So my crazy bro-in-law is saying he wants to take paddle boards on our July trip starting at EP 32-S. Kawishiwi River. I'm skeptical and concerned that all his gear (and him) will wind up in our canoe.

Do people do this? We'll tackle quite a few portages, move day-to-day, fish, etc. He's got a plan to strap his bag and gear to his board and will be testing it this spring.

Thoughts?

I have no experience with paddle boarding. But before I would question gear ending up in your canoe, I would have other concerns.

I would question how is a paddle board portaged? Carried over the head with arm strength for a mile? I wouldn't

If you needed to travel, can you paddleboard in 1 foot+ waves?

Can you paddleboard into a 20 mph wind?

Just some things I would want to have recognized before I would trip with a paddle boarder.

If he does this please take a video, it would be comedy at its best. Im trying to picture someone going across Sag or basswood on a paddleboard, I would be impressed if they made it.

The immediate urge is to comment on how bad of an idea it is but most of that would be because its different than how most of us would travel and we tend to condemn anything that is different.

Thinking about it logically I would be ok with him attempting as I wouldn't want to diminish his trip in any way. However, that courtesy goes both ways and I would need assurance that him doing this would not diminish my trip in any way.

Couple questions.

Has this guy been to the BWCA before? If not I'd probably encourage him to do things the traditional way the first time to get the feel for things and then on future trips he can experiment.

If he's already and experienced BWCA traveler than I'd give him more slack. He'll obviously have to test his method for securing gear because I wouldn't want it in my canoe. He'll also need to test out paddling in adverse conditions. He'll also need to test portaging. The other consideration is that most people paddle board barefoot. Obviously you'll need shoes on the portages so what is his plan for that?

The last consideration is how fast can he move on a paddle board? Can he keep up with a guy in a solo canoe or 2 people in a tandem? When he goes to test his set up in the water I'd probably go along and canoe next to him to see if speed is an issue. I wouldn't want him to be lagging behind the entire trip and holding up the entire operation.

I would do your best to not tell him No instantly. Give him the chance to prove that its a viable system and that he's got it worked out. But I also think its fair to tell him that if his system falls apart that there isn't a plan B of him moving everything over to one of the canoes mid trip.

Sailboats are forbidden up there, I do know that, and so I'd think paddleboards would be too, but I don't know that for sure.

I would think it would be a good idea to do a trial run somewhere. Even if it's just an overnight with a couple of portage-around-rapids deals, there are things a person would understand afterward that they might not understand now.

He's gone on Lake Michigan and Huron before.

quote SaganagaJoe: "Sailboats are forbidden up there, I do know that, and so I'd think paddleboards would be too, but I don't know that for sure."

There is no logical reason a paddle board would be illegal. its basically a flat canoe with no sides. Its only means of propulsion is a paddle, its just longer than the ones we use in the canoe. It doesn't meet any of the definitions of what is considered illegal as far as I know.

How would one figure this out?

quote SaganagaJoe: "Sailboats are forbidden up there, I do know that, and so I'd think paddleboards would be too, but I don't know that for sure."

He's never been to BWCA before, but he's got canoe tripping experience in Algonquin, Killarney, and a few Michigan wilderness areas. Knows how to trip in a canoe.

Sounds like speed, portaging, and gear carrying are the big concerns.

As well as legality, of course.

Others?

It would be perfectly legal. Unlike sailboats, a paddle board employs no mechanical device or propulsion assistance. Personally, I would never try it due to wind. Calm days in the BW are few and far between.

Falling of onto a submerged rock...

SUPs can be fast. Last year's Des Plaines marathon I got passed by several. Granted, my Spirit II is no racing hull but we were still maintaining 5+ mph on the river...

How will he portage the board, especially on trails that could be muddy, slippery, rocky, etc? How will he transport all his gear on the SUP and then portage it? It would seem like the canoe you and your 3rd will be in would be much more likely to actually carry the gear since a tandem can easily carry equipment for 3 if the other two pack intelligently. The SUP in waves would be a concern.... Conditions that canoes and kayaks venture out into safely could be a danger maybe?

Kudos to him to want to try something new. The little bit I saw of the SUP'ers in the race last year seemed to show its a good core strength activity.

No questions to me about legality. What's different between this and standing up in a canoe and poling/paddling it?

I agree that they are perfectly legal in the BW. And there are large, touring paddle boards that could definitely handle challenging conditions. People race them in the open ocean near where I live. And the go fast! So, I think it could be done by the right person with the right equipment. Whether your brother-in-law is that person is another question.

