Quick Start Guide To Lake Havasu Paddle Boarding
Are Paddle Boards Allowed On Lake Havasu?
Yes, you can paddle board on the lake, and it remains one of the most popular vessels on the lake.
Visitors, locals, and students can easily rent a paddle board from rental businesses in town. However most of the locals will often bring their own paddle boards tied to the top of their SUVs to the lake for exercise and fun.
Lake Havasu is a beautiful recreational area in the midwestern part of Arizona. It has blue-green water, waterfalls, and even the London Bridge.
The lake was formed by the Parker Dam which was built between 1934 and 1938. Water flows into the lake from the Colorado River. It is known for great fishing and boating. The weather at this lake is almost perfect with an average of 300 days of sunshine annually.
Besides having fun exploring, you can also anchor your paddle board and enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm water or rest on the beaches complete with white sand. Swimming is allowed anywhere along the coastline.
Best Times of the Day to Paddle Board Lake Havasu
Many people prefer to paddle board in the morning because there is less heat and fewer watercraft on the lake if you launch early enough.
There is one other advantage to morning paddle boarding, and that is that there is more wind in the afternoon.
You may want to begin you paddling against the wind while you have a lot of energy in the morning.
Then, on your way back, you will gently glide along with the rapids using less energy.
Best Time of Year to Paddle Board On Lake Havasu
Most paddle boarders agree that the best time for paddle boarding on Lake Havasu is in the Spring or Fall. The temperatures are warm, yet not overpowering. May and June plus September and October are popular months because of lower daytime temperatures.
The summer months in Arizona are extremely hot, making it uncomfortable under the summer sun with an average temperature of 98+ degrees or above in the daytime. The hottest weather begins at the end of May and lasts through September. July is the hottest month of the year with temperatures averaging 106 degrees!
In fact, Lake Havasu City is home to one of the hottest days in Arizona. The highest temperature on record was 128 degrees in 1994! That’s HOT!
Lake Havasu Paddle Board Launch Sites
The Arizona side of Lake Havasu is the most populated and therefore you have many more options to launch your paddle board by choosing of the many boat ramps and recreational sites.
One of these is State Park Boat Ramp. The Site Six Launch Ramp is a great place for paddle boards, and other non-motorized vessels.
This launch ramp has a fishing pier and a picnic area where you can have lunch before you take off.
Lake Havasu Marina is also a great place to launch, but it closes at 4 PM. paddle boarders can stop by this location to purchase snacks and other merchandise related to boating.
Additionally, there are multiple RV parks and recreational sites on the California side where you can launch a paddle board.
Best Places to Paddle Board on Lake Havasu
One of the best places to paddle board on Lake Havasu is in the caves along the edges of the lake. These sites can be reached with a paddle board, but motorboats are too large to fit in the caves. You can explore the caves and enjoy the peacefulness as you do.
You may want to paddle over to London Bridge for a closer look. You can also paddle board under the bridge and tell your friends that you paddled under the London Bridge on your trip to Lake Havasu. It is the real London Bridge which was purchased from the city of London in 1968. It was finished being rebuilt in 1971 and is interesting to see.
Where to Rent a Paddle Board Nearby
Western Arizona Canoe & Kayak is one of the top choices for paddle board renters at Lake Havasu. This location also offers self-guided tours of the lake. You can arrange for the delivery of your paddle boards to the lake.
Another great rental site is Rentals on the Beach. It is located at Crazy Horse Campground. You can save vacation time by camping at Crazy Horse and renting your paddle board right next door.
Beach Shack Rentals is located in London Bridge.
You may want to stop for a swim before launching your paddle board. The area around London Bridge is said to have the whitest and best beaches near Lake Havasu.
Can I Bring My Own Paddle Board to Lake Havasu?
Absolutely! If you own your own paddle board you are more than welcome to launch your own watercraft.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Lake Havasu?
The fee for entering Lake Havasu is $20 for one to four adults on Fridays, Saturdays, and State Holidays. On other days, the entrance fee is $15. For bike riders, the fee is only $3.
