3 Awesome Spots to Paddle Board on the NH Seacoast
3 Easy SUP Launch Locations Near Portsmouth, NH
Our Guides have curated a list of our favorite spots to enjoy a paddle on the New Hampshire Seacoast! And, here are our first three!
Creek Farm in Portsmouth, NH
Where to find it: Creek Farm is a beautiful public property located at the end of Little Harbor Rd. in Portsmouth NH. The paddle boarding launch is a short walk (100 yards) from the parking lot across the lawn and down a path toward the water.
Why we love it: This property is maintained by The Society for the Protection of NH Forests, which means that it is very well cared for. There is plenty of parking and even on-site restrooms. The launch location can’t be beat, and provides easy access to Sagamore Creek and Little Harbour, which are backwater paddles protected from the open ocean. From here you can explore serene Portsmouth and New Castle, NH waterways and view historic landmarks, such as Carey Cottage, The Wentworth Coolidge Mansion and The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel.
Paddling tips: The launch is a rocky little beach, so mind your feet and your SUP when you prepare to launch. Be sure to walk your board out to at least shin-deep water before you climb aboard to avoid dings. Sagamore Creek can get busy with boat traffic, so it’s important to be mindful to give boats the right-of-way and to be prepared to manage some chop until you reach calmer waters. This location is also heavily influenced by the tides, so we recommend paddling here within +/- 2 hours of high tide.
Things to note:Parking lot
Restroom
For paddling +/- 2 hours within high tide (mid-tide to high-tide)
No animals allowed
Odiorne POint State Park in Rye, NH
Where to find it: The Odiorne Point Boat Launch is part of Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH. To park and launch for paddle boarding enter the park at the boat launch entrance. There may or may not be a parking attendant on-duty, and there is a small parking fee. If the parking lot is full or closed, there are a handful of legal parking spaces just over the bridge, with a place to put-in that will give you access to the same paddling area.
Why we love it: A quintessential state park, this launch gives paddlers access to tidal backwaters between the Piscataqua and the Atlantic Ocean. Paddling along the Odiorne State Park shoreline will bring paddlers to view of The Wentworth By The Sea Marina and Hotel, retired Battery Guns from World War II, dozens of fishing boats, and the best spot to view the summer sunrise. The water access point is extremely convenient and it’s easy to put-in!
Paddling tips: During mid-tide, and especially with the outgoing tide, the marsh waters leading into the boat launch empty quickly, and the launch itself can get very muddy. For this reason, we recommend paddling here +/3 hours within high tide. We also suggest having sandals or water-shoes on board in case you find yourself carrying your board back in the muck. While the waters near Odiorne are nice and calm, if you venture further into the bay near the Wentworth Marina or head out toward the open ocean, you’ll be met with more choppy conditions and encounter boat traffic. Keep in mind to give boats the right-of-way, and to wear a USCG approved life-vest. Finally, the more open waters can also be subject to winds, so be sure to check your weather app before you depart. We highly recommend Predict Wind to view the speed and direction of the wind along your intended route!
Things to note:Parking lot
Porta-potty
For paddling +/- 3 hours within high tide (mid-tide to high-tide)
No animals allowed
Adam’s Point in Durham, NH
Where to find it: Adam’s Point is a 2-acre peninsula that divides Great Bay and Little Bay, located in Durham, NH. From Route 108 in Newmarket, take Bay Road, 3.8 miles to Adams Point Road/Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Follow Adams Point Road .9 miles to the parking area on the left.
Why we love it: Adam’s Point provides access to the natural beauty of Great Bay with its rocky coastline and Appalachian forests. There is endless local wildlife from bald eagles to osprey to waterfowl. Great Bay is an expansive landscape and a haven for paddle boarders whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler. Make a day of it, pack a picnic, and check out the hiking trails on Adam’s Point to see the picturesque landscape from the shore!
Paddling tips: Like most Seacoast launch locations, Great Bay is also a tidal body of water. We recommend putting in at Adam’s point within +/-2 hours of high tide. While there can be some boat traffic, Adam’s Point is generally reliable for a calm, undisturbed paddle. Adam’s Point can get moderately windy, so be sure to check your weather apps before you head out on your adventure and plan your route accordingly!
Things to note:Parking lot
No toilets
For paddling +/- 2 hours within high tide (mid-tide to high-tide)
Leashed dogs allowed
Looking for more paddle boarding locations?
This is the first in a series of blog posts where we’ll be sharing local places to SUP! Stay tuned for more and be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter to be notified when we publish new content.