And I agree that the idea of falling onto a submerged rock is scary. However, one advantage on paddleboards is that you see down into the water much better than from the canoe. Having your head up higher makes a big difference on the refraction angles into the water. Seeing down into the water is one of the things that makes paddleboarding fun. And it might help with not running into submerged rocks.

Still, while I own a paddleboard I am not about to stop using a canoe in the BW.

quote Grizzlyman: "Falling of onto a submerged rock..."

Yeah, I'm thinking marked increase in chances of trip ending trauma?

When I stated my concerns about wind and waves, I was imagining 40-50 lbs of gear strapped to the board. I could be wrong since I've never tried an SUP with extra weight.

sorry but to me it makes about as much sense as swimming the BWCA. but that's just my opinion.

Also, he plans on fishing from the thing.

I too wanted to scoff at those SUPs, until I too was eating wake in the Des Plaines Marathon. Had no idea.

Sounds like your friend is a big boy, if it all goes smooth then hurray. If he holds back your group or breaks his arm you can veto all future ideas that you deem nutso.

With no personal experience, I agree that wind might be the main issue. I'm happy to be sitting/kneeling when the lake gets choppy.

quote Basspro69: "If he does this please take a video, it would be comedy at its best. Im trying to picture someone going across Sag or basswood on a paddleboard, I would be impressed if they made it."

+1

What nofish said.

I seem to remember another thread about SUP in the BW, that somebody did it or was planning on it.

I've seen them in the BWCA before but the people using them were on day trips without camping gear. When we stayed at Kawishiwi Lodge for a week we would see a couple of them on Lake One each day.

On a trip entering at Lizz with my then 7 yo daughter and camped on Caribou we saw two people that portaged into Caribou from Poplar on a daytrip.

someone did it

quote AndySG: "
It would be perfectly legal. Unlike sailboats, a paddle board employs no mechanical device or propulsion assistance."

Sailboats were declared illegal because of the hinge on the mast. Oar locks could technically be outlawed since an oarlock is nothing more than a hinge for an oar.
The Forest Service, with the blessing of the environmentalists, will find something illegal with paddle boards! :)

SUP simply do not make sense in a wilderness environment. They are appropriate for sheltered, calm waters easily accessed and exited. City parks full of people pushing strollers, walking in flip-flops, stretch pants and gym clothes.

When you look at any video or photo you never see wind or waves. The first time I go on a BWCA trip and don't encounter wind and waves, I'll let everyone know...

People are racing Maui to Molokai on SUPs. That's 27 miles on SUPs in about 5 hours including double overhead swells in the middle of the channel. Somehow the BW seems doable for the right person using the right SUP.

Picture 1

Picture 2

quote andym: "People are racing Maui to Molokai on SUPs. That's 27 miles on SUPs in about 5 hours including double overhead swells in the middle of the channel. Somehow the BW seems doable for the right person using the right SUP.

Picture 1

Picture 2 "

Big difference in beaches and granite, though? I have never been to Hawaii, but I doubt the SUPers are having to land in spots like this:

I think you already answered your own question. As long as you are okay hauling his gear in your canoe, then there's no reason it won't work. Now keep in mind you said "paddleboards" plural in your original question plus a canoe, that's already 3 watercraft, the limit is still 4 watercraft per group. So you wouldn't be able to take 3 canoes and 2 paddleboards for instance. You can do the math, that would be 5 and would be illegal.

For those with fears about big water and waves, remember the original question was talking about Kawishiwi River entry, SUP's would likely be fun for that entry, again assuming the canoers are okay with paddling harder to carry their gear :)

It's likely 1 SUP + 2 canoes in our party.

(Actual brother-in-law not pictured.)

Landing on a sandy beach is nicer in any sort of boat. If you can wet foot the landing with a canoe then you could do it with a SUP. You can go down to your knees as the water gets shallow and then slide off easily.

It may be important for the SUP to have a few shallow fins. Mine has one large one and it could be a problem as it actually draws more water than a canoe. But then mine is also designed for sup surfing rather than touring.

BTW, I'm still canoeing all the time in the BW. I just want to help the decision be made with experience.

quote joshmontague: "It's likely 1 SUP + 2 canoes in our party.

quote gsfisher13: "I think you already answered your own question. As long as you are okay hauling his gear in your canoe, then there's no reason it won't work. Now keep in mind you said "paddleboards" plural in your original question plus a canoe, that's already 3 watercraft, the limit is still 4 watercraft per group. So you wouldn't be able to take 3 canoes and 2 paddleboards for instance. You can do the math, that would be 5 and would be illegal.


