As I've mentioned before, Twin Falls is famous for its breath-taking Snake River Canyon. One of my favorite things to do in the canyon is paddle boarding in the Snake River. For those of you who do not know, paddle boards are a surfboard-like board which you stand on and glide through the water with a paddle. Paddle boards range from $500 for a used one to $2500 for one brand new. Luckily, for those of us short on cash, Pryor Paddle Rentals rents out canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks. Great fun for the whole family. They hang out down at Centennial Park in the canyon Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from noon to dusk and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to dusk. They have crazy low prices for rentals and are super friendly. And get this, walk-ins are totally acceptable. Go ahead and click on the hyperlink above for more information on Pryor Paddle Rentals. I have personally rented from them and they are great. Go check them out!
The picture on the left was taken a couple years ago when my family, with help from Pryor Paddle Rentals, took canoes and kayaks up to Pillar Falls.
Anyways, back to my experience paddle boarding. During the summer here in Twin Falls, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees and what a better time to get out on the water? My friend and I grabbed up the boards and set out for a day on the water. Needless to say it was BEAUTIFUL and hot (wear sunscreen). If you're wanting to get out on the water whether on a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. I recommend doing it at Centennial Park. This is my favorite spot because you can go directly below the bridge (great for capturing neat pics), docks are easily accessible, and when the sun goes down you'll be treated to a killer sunset. Also, Centennial is located in a perfect spot because Pillar Falls is only an approximate 2 hours from the park, which really isn't that far. Its BEAUTIFUL and great for family outings and dates. For advanced users, Shoshone Falls is a hop, skip, and a jump away at about 7.5 miles round trip from the park. Trust me, its worth it.
The picture on the left was taken a couple years ago when my family, with help from Pryor Paddle Rentals, took canoes and kayaks up to Pillar Falls.
Anyways, back to my experience paddle boarding. During the summer here in Twin Falls, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees and what a better time to get out on the water? My friend and I grabbed up the boards and set out for a day on the water. Needless to say it was BEAUTIFUL and hot (wear sunscreen). If you're wanting to get out on the water whether on a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. I recommend doing it at Centennial Park. This is my favorite spot because you can go directly below the bridge (great for capturing neat pics), docks are easily accessible, and when the sun goes down you'll be treated to a killer sunset. Also, Centennial is located in a perfect spot because Pillar Falls is only an approximate 2 hours from the park, which really isn't that far. Its BEAUTIFUL and great for family outings and dates. For advanced users, Shoshone Falls is a hop, skip, and a jump away at about 7.5 miles round trip from the park. Trust me, its worth it.
10 TIPS FOR PADDLE BOARDING:
1. Wear a life jacket. Its the smart thing to do. And it can double as a great head rest.
2. Have a strong core because seriously, its a workout. (Speaking from experience here)
3. If the paddle board is yours, make sure you have the registration sticker on the board somewhere. Its likely cops will stop you for a safety check but the river cops are awesome and they most likely won't give you a citation but they will WARN you. Its just best to follow the law. (Again, speaking from experience)
4. Get something to stick to the paddle to make it float. The paddles don't float so if you're a mile away from the dock and it sinks, you're swimming back. I use a cut up pool noodle and it slips nicely over the rod of the paddle. Whatever floats your boat, or rather, your paddle.
5. Always take someone with you. Why? Because its safer: the buddy system. Also, why not share the fun?
6. If you're going to be out on the water longer than 3 hours I suggest packing a lunch. I guaruntee you'll get the munchies. You can keep snacks in a dry bag which you can buy at Sportsmans Warehouse.
7. LATHER UP THE SUNSCREEN. Seriously, there's no shade on the water. If you're not wearing sunscreen YOU WILL BURN.
8. When motor boats pass, creating a large wake, angle the board straight on towards the wave and you'll hardly feel a thing. For those of you seeking a "thrill" definitely angle yourself parallel to the oncoming wave.
9. Plan when you will get out. There's nothing worse than getting out a mile from the dock when the sun goes down and then having to come all the way back in the dark. In the summer, in the canyon, the sun sets around 9ish.
10. HAVE FUN. Its like surfing for those of us who have ocean fever.
1. Wear a life jacket. Its the smart thing to do. And it can double as a great head rest.
2. Have a strong core because seriously, its a workout. (Speaking from experience here)
3. If the paddle board is yours, make sure you have the registration sticker on the board somewhere. Its likely cops will stop you for a safety check but the river cops are awesome and they most likely won't give you a citation but they will WARN you. Its just best to follow the law. (Again, speaking from experience)
4. Get something to stick to the paddle to make it float. The paddles don't float so if you're a mile away from the dock and it sinks, you're swimming back. I use a cut up pool noodle and it slips nicely over the rod of the paddle. Whatever floats your boat, or rather, your paddle.
5. Always take someone with you. Why? Because its safer: the buddy system. Also, why not share the fun?
6. If you're going to be out on the water longer than 3 hours I suggest packing a lunch. I guaruntee you'll get the munchies. You can keep snacks in a dry bag which you can buy at Sportsmans Warehouse.
7. LATHER UP THE SUNSCREEN. Seriously, there's no shade on the water. If you're not wearing sunscreen YOU WILL BURN.
8. When motor boats pass, creating a large wake, angle the board straight on towards the wave and you'll hardly feel a thing. For those of you seeking a "thrill" definitely angle yourself parallel to the oncoming wave.
9. Plan when you will get out. There's nothing worse than getting out a mile from the dock when the sun goes down and then having to come all the way back in the dark. In the summer, in the canyon, the sun sets around 9ish.
10. HAVE FUN. Its like surfing for those of us who have ocean fever.
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