Coming Soon: Stand Up Paddleboards at Lake Audubon

Restonians may soon be able to take Stand Up Paddleboard lessons on Lake Audubon.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (or "SUP") has gained popularity in beach areas recently - and even on Reston's lakes, more and more people can be seen paddling.

But until now, there was no place to rent the boards or take lessons. Last week, Reston Association OKed Surf Reston Standup Paddleboard Adventures to open for instruction at the Lake Audubon boat ramp.

Surf Reston owner Christopher Higgins said he hopes to open for business shortly and, although the agreement with RA only authorizes instruction, he said he hopes to add rentals to the operation when the agreement with RA is finalized.

Rates will likely be $20 an hour; $40 for a half day for rentals; lessons will be $40/hour, said Higgins. As part of the RA agreement, RA members will get a 10 percent discount.

"Before I rent one to anyone, I want them to complete a basic lesson," he said. 

Higgins says the area was ripe for a SUP business. He has been hosting meetups at Lake Audubon for months with paddlers who had their own boards but there has been lots of interest from residents looking to try paddleboarding.

"I moved here from Florida about three years ago," he said. "SUP is pretty big in Florida and California and all along the coasts. Anyone can do it - athletic kids to fit older people. It is a fantastic low impact, core workout."


To learn more about SUP visit Surf Reston Paddleboard Adventures Facebook page or website .