Paddle Boarding the Harbor

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Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

Mike and I are the types that are always on the hunt for a new adventure. You know this about us. We aren’t very good at just being still, which we have learned to embrace. We also love to find activities that don’t involve a lot of clutter, noise, or anything too complicated. A few years back before leaving Michigan we got into paddleboarding. The lakes in Michigan are the perfect place to drop in a board and spend any part of your day on a board taking in the water. I have always wanted to surf, but I am not a fan of the ocean and what swims with you, so Paddleboarding seemed like my jam. We learned more about the sport by reading the guides provided by SUP Boards Review. The beauty of the water here is how crystal clear it is especially on a day where the wind is low. In many areas, you can see about 20 feet or more straight into the water. This makes for a fun paddle board ride to say the least. However, when you’re looking to shop for the top paddle boards for stand up paddle surfing and flatwater standup paddle boarding, you can check out this Onyx Motion Paddle Sports reviews for great help!

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

The last morning we were in Harbor Springs, Mike and I ate breakfast and decided it was a perfect morning to rent a paddleboard. We headed to The Outfitter in downtown Harbor Springs and down to the water for a morning session. It was a Monday, which meant the traffic in the harbor was extremely minimal. Plus, the wind was low, and the sun was warm, so why not? We paid $66 for two boards and two hours on the water and they dropped the boards for us by Irish’s Marina and got on our boards and began paddling.

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

We paddled south down the east side of the harbor by Wequetonsing. On the ride, we saw fish, old docks, moorings, and more. It was fun to explore the water that way. Many times you are in a boat or swimming, so it is hard to see anything below you in such an undisturbed way.

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

We paddled across the harbor over the deeper water, and Mike dropped the GoPro below and caught some cool shots under the water such as this one. The water felt fantastic on such a warm day that I just sit on the board and dipped my feet off the sides of the board and watched the wind on the water. It was so calm and beautiful I didn’t want it to end.

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

Toward the end of our two hours with the boards, we came closer to the dock we dropped in at (about 12 feet deep in the area.) Mike wanted to take some video of us boarding in. He attached the camera to the bottom of the board and then thought it would be cool to swim under it. In the process, he knocked the camera off, and it fell to the bottom of the lake. This is where that crystal clear water comes in handy because we could see it, and 12 feet isn’t too deep to dive. So, after some coaxing Mike decided to go for it, and we recovered the camera. Just glad we got the camera back so we could share some of the images with you.

Paddle Boarding in Harbor Springs | The Fresh Exchange

I hope you had a good weekend. I spent most of it relaxing while Mike was away on Mille Mitten, but it was everything I needed as we head into our last full week up north.

I would love to hear if you have gone paddle boarding or not before? Where did you go?

If you are in Harbor Springs, we highly suggest The Outfitter. Their team was great and helpful. We also really loved the boards we were on. 

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