For those with fears about big water and waves, remember the original question was talking about Kawishiwi River entry, SUP's would likely be fun for that entry, again assuming the canoers are okay with paddling harder to carry their gear :) "

"

Works for me, twice the canoes to carry the SUP person's gear. Take him along, have fun.

Get two permits and suggest he go solo.
You'll have great stories to swap when you meet up for the drive home.

BTW, the guys doing a sup bwca trip in that youtube video have sup store in Minneapolis and according to their web site have done a few such trips. They would be a good source of info on how to do it. Look up Silver Creek Paddle.

I agree with everything Nofish and Andym said. I think it sounds like an interesting adventure for someone with the right skill set. And it seems to me that mixing a SUP with tandem canoes would face some of the same challenges as mixing tandem canoes and a solo canoe or kayak.

As far as bad weather and ability to keep up goes - remember last summer a guy paddled 1,350 miles around Lake Superior on a SUP, carrying his food and gear. He averaged 27.5 miles a day, and was windbound 5 out of 54 days (and thats on the big lake). Duluth News Paddleboard Around Lake Superior The article provides a fair amount of detail of how he did it and his challenges, and I bet he's got a blog somewhere with more.

Definitely doable and really not much different than a canoe trip. Obviously the gear will have to be less bulky, but other than that, it should be hassle free assuming he is a skilled paddleboarder.

Personally I would not want to portage one but it is doable and with the right type of gear carrying your gear and paddling fast and in tough conditions is doable.

quote Jaywalker: "I agree with everything Nofish and Andym said. I think it sounds like an interesting adventure for someone with the right skill set. And it seems to me that mixing a SUP with tandem canoes would face some of the same challenges as mixing tandem canoes and a solo canoe or kayak.


As far as bad weather and ability to keep up goes - remember last summer a guy paddled 1,350 miles around Lake Superior on a SUP, carrying his food and gear. He averaged 27.5 miles a day, and was windbound 5 out of 54 days (and thats on the big lake). Duluth News Paddleboard Around Lake Superior The article provides a fair amount of detail of how he did it and his challenges, and I bet he's got a blog somewhere with more.


"

+1

I say go for it, I'm sure everyone said the sme bout the first kayaks in the Bdub. While it may not be perfect, I honestly don't go there for " perfect". Me and my 65 year old father took our two 60+ pound kayaks up and went from Kiwishiwi lake to lake one. Although it was tough ( and I wouldn't do it again) it was "doable"

I would think as far as a SUP goes. There would be less wind resistance ( if paddling from a sitting position) when windy. Could see rocks better. Portaging with a shoulder sling, and gear strapped down in a water tight bag. I don't see a problem.

Something to think about, I stand all day in a kitchen. It is easy for me to do for 14 hours if need be. But someone not used to it may find it difficult to do for several long days.

I hope he does it. I think the more people in the Bdub the better. Just L.N.T.

easy answer to this question. . . tell him you are NOT taking ANY of his gear in the canoes. What he needs for the trip has to go with him on the paddle board. (recommend he tries that at home first)

quote Mocha: " someone did it "

That video was cool especially him fishing. Now I want to see the video with the waves crashing over the board :-)

quote joshmontague: "He's gone on Lake Michigan and Huron before."

If he did it with waves then he has far better balance then I have, I would be in the drink in about 5 minutes :-)

I would think the rocks would take out the keel pretty easily in the BWCA. Most boards are over 10ft and would be tough to haul. I suppose you could drag it behind and use it for trolling.

quote Frenchy: "I would think the rocks would take out the keel pretty easily in the BWCA. Most boards are over 10ft and would be tough to haul. I suppose you could drag it behind and use it for trolling."

Yeah, like a big planer board!! :)

quote Frenchy: "I would think the rocks would take out the keel pretty easily in the BWCA. Most boards are over 10ft and would be tough to haul. I suppose you could drag it behind and use it for trolling."

Paddle board fins are pretty durable. Simply hitting a rock while paddling isn't likely to do any real damage. Like bringing a spare paddle, it wouldn't be a bad idea for this brother-in-law to bring a spare fin, screw, and key.

quote Basspro69: "

quote Mocha: " someone did it "

That video was cool especially him fishing. Now I want to see the video with the waves crashing over the board :-)"

As one of the leading anglers on the forum, you might be intrigued to find there's a company that specializes in . paddle boards for fishing.

quote nofish: "

quote SaganagaJoe: "Sailboats are forbidden up there, I do know that, and so I'd think paddleboards would be too, but I don't know that for sure."

