SUP'ing the Columbia Wetlands

S’up, Columbia Wetlands.

I’ve always been curious as to why SUP is the short form for stand-up paddle boarding and not SUP-B. I mean it’s catchier and all, but is there any danger of somebody trying to SUP a kayak or canoe?  Maybe that’s the extreme future version of the sport.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Columbia Wetlands, it’s basically a huge, slow-moving river that has a main channel and then a number of secondary channels and lagoons to explore, especially when the water is high in June, July, and August.  The channels and lagoons are all delineated with greenery – water grasses, bushes, and trees that get flooded when the water is high but enjoy fertile moist soil when the season permits.

This network of waterways is the recipe for success when it comes to SUPing.  I probably didn’t mention the glorious mountain views, so let me do so now: the mountain views are amazing.

The Columbia Wetlands Outpost is the place to go to explore the wetlands, they rent canoes, kayaks, and Sup's out for self-guided tours of the wetlands. They're focused on environmental sustainability and maintaining a low impact on the environment, especially the wetlands because they're such a unique ecosystem. Check them out here.