Summary

Note: This event is a repeat of the June 13, 2026 SUP class. Feel free to come to this event if you already attended the June 13 class. What we do will depend on the abilities of those who attend.

Curious about paddleboarding but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly session is designed to help you feel confident, safe, and comfortable on the water. No experience required.

We’ll cover:

• Paddleboarding basics including gear, stance, and safety

• How to fall off and how to get back on with ease (falling off is the easiest skill to master)

• Progressions from sitting to kneeling to standing

• Tips for balance, paddling technique, and staying relaxed on the board

Instruction will flex based on who shows up, whether that means reinforcing the basics or moving into more confident standing and paddling.

We’ll launch directly from Boulder Beach State Park on Lake Groton, with easy access to rentals and facilities right at the beach.

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Boulder Beach State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Groton, a 423-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and protected public land. The beach is named for the glacier-smoothed boulders scattered along its sandy shoreline, giving the area a rugged, distinctly Vermont feel.

The park is part of Groton State Forest, which spans over 26,000 acres of lakes, trails, and undeveloped woodland. While the setting feels remote and quiet, Boulder Beach offers excellent amenities, making it an ideal launch point for group paddling. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, a picnic pavilion, and a small concession stand.

One of the biggest advantages of this location is on-site rentals, which makes these events accessible even if you don’t own your own gear.

Rentals (begin at 10:00 AM):

• Paddleboards: $20 per hour
• Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats: $10 per hour

Arriving early is strongly recommended, rentals can fill up and waitlists do happen on busy days.

Park Details:

• Open: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend

• Park entry fee: $5 (cash or card)

• Day use hours: 10:00 AM to official sunset

More Information: https://www.vtstateparks.com/parks/boulder-beach

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Boulder Beach State Park
Address: 2278 Boulder Beach Rd, Groton, VT 05046
Coordinates: 44.2776°N, 72.2623°W
Phone: 802-584-3823

Directions:

From I-91 (from New Hampshire or southern Vermont):
Take I-91 to Exit 18 (Barnet). Follow VT-18 west toward Groton. Turn right onto VT-232 south, then turn left onto Boulder Beach Road. Follow signs to the state park.

From Montpelier, VT:
Take US-2 east to Marshfield, then turn right onto VT-232 north. Follow VT-232 into Groton and turn right onto Boulder Beach Road. Continue to the park entrance.

From Littleton, NH:
Take NH-18 west into Vermont, where it becomes VT-18. Continue toward Groton, then turn left onto VT-232 south. Turn left onto Boulder Beach Road and follow signs to the park.

Get driving directions from Google Maps