Camping is available on the beachfront or in the Overflow Area. Fees are $40 to camp on the beach and $25 for the Overflow Area. Cabins are also available on the lake.
There are additional parking fees and RV Campsite fees as well. You may want to plan your trip early and make reservations for campgrounds and cabins well in advance. There are 54 campsites and 13 beachside cabins at Lake Havasu.
What Do I Need To Bring To Paddle Board on Lake Havasu?
Paddle boarders will want to bring some gear with them that will help them have a comfortable, safe time on the lake. You will probably want to pack these things for your paddling adventure:
Planning ahead of what to bring on your trip to Lake Havasu will make your adventure much more fun when you have the basics that you need.
There are multiple resturants and bars that offers carry-out and eat-in food.
Other Things to Know about Lake Havasu Paddle Boarding
Besides paddle boarding, Lake Havasu visitors can enjoy many other activities, such as fishing at Lake Havasu, swimming, outdoor cooking, camping, and hiking.
In fact Lake Havasu has ranked in the Top 12 Fishing Lakes in Arizona.
There are waterfalls located at Lake Havasu
London Bridge joins the main area of the lake to various marinas.
Water that has flowed over travertine rock, which is high in calcium carbonate, gives Lake Havasu its blue-green color.
Lake depths do not vary more than five feet. In the summertime, the lake is 98 percent full. Water is released from Lake Mead and Lake Powell, and it balances the amount of water in the lakes.
Lake Havasu City is 107.9 miles from the Grand Canyon Airport and 120.8 miles from Las Vegas. It is not possible to fly directly to Lake Havasu, but there are different options to get there. You may want to fly into Bullhead City Laughlin Bullhead which is less than 50 miles from Lake Havasu. You would need to rent a car to drive to the lake, or you could take a taxi to the lake.
Bus, shuttle, and train service is available from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu. If you live in Fresno, you might want to fly to Las Vegas and then take a shuttle to the lake.
Experienced paddle boarders recommend that you dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature.
Save Since you will get somewhat wet, waterproof shirts or jackets are recommended while on the lake.
Water testing on Lake Havasu is routinely done. Results show that the water is safe for swimming.
Lake Havasu is open from April through October. Paddle boarders and others may be turned away at the entrance of the lake if it becomes overly crowded. This may happen when the parking lot is full.
Lake levels remain the same, however there can be a lot of boating traffic – so watch out and be careful.
Some activities at Lake Havasu require permits in addition to the watercraft sticker.
Watercraft on the lake should travel in a counter-clockwise manner.
Hotels Near This Lake
Don’t want to camp and need a place to stay when you’re visiting this lake? Rest assured you’re covered!
Finding a quality place to stay can take a long time which is why we’re providing you with a list of quality travel options when you stay at this lake.
Check out this list of hotels and resorts you should consider staying at:
WorldMark Havasu Dunes
620 Lake Havasu Ave S, Lake Havasu City, 86406, AZ
1.4 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
Motel 6 Lake Havasu, AZ – Lakeside
111 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, 86403, AZ
0.3 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
The Nautical Beachfront Resort
1000 Mcculloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, 86403, AZ
0.6 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
Island Suites
236 Lake Havasu Ave S, Lake Havasu City, 86403, AZ
0.4 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
Heat Hotel, Lake Havasu City
1420 N McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, 86403, AZ
0.1 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
Quality Inn & Suites Lake Havasu City
271 Lake Havasu Ave S, Lake Havasu City, 86403, AZ
0.5 miles to London Bridge/Lake Havasu State Park
>> Click HERE to read the reviews and check availability.
Havasu Landing Resort & Casino
13145 Havasu Lake Road, Needles, 92363, CA
11 miles to Lake Havasu City
3.3 miles to London Bridge
Read Other Arizona Paddle Boarding Locations
George Servinson
My name is George and I'm been fishing my entire life and love all things outdoors. My passion is helping anyone catch more fish. The newest things I've been doing lately is learning how to break down and clean all my reels, teaching my boy how to kayak fish, and bushcraft wilderness survival.