There is no logical reason a paddle board would be illegal. its basically a flat canoe with no sides. Its only means of propulsion is a paddle, its just longer than the ones we use in the canoe. It doesn't meet any of the definitions of what is considered illegal as far as I know.

"

agree-somebody wants to try it go for it.

Thanks Josh, I'm glad you started this thread. When I first read your post, I thought no way would a paddle board work in the BW, but I knew very little about them. After reading all the posts as well as opening all the links, I now know a lot more and I am very intrigued. I might just have to try paddling one this summer.

One of the biggest reasons I go to the BW is for the adventure. I say your bro-in-law should go for it if his test runs are successful.

To each there own and this fellow sounds like he has some experience and not just a fellow who thinks one thing is just like another. Good luck to him and yes this is a trip report worth waiting for.
I would put this in the toe shoes for portaging category discussed some time ago. Some people will do it and that is quite okay with me.

I too thought this was crazy at first, but after the education I got from reading this thread, I see it's not as crazy after all. Certainly not my style at all, but those who are passionate about SUP it is something I may see in the BW. I can still think of allot of reasons I would never try it, but keeping an open mind, good luck to those that are may attempt an SUP trip in the BW.

Where would you put several days of gear on a paddle board?

quote ockycamper: "Where would you put several days of gear on a paddle board?"

In your very forgiving partner's canoe, I guess.

One year I let two guys bring their kayaks. . .14 footers with hatches front and back. The agreement was that they had to do a "dry run" and load ALL their gear in their kayaks before we went making sure that every bit of their gear would go in their boats, as I told them we weren't putting any of their gear in the canoes. They promised they had done that.

We get up there and their kayaks are filled with all kinds of stuff tied to the decks as well and lots more had to be put in canoes.

When we got to portages, they didn't want to unload the kayaks and tried to two man carry loaded kayaks through the portages. After one portage, we insisted they unload the kayaks before portaging through. Then they did not want to reload them, but wanted the canoes to carry their gear.

At the end of that trip the rest of the guys were adamant that no kayaks would ever come with us again unless the guys bringing them actually could demonstrate that all their gear would go in their kayaks and they knew how to portage it through.

I would be fine with a guy on a paddle board. But he would have to put every bit of his gear on the board.

quote ockycamper: "Where would you put several days of gear on a paddle board?"

The guys in the video that mocha linked put their packs on the paddle board in front of where they were standing.

our guy's lunches wouldn't fit in those small packs on the front of the paddle boards in those videos!

quote ockycamper: "our guy's lunches wouldn't fit in those small packs on the front of the paddle boards in those videos!"

LOL...... I believe it from your kayak story

He;s going to me MUCH slower than those of you in canoes. Make sure he's aware of how much he will slow the group down.

IMO, he should try it solo or with others on paddle boards. He'll slow you down enough to where he's going to end up feeling guilty and like a liability (which he will be).

Lots of paddleboarders carry their own gear on pretty long trips - it just requires careful packing. On the other hand, if everyone is in agreement there is really no issue with putting his gear in the canoe if there is room. We put 23 days worth of food and a dog in our boat this summer.

quote Jaywalker: "

quote Basspro69: "

quote Mocha: " someone did it "

That video was cool especially him fishing. Now I want to see the video with the waves crashing over the board :-)"

As one of the leading anglers on the forum, you might be intrigued to find there's a company that specializes in . paddle boards for fishing. "

Thanks for the link, I bet catching a Tarpon on that board had to be a blast !

after seeing the video Mocha posted, I say he should go for it. We learn from experience right? Looks like the other s who have done it had all their gear on the paddle board with them in a river duffle. I wonder how they do in the choppy waters, though.

Hi! I know this post was written a while back, but I felt compelled to respond!

My boyfriend and I recently returned from a 7 day SUP trip in the eastern portion of the BWCA. We paddled and portaged close to 70 miles over the course of our trip. Before we embarked I read a couple blogs that discouraged paddle boarding in the Boundary Waters, but I just have to disagree! I've been to the BWCA only once before on a canoe trip so I'm still a BWCA novice. I however found paddleboarding to be an absolutely incredible, and by no means impossible, means of traversing this remote wilderness.

