Free Stand Up Paddleboard Demos at Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis

Possibly the best way to get out on the lake and get a whole body workout. I don't know about you, but while it's lovely to get out on the lakes, I get a bit fed up sitting down in a kayak...I just feel so, well, short? Stand up paddleboarding is an alternative way to be on the water, and have more freedom to move about. You can stand up on them, kneel or sit, do some fishing, and even do yoga on the board.

NorthStar Surf brings a bunch of stand up paddleboards to Thomas Beach on the south shore of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis on Thursday evenings, and anyone is welcome to try one out. There are wide, stable boards perfect for beginners, and speedier ones for those looking to upgrade. After you try paddling, you can arrange to rent a board by the hour, the day or the weekend, and they'll deliver the board to your home or the lake of your choice. And if you get really hooked, they have a selection of boards and paddles for sale.

NorthStar Surf is at Lake Calhoun from 7 - 8.30 p.m. on Thursday evenings - look for the paddleboards on the west edge of the beach.

Not close to Lake Calhoun? Many other outfitters operate in the Twin Cities, with rental boards, lessons, yoga lessons, guided tours, and boards for sale. Expect to pay between $0 and $20 per hour, or around $35-$50 per day, depending on location. Here's a list of local stand up paddleboard outfitters in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.