FAQs: Kayaking & Paddleboarding the Napa River

Is paddleboarding hard?

Stand up paddleboarding is easy and fun to learn. Our instructor will begin with a short land-based training session, then expand upon the lesson on the water. Within a couple hours, you can expect to become comfortable paddling through the water and standing on a board. Lessons include overview of the region, how to read tide charts and weather patterns to maximize enjoyment.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes! You must know how to swim.

Do I need my own equipment?

No. Just bring drinking water. We can provide you with all of the equipment you need for your rental session, tour or lesson – board or kayak, paddle and pfd. Regarding clothing we advise non-cotton, active wear. always nice to have a hat, sunglasses w/ chums, sunscreen and a dry pouch for your cell phone. All of our equipment has cargo netting for storage. Our kayaks also have dry storage compartments.

How is Napa Valley Paddle different?

To put it simply, we are the local experts. NVP is proud to have played a key-role in the “activation” of the Napa River as a recreational destination. We’ve been operating on the river since the inception of recreation here and know the waterways, tidal influences and weather patterns intimately. Napa Valley Paddle has been in operation since 2012.

We also support our community by offering donations, SUP demos and races throughout the year that benefit various local organizations, including the Ohana Wa'a Outrigger Canoe Club, Napa Valley Yacht Club and Napa County Parks & Recreation.

We have a strong environmental commitment and support several conservation activities.

What should I bring?

Dress as if you are going to go swimming. A swimsuit, shorts, shirt, sunscreen, hat, towel and water bottle are essential during the warmer months. In the cooler months, neoprene pants and shirts are not a bad idea. There may be early morning fog and cooler temperatures at the time of your class, so be mindful of this when choosing clothing to wear for the paddle. Layering your clothing so that you can shed a jacket or long sleeve shirt during the paddle is ideal.

What is your cancellation policy?

Due to the nature of our business and the demand for our tours and rentals, we require 24 hours notice to cancel your RENTAL reservation. Cancellations made within 24 hours may be eligible for partial refund. Those who do not show up to their tours forfeit the full tour or rental fee.

GUIDED and SELF GUIDED TRIPS require 72-hour cancellation due to transportation and staffing considerations.

Are all tours offered every day?

We schedule our adventures based on ideal tide and weather conditions. The date and time of your tour or rental was chosen because the tide will be sufficient enough for us to enjoy the river in its best conditions. Wind can also be problematic on the river in the afternoons paddling to some areas, but perfect for downind paddles.. Wind can make learning to SUP a frustrating and challenging experience and we want to minimize that chance at all costs, so beginners are advised to pick morning paddles, while experienced paddlers should consider downwind adventures. There may be early morning fog and cooler temperatures in the evenings, so be mindful of this when choosing clothing to wear for the paddle. Layering your clothing so that you can shed a jacket for long sleeve shirt during the paddle is ideal.

How can I plan a safe paddle outing?

Know your local water-ways and make sure that you check the weather forecast. Know what the local currents and tides are doing. Understand what the local boat traffic is like and identify any hazards that are in the area that you paddle. Also understand the hours of operation for your launch area and who to contact in case of an emergency. Wear a pfd and leash where appropriate.

Where is Napa Valley Paddle located?

A majority of our adventures and rentals launch from the Napa Valley Yacht Club *public ramp at 100 Riverside Dr. Plenty of parking and immediate access to the river – you can be on the water in minutes! Simply park outside the white fence and find us at the top of the concrete boat ramp.

Our one-way, self guided trips launch from Kennedy Park (2398 Streblow Dr ) or Carneros (6 Cuttingwharf Rd). Please remember you are responsible for arranging a short UBER ride for our one way trips, or leave a car at the finish. UBER & LYFT are readily available. Often, our guests will finish at the Main Street Dock particularly in the afternoon if winds pick up. Main Street Dock Riverfront Plaza 700 Main St Napa, CA 94559.

Is shuttle service available?

NVP does not currently offer shuttle service for one-way trips.

If selecting our one-way trips, you'll need to leave a vehicle at the finish location or arrange for a short (7-10 minute) Uber or Lyft. Both services are readily available from all finish locations.

Contact us by phone or text at 707-200-5511 with any questions and to help plan the most convenient option for your outing.

What is Stand Up Paddleboarding?

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, also known as SUP, is a low impact sport that involves standing on a large board and propelling yourself forward through water with a paddle. The sport originated in Hawaii. In the 60's, the Waikiki beach boys modernized the sport by heading out to the lineup while standing on thick longboards and paddling with canoe paddles to take photos of tourists. The sport experienced a resurgence in the early 2000's when big wave surfers Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Brian Keaulana, Bruce DeSoto and Mel Puu used SUP to cross-train in the off season when the waves were flat on Oahu and Maui. Since then, the sport has shown tremendous growth and popularity on most oceans, lakes and rivers.

Why should I try paddleboarding?

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a great full-body workout and is known for strengthening the core muscles (back, abs and legs), improving balance and coordination. SUP is also a great way to explore your local river or lake or coastline. SUP's low impact to the environment makes it ideal for sightseeing, birdwatching and exploring other wildlife from a completely different perspective than on land.

Are there rules for paddleboarding?

1. The US Coast Guard determined that SUPs are considered vessels outside of a surf or swim zone and must adhere to the rules and regulations that govern vessels. You need an acceptable PFD (personal flotation device) and a signaling device such as a whistle on you or the board. Children under the age of 13 MUST wear a type 1, 2, or 3 PFD at all times.
2. Since SUPs are one of, if not the smallest vessel on the water, we essentially have no right of way rights on the water. SUPs must give way to larger vessels.
3. SUPs should always cross astern or behind oncoming motorized boat traffic.
4. To SUP at night, dawn or dusk, you must possess a white light that is visible up to a mile and able to shine towards oncoming traffic.

What qualifications do your guides have?

All of our guides are WPA Level 1 and PaddleFit CORE certified and hold current CPR, basic life support and first aid credentials. Our head coach, Heather Bailie is an avid paddler and has years of experience on the water. Owner Drew Dickson helped introduce SUP to these waterways in 2012 and has guided hundreds of trips throughout the Northern Reach of San Pablo Bay, in addition to hundreds of hours fly fishing for striped bass.

Can I paddle with a physical limitation or injury?

Your safety on the water is our main concern. Injuries to the shoulders, back and legs may hinder your ability to stand on a board and paddle. Any injury that will compromise your safety on the water should be taken seriously and we ask that you talk to your doctor before booking a class. SUP requires standing or kneeling on a board for about an hour during our classes and engages the shoulders, back and hips. Paddling can be catered to your specific needs with prior arrangements. Don't hesitate to ask!

Is the Petaluma River clean?

Yes! Over the past twenty years, much effort has gone into cleaning up the Petaluma River. The River is slowly returning to its natural state with the help of organizations like Friends of the Petaluma River. There has been a tremendous decrease in pollution and increased tidal flow from the Bay that has helped to replenish fish populations and wildlife along the river.

While the River is still considered compromised due to sedimentation and erosion, this does not necessarily translate into unsafe water. Though the Petaluma River may become murky during lower tides, it is a healthy river and perfectly suitable to fall into.

There is a slight chance that you will fall in and get wet. However, our guides will teach you the skills you need to stay on your board and enjoy the glide.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding the Napa River

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