Lessons Learned from Paddleboarding the Colorado River in Moab

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Paddleboarding the Colorado River in Moab offers an unforgettable adventure, combining stunning scenery with the challenge of navigating flowing water. My experience on this iconic river taught me valuable lessons about preparation, equipment, and safety. Some things worked well, while others could have gone better. Sharing these insights can help anyone planning a similar trip make the most of their time on the water.

Choosing the Right Paddleboard and Gear

One of the first challenges was selecting the right paddleboard. The Colorado River in Moab has sections of calm water mixed with mild rapids and rocky areas. I purchased my inflatable paddleboard in 2019 and brought it with me to Utah for this trip. It was sturdy enough to handle small waves and easy to carry to the launch points. There are also places in Moab where you can rent gear.

What worked:

• Using a paddleboard with good stability helped me stay balanced, especially when navigating through shallow or rocky spots.

• Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) was essential for safety and gave me peace of mind.

• Bringing a waterproof dry bag kept my essentials safe and dry.

  
  

What didn’t work:

• I had read that you should leave your fin off when paddleboarding rivers but that left us without the ability to paddle straight. Next time, I'm opt to either leave it on and risk it breaking on a rock or invest in a flexible fin for river paddleboarding.

• We underestimated how slow the river was moving in the section we selected. There reached a point where the wind was stronger than the current and we weren't moving anymore no matter how much we paddled!

Planning the Route and Timing

The Colorado River near Moab offers various routes, from easy stretches to more challenging sections with mild rapids. We chose an easy route a few miles out of town with minimal rapids. The plan was to drop the car and Justin off at our put in spot (Takeout Beach), drop the car off at the Lions Park parking lot, get an Uber back to Justin, and paddle the river downstream to the car.

What worked:

• Starting early in the morning helped avoid the heat and crowds. The river was calmer, and the light was perfect for enjoying the red rock formations.

• Checking the river flow and rapids along the section of river we'd selected to make sure there wouldn't be any unexpected rapids or obstacles.

  
  

What didn’t work:

• I didn’t anticipate the strong wind that would counteract the flow of the current.

This was the section of river had had planned to paddle

Navigating the River Safely

Paddleboarding on a river is different from flat water lakes or oceans. The current affects your speed and direction, and obstacles like rocks and branches require attention.

What worked:

• Using the paddle to steer and maintain balance was crucial, especially when passing through narrow or rocky sections.

• Wearing a lifejacket - especially in areas with rapids added an extra layer of protection.

• Having a whistle on my lifejacket in case of an emergency - there was no phone service in the canyon so this important to be able to attract help if needed.

  
  

What didn’t work:

• I didn’t practice river paddling techniques enough before the trip, which made some maneuvers more difficult.

Dealing with Environmental Factors

The Moab area is known for its dry climate and intense sun. Being on the water adds reflection and exposure.

What worked:

• Applying waterproof sunscreen regularly prevented sunburn.

• Wearing a hat and sunglasses protected my face and eyes.

• Carrying plenty of water helped me stay hydrated throughout the trip.

• Wearing a rashguard to prevent sunburn. This is the one I normally grab when it's hot - I have it in 2 colors I love it so much.

  
  

What didn’t work:

• I underestimated how windy it could get in the canyon! We ended up bailing about halfway through and Justin hitched a ride some a kind stranger back to car to pick up me and our boards...

  
  

Enjoying the Experience and Respecting Nature

Paddleboarding the Colorado River is not just about the physical challenge but also about connecting with nature. The towering red cliffs, wildlife sightings, and peaceful moments on the water made the trip memorable.

Tips for a better experience:

• Take time to pause and enjoy the views. The river offers unique perspectives of Moab’s landscape.

• Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the river clean.

• Share the river with other users respectfully, whether they are kayakers, rafters, or fishermen.

We spotted a family of bighorn sheep coming to the river for a drink

Final Thoughts on Paddleboarding the Colorado River in Moab

Paddleboarding the Colorado River in Moab is a rewarding adventure that requires preparation and respect for the environment. Choosing the right gear, planning your route carefully, and staying safe on the water are key to a successful trip. Learning from what worked and what didn’t can help future paddlers enjoy this beautiful river with confidence.