Hamptons Named Among Top SUP Spots in U.S.
Local stand-up paddleboarders may find a few more SUP-ers in their favorite spots this summer, now that Outside magazine has named the Hamptons among the United States’ best places to enjoy the sport.
In OutsideOnline.com’s April 23 article, “7 Stateside SUP Hubs,” they point to the Hamptons as the best place in the country for relaxation on a stand-up paddleboard. The story notes that New Yorkers looking to get their paddle on should take a 3-hour LIRR trip to the Hamptons and then rent a board, rather than lugging one here, which makes sense—given the size, most SUP boards won’t exactly fit nicely in most apartments.
The story names Gina Bradley’s Paddle Diva in Springs for creating “female-friendly” boards and popular excursions, including sunset, stargazing and full moon paddles with cohost Jessica Bellofatto of JB Yoga East Hampton, who adds yoga and meditation to the experience. Visit paddlediva.com for more info and schedules.
Of course, the Hamptons is also home to local designer Kimberly Schamber and her stand-up paddleboarding clothing line, SUPMerge (supmerge.com). Schamber says her preferred local paddles include a 2.5-mile trip to Georgica in East Hampton, starting at the rest stop along Montauk Highway in Wainscott and breaking with a midpoint picnic on the beach before looping back. Northwest Harbor by Cedar Point Park is another popular route in East Hampton.
Farther east, on The End, try paddling Lake Montauk. Launch from Industrial Road and traverse this huge, 900-acre embayment in one of the East End’s most beautiful areas.
In Southampton, Dan’s Associate Editor, “Keep Fit” columnist and SUP enthusiast Kelly Laffey says Mecox Bay, launching from Flying Point Road, is also a terrific, relaxing paddle. “The water can be totally glassy, especially at the height of summer,” Laffey adds.
For those a little west of the Hamptons, Riverhead’s Peconic Paddler offers SUP rentals and lovely paddles along the Peconic River, which can be quite an adventure. Visit peconicpaddler.com for more info.
After all the paddling is done, Outside suggests SUP-ers head east for some spa time and a thalasso tub seawater hydrotherapy massage at Gurney’s Montauk Resort. Who could argue with that?