San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
WINTERTIME PADDLING
WHEN TO GO
Lake Tahoe’s best weather window is from June through October. During summer months, the lake warms to comfortable swimming temperatures into the low 70s. Due to afternoon winds and the presence of motorized watercraft throughout the day, it’s better to get out early while the lake is most calm. After Labor Day, the crowds thin out and the weather generally remains beautiful. Do keep in mind that Lake Tahoe is in the mountains and weather can turn at any point. Snow can fall as late as June and as early as October.
As surprising as it may sound, winter months provide near-idyllic conditions for paddling. The lack of people and boats on the water is relaxing, and when the weather is calm, the lake glasses over, giving paddlers a sense of serenity.
But winter paddling is not to be taken lightly. While air temperatures fluctuate daily, the lake temperature hovers in the low 40s for most of the winter. Always alert others when you are going out, wear a dry suit to stay warm and always stay close to shore. While the lake doesn’t freeze, patches of ice can develop on piers and in shallow stagnant areas. Even a quick fall into winter waters without the proper gear can result in hypothermia. There is a reason most people don’t have their boats on Lake Tahoe in winter, and that is because storms can be extreme.
CHECK THE CONDITIONS
Anytime you go paddling on Lake Tahoe, be sure to check the weather before heading out. While winds on the lake generally come out of the southwest, they can change at any time. For most people, winds of 5 mph or less are considered paddlable. Once you get into wind speeds above 10 to 15 mph, it becomes considerably more difficult to paddle, especially if your destination is into the wind. If the wind is at your
One late fall afternoon, long after all the tourists have returned to the hustle and bustle of real life, I loaded up my inflatable paddleboard at my home in Carnelian Bay, turned up the radio and took a beautiful drive to Lake Tahoe’s east shore. After an hour of paddling alone through a crystal-clear kaleidoscope of green and azure waters dotted with granite boulders and past sandy beaches, I had to stop and pinch myself.
“Am I in the mountains, or am I in the tropics?” I thought.
Lake Tahoe provides the perfect setting for flat-water paddling. While waves can be found on all bodies of water depending on weather conditions, flatwater paddling refers to water that is otherwise still, like on a lake or pond. Without the waves or rapids found on moving bodies of water, the paddler can more or less relax and take in the sights and surroundings. The calm nature of these flat-water destinations makes it possible to paddle for distance or simply kick back, sunbathe and even go for a swim off the board.
At 1,645 feet, Tahoe is the seconddeepest lake in the U.S., and it’s so clear you can see to depths of more than 70 feet. The Lake Tahoe basin is surrounded by peaks on all sides, giving it the appearance of an alpine wonderland. The
lake is incredibly accessible with numerous put-in spots. All of these characteristics make it one of the alluring stand-up paddleboarding destinations on the planet.
More and more these days, people are finding ways to incorporate humanpowered transport into their daily routine. Whether it be a quest to maintain a greener lifestyle or just a way to get exercise on a daily basis, it is no wonder that skis and bikes aren’t the only pieces of sporting equipment spotted on the roof racks of sport utility vehicles in Lake Tahoe. In the summer months — but increasingly year-round — paddleboards have become the perfect excuse to get out on the lake for exercise and sightseeing. Nowadays, more and more people are paddling the 70-plus miles of rugged coastline and scenic beauty. back, then you can use it in your favor to more quickly reach your destination. This is known as paddling downwind. The danger is with winds at your side or head on. They can push you out into the middle of the lake if you are not an experienced paddler. The wind will also create choppier waters, which will make your flat-water experience way more of an adventure.
Updated weather and wind forecasts can be found at www.noaa.gov.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
With the growing popularity of the sport, some basic regulations have been created to keep paddlers safe. Any paddler 13 and older must carry a Coast Guard-approved life vest. Children younger than 13 must wear their vests at all times. A whistle should be carried to alert others of your whereabouts if you need help. And, if you are out after dark, a flashlight must be carried to warn boaters in the area. Leashes should be worn at all times around the ankle and connect the paddler to the board in case of a fall or if lake conditions get dangerous.
WHERE TO RENT
Waterman’s Landing: 5166 N. Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay; 530-546-3590; www.water manslanding.com
Adrift Tahoe: 8338 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach; 530-5464112; www.standuppaddle tahoe.com
Tahoe City Kayak: 521 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City; 530-5814336; www.tahoecitykayak. com
South Tahoe Standup Paddle: 3135 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe; 530-416-4829; www.southtahoesup.com
For more information about parking and lodging, where you can exit the water and avoid private property and other tips for paddling safety on the lake, check out Lake Tahoe Water Trail at www. laketahoewatertrail.org. For a guided adventure, contact the Tahoe Adventure Co.