Charting New Waters: The SUP Frederick 100-Water Challenge

What if one of your life goals wasn’t just to paddle more miles, but to paddle more places?

Imagine this: 100 different bodies of water in your lifetime. Rivers, bays, alpine lakes, ocean coves, tidal marshes, glacial fjords, maybe even a canal or two. A challenge that isn’t just about endurance, but about exploration, connection, and letting paddleboarding take you places you might never have gone otherwise.

This is what we’re calling the 100-Water Challenge.

Start Local, Build Outward: The easiest way to begin is close to home. Start with your local favorites—the Potomac, the Monocacy, and nearby reservoirs or lakes. Try to make a list: 10 local waters you can hit this year. Then branch outward—state parks, mountain lakes, bays, and rivers within a day’s drive. Each new body of water gets added to your tally.

Once you’re at 10 or 20, you’ll find yourself itching to add more. Suddenly that weekend trip or business travel feels like an opportunity to notch another paddle spot.

Paddling Across the USA: Here are a few U.S. destinations to consider as you build your map:

• East Coast: Chesapeake Bay (MD/VA), Lake George (NY), Cape Cod tidal marshes (MA), and the Florida Springs (Silver, Ichetucknee, Wakulla).

• Great Lakes: Lake Michigan shoreline near Chicago, Apostle Islands Sea Caves (WI), and Lake Erie islands.

• West Coast: Lake Tahoe (CA/NV), Columbia River Gorge (OR/WA), and San Francisco Bay (CA).

• South & Midwest: Lady Bird Lake (Austin, TX), Boundary Waters (MN), and Okefenokee Swamp (GA).

Many paddlers keep a “passport” journal or map to mark each body of water. Over time, you’ll realize you’ve paddled a tapestry of America’s waterways.

Plug into local and international SUP Communities: One of the best ways to paddle new waters is to connect with local SUP groups. They’ll point you to the hidden gems, lend you gear, or let you join their weekly meetups. Some vibrant communities you can check out:

• SUP Bay Area – California coast and Golden Gate adventures

• SUP Connecticut – New England rivers, lakes, and coastal paddles.

• SUP Crew of Jacksonville – Florida warm-water crew.

• Stand Up Portland – Willamette River and Pacific Northwest access.

• Staffordshire SUP – UK Midlands paddlers branching across canals and rivers.

• SUP Italy – From Venice lagoons to Amalfi cliffs.

• UK Stand Up Paddle Boarding – A hub for paddlers across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Each time you travel—whether it’s for work or vacation—consider reaching out to a local SUP group or a rental outfitter. Even one evening paddle in a new city can add a waterway to your list.

International Waters & SUP Races: Paddling can also take you abroad. Joining an international SUP race is one of the best ways to meet paddlers from all over the world. Check out PaddleGuru’s race listings to find everything from grassroots river races to world-class ocean sprints. Highlights include:

• Carolina Cup (USA) – Wrightsville Beach, NC, a premier SUP race drawing paddlers globally.

• Lost Mills (Germany) – On Bavaria’s Lake Brombach, known for its scenic and competitive course.

• SUP 11-City Tour (Netherlands) – A legendary endurance paddle through Frisian canals.

• Gorge Paddle Challenge (USA) – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, world-renowned for downwind runs.

These events prove that SUP is more than sport—it’s culture, community, and a way of seeing the world.

Paddle Safe, Travel Smart

Exploring new waters is exciting, but it also means unfamiliar conditions. Always put safety first. Every body of water has its own quirks: tides, currents, boat traffic, or hidden hazards. That’s why connecting with local SUP communities is more than just fun, it’s smart!

Before venturing out, ask locals for advice. They’ll know if a stretch of river gets tricky at certain flows, or if the best ocean paddle is early morning before the winds pick up. They can recommend safe put-ins, what gear you’ll need, and whether you should buddy up.

Some quick reminders:

• Wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and leash.

• Check the weather and water conditions before heading out.

• Carry a phone or safety whistle for emergencies.

• Let someone know your plan when paddling in a new place.

The adventure is sweeter when you know you’re prepared. Safety builds confidence, and confidence lets you focus on the joy of discovering new waters.

Why Take the Challenge?

The beauty of the 100-Water Challenge is that it’s not a race. It’s a slow, steady accumulation of memories and adventures. Each body of water carries its own story—who you paddled with, what wildlife you saw, how the current felt that day.

👉 Your Turn: What’s the most unexpected or unique body of water you’ve paddled? Would you take on a 100-water challenge? Leave a comment and share your best adventures, we’d love to hear your stories!