Standup Paddleboarding on Bald Head Island – 10 Fast Facts

Standup paddleboard. Try it once and you'll want one of your own.

This is the fifth installment of our 2010 Adventure Series, featuring a first-person account of a variety of expeditions and adventures on Bald Head Island.

Standup paddleboarding fever has hit Bald Head Island and I’ve got it bad. A couple of weeks ago a friend and I went paddleboarding with Coastal Urge and the always awesome Millie Holloman Photography to write and photograph a story for next year’s haven magazine.

I can’t give too much away (you’ll need to wait for the magazine to come out) but following are a few pictures and some quick facts to whet your appetite. If you can’t wait until the next haven to learn more about standup paddleboarding, see the folks at Coastal Urge for a lesson and board rentals. And while you’re out there, see if you can find me – I’ll be the Adventure Blogger paddling around the island.

1. Standup paddleboarding is more commonly known by its acronym – SUP.

2. You can paddleboard on the marsh or the ocean.

3. Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your neck and ears from the sun. A long sleeved rash guard is a good idea too.

4. Bring plenty of waterproof/sweatproof sunblock and apply it everywhere – the sun’s reflection off the water will burn.

5. SUP rentals are $60 a day or $250 a week through Coastal Urge. A two-hour guided SUP tour of the marsh is $60. Check out the Coastal Urge site for more info.

Brent Holloman checks the settings on his camera before shooting the Adventure Blogger, left, and sidekick Rory, right, in the beautiful evening light.

6. Learning to get up was easier than I thought, but mastering the standing part takes a little more time.

7. I fell in the ocean. A lot.

8. Once you’re confident enough, bring a small digital camera in a waterproof bag for some memorable vacation snapshots.

9. Because you’re standing, the view of the marsh is remarkable.

10. Be prepared to come home wanting a paddleboard of your own.

Call her the Adventure Photographer because Millie Holloman dove into the marsh without hesitation to capture some amazing images.