them arrive just a little intimidated at first, it ends up being one of the most fun experiences of their trip. If you, too, aren’t sure if paddle boarding in the USVI is for you, we’d like to encourage you to give it a shot. You’ve got this!

We have stand up paddle boards available for rent on all three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. With a SUP rental in the VI, you have endless opportunities to explore and to spend quality time in our gorgeous Caribbean waters. Your SUP rental opens up a world of adventure for you.

Here are some answers to the frequently asked questions we get regarding stand up paddle boarding in the Virgin Islands to set your mind at ease:

Is paddle boarding ok for beginners, or should I stick to a kayak?

Yes. SUP is definitely possible for beginners. Thankfully, our waters here in the USVI tend to be very calm, and our boards are nice and stable. When you pick up your paddle boards (or get them delivered), or team members can give you a few tips to get you started.

Is stand up paddle boarding hard to learn?

Most beginners can learn the basics fairly quickly. The hardest part is usually getting comfortable with balance, but our stable boards and generally peaceful beaches make this an ideal place to practice and get comfortable. And if you are struggling to stay standing, you can also sit or kneel on the boards instead while you get acclimated.

What should I wear while paddle boarding?

Because you’ll be out of the water, standing on the board, in the sun, we highly recommend sun protection. Swimwear is obviously first, as you will get wet, but tossing on a rash guard is always a great choice, along with a hat and sunglasses. Just be sure to keep a leash/strap on anything that could slip off in the wind.

Do I need a life jacket?

We provide life jackets with our stand up paddle board rentals. We recommend that you keep it with you at all times.

Can kids go paddle boarding?

Yes, older children can enjoy SUP when conditions are appropriate and they are properly supervised. Small kids won’t be able to control the large boards on their own, so joining an adult on the board is the way to go.

Can you paddle board with another person?

Yes, though if you plan on letting another person “ride along” with you, they should be seated. It’s not safe and much harder to balance with two people standing on the board. If both people want to stand, we recommend each having your own paddle boards.

What should I do if I fall off my paddle board?

First and foremost, make sure you're wearing a leash, so that if you fall, your board will remain nearby. Practice getting back onto the board in calm water off the sandy beach just a few feet from shore before venturing farther out. We also recommend that you keep yourself over slightly deeper waters and not directly against the rocks or above the reef. If you feel yourself losing your balance, lean into the fall where the water is deepest.

Is it safe to paddle board alone?

Paddling with another person is generally safer, particularly for beginners. If you paddle alone, tell someone where you're going, check conditions carefully, and always wear your life jacket. It is also a good idea to stay close to shore, where others can see you should you need assistance.

How many paddle boards should we rent for our family of 4?

Unless you are all active paddlers and want to go out together at the same time, usually people find having two SUP rentals for their vacation week is perfect. Two boards can be used together and traded off between the four of you. If you also have snorkel gear rentals with us (highly recommend!), you can choose locations where two people can snorkel while the others paddle, then switch.

What should I do if I get caught in strong wind or currents?

Stay calm and prioritize getting back to shore. If the wind picks up, you can get more stability by getting down onto your knees to paddle yourself back in without falling. Always check the weather before you go out, and stay ashore if it’s looking stormy out or if the seas are rougher than usual.

Where are the best places to paddle board?

Our team will be happy to recommend their favorite SUP spots, depending on the island you’re renting your paddle board from us on. Here’s a list of some of our best SUP spots on St. John.