To tell you a little more about our trip there were only the two of us, each with our own SUP. Both our boards are blow up and when deflated fit into their own pack--although we only had to deflate them once during our trip. Each board came with various D rings and elastic straps on the deck to secure down gear. We both bought a couple sea to summit dry bags that ranged from 35L to 60L and one Cabela's brand dry bag, which we ended up returning afterwards because it didn't compare in quality to the others. In total we had 5 dry bags for the two of us and had plenty of extra room. We secured our equipment to our boards in various different ways throughout the trip using a combination of the elastic strapping and additional NRS straps/gigantic rubber coated twisty ties--the twisty ties were a lifesaver and by the end they were the only things we were using to secure our packs!

As for our route, our entry point into the BWCA was through South Lake, which begins with around a 11 mile paddle starting at the Gunflint Lake boat launch and a short portage from North Lake into South Lake that's around 80 rods or so. From there we planned a large loop that took us to Rat Lake, Rose Lake, Rove Lake, Watab Lake, Mountain Lake, Clearwater Lake, Deer Lake, Moon Lake, Flour Lake, Hungry Jack Lake, Bearskin Lake, Duncan Lake, and then back to Rose Lake where exited the same way we entered through Rat Lake, South Lake, North Lake, Little North Lake, Little Gunflint Lake, and Gunflint Lake. All in all we calculated we travelled between 60-70 miles with our SUPs!

We had great weather and although it was really windy a couple days we had no real trouble paddling any of the lakes. There's a lot of crap on the internet about the difficulty of taking paddleboards in the BWCA. Keep in mind most of these "nay sayers" are sitting in a canoe and have no personal experience on a paddleboard. Having now paddled the BWCA in both a canoe and on a SUP I feel compelled to share my experience and disprove the garbage that I've read.

We did a lot of portaging on this trip and I find it surprisingly easy to portage my SUP--one of our portages was 660 rods (from Rose to Rove) and that was the only time we decided to actually deflate our boards. I found SUP portaging to be lighter and much less awkward than carrying a canoe. For one thing, I didn't have to have my head inside the haul of a boat, and, in addition, I could deflate my board and throw it on my back in a moment notice. My gear also never got wet and I was never worried about it falling off my board. I had plenty of extra room on my board too. All in all, it is save to say that paddleboarding the BWCA is both possible and incredibly fun! My boyfriend and I are already looking forward to our next backcountry SUP trip!

One last note: "Haters gunna hate; players gunna play!" Whatever your mode of travel just get out there and do it!

That is awesome,did you stand up all the time paddling or sit and paddle some also. Good for you, If I was like 35 years younger it would be interesting to try,but I couldn't stand that long.

Good going.

All I can say is it ain't for me. I like to keep many items handy in the canoe. My camera, monocular, a fishing rod, water bottles, snack foods, etc. All high and dry and handy while paddling. Otherwise I may miss spotting wildlife, taking photos, grabbing a drink or a snack, or casting to a spot that holds a tasty dinner. Just "traveling through" is not my style. Glad you enjoyed your trip, but it seems somewhat sterile to me.

Thanks, Maggie. That's fun to hear. That distance sounds like an awesome workout, too! Do your boards handle differently loaded with gear vs not?

I learned SUPing in Puget sound- where wind and *large* waves were the norm. We've surfed them on the coast, too, so I know they can handle big water. Even despite local laws I know some SUPers who despise PFD use. What is your opinion? Do you wear them or keep them on deck or not like them at all?

I imagine that you're right on with your remarks: most canoeists may scoff at or struggle with an SUP trip: whereas experienced SUPers who can pack light might really enjoy the adventure.

It would be cool to design a SUP for overnight touring trips: maybe some small dry hatch storage, dedicated deck bungees, flip-up backrest for capability to sit-with-a-kayak-paddle, some sort of portage shoulder strap or portage frame.

I can see it now, the BWSUPA.

If you stay under the 4 boat rule you are good to go. Not for me though, too hard to fish out of.

Maggie, do you have any photos showing how you did different aspects of your trip?

I'd be nervous if I knew my treble hook might sink my ship.

quote ockycamper: "easy answer to this question. . . tell him you are NOT taking ANY of his gear in the canoes. What he needs for the trip has to go with him on the paddle board. (recommend he tries that at home first)"

Echoes my thoughts. Why not just wear the pack while paddling? Different "strokes" for different folks strikes again. If you can self-contain what you need for the trip go for it.

quote ockycamper: "easy answer to this question. . . tell him you are NOT taking ANY of his gear in the canoes. What he needs for the trip has to go with him on the paddle board. (recommend he tries that at home first)"

Echoes my thoughts. Why not just wear the pack while paddling? Different "strokes" for different folks strikes again. If you can self-contain what you need for the trip go for it.