Long Island has its boat culture — and why wouldn’t it? From Fire Island to Shelter Island and the various marinas that dot the Hamptons, docking, dining and anchoring down is part and parcel to the tidal flow of the summer months.
But paddling is another way to enjoy the waters and cool off — and we’re not talking about paddle boats. Stand-up paddleboarding — or SUP, as enthusiasts call it — has also made waves, particularly in the last decade, to get a move on while enjoying one of the best features of island life: Any day can be a beach day. It also offers a chance to explore the South Fork with a view in instead of out. But where will the tide take you? A pair of paddling pros shared their favorite South Fork spots for paddleboarding.
Coecles Harbor Marine Water Trail
Adam Mills of Kayak Shelter Island has paddled all over but says Coecles Harbor Marine Water Trail nearly always reels in guests.
“This trail is an absolute gem for paddlers of all levels,” Mills said. “The calm waters of the Peconic Estuary make it an ideal spot for beginners to explore, while the trail’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife will captivate experienced paddlers.”
Those views? They’re of Mashomack Nature Preserve, protected wetlands that make up a third of Shelter Island. The trail — which starts on a public ramp at 80 Burns Road, Shelter Island — winds through the preserve. The trail’s beauty is an open secret — but you’ll want to keep an eye out for kayaks. You can BYOB (bring your own board), but Kayak Shelter Island rents them seasonally on-site.
Northwest Creek/Northwest Woods/Barcelona Neck
There are a few routes to take, but let’s start by clearing up what’s what. “Northwest Woods is what people refer to as the landmass on the west side of Three Mile Harbor and is still part of East Hampton,” explains Gina Bradley, the founder of East Hampton-based Paddle Diva, which offers SUP classes, rentals and experiences. “The body of water to the west of Northwest Woods is known as Northwest Harbor, with Northwest Creek being the more protected area on the southern part of that bay.”
Bradley says you can access this area from various points but recommends launching from the end of NW Landing Road if you’re a beginner. This will launch you into the protected waters of Northwest Creek.
Bradley says other launch spots include Mile Hill Road, the end of Alewive Brook Road or the opposite side of the Sag Harbor Golf Course — that’s Barcelona Neck.
“Paddling from any of these launches is great because there are so many beautiful areas to explore,” Bradley says. “Paddle south to calm, protected waters. Paddle north to explore the shorelines along Cedar Point campgrounds.”
On a calm day, Bradley loves paddling to Cedar Island Lighthouse or along the cliffs and dunes west toward Haven Beach in Sag Harbor.
“No matter which route you decide to take, it’s important to be aware of currents and wind conditions,” she advises. “Always go into the wind and current first so that they help you get back to where you started.”
Georgica
This year, Bradley says Georgica Pond has been a favorite for paddlers and a “guest flamingo,” who you might spot during your time on the water. It has also long been a gem for celebrities, who rent homes along the enclosed pond. Whether you see a flamingo or a famous, or neither, there’s natural beauty aplenty.
“Paddling on Georgica is just as much about experiencing nature as seeing the beautiful estates from the waterside,” Bradley says, adding that the enclosed nature makes Georgica beginner-friendly so long as the winds aren’t “super strong.” She recommends launching from Route 27 “right next to the highway” and paddling south toward the Atlantic.
“We love paddling to the ocean, jumping in for a nice refresh and then paddling back,” she says. “It gives the best of both worlds — bay paddling and ocean swimming.”
Louse Point/Gerard Drive
Bradley described Louise Point and its counterpart, Gerard Drive, as idyllic. They are located along the eastern shoreline of Springs in East Hampton. “You can paddle in the protected estuaries to the west or head out into Napeague Bay to the East.”
Wildlife, like bald eagle sightings, is common in these parts — keep your head up. And not just to avoid any residents.
More experienced paddlers can reach the Sholes of Cartwright when the wind direction is right.
Some rules of engagement: “Do not walk on any dry sand on the shoals,” Bradley says. “It is privately owned and monitored year-round. Be aware of the tides and wind before setting out from here, though, because the large expanse of open water can create some windy conditions.”
Logistics
Before heading out, there are some caveats.
First, raise your hand if you want to come home with a souvenir parking ticket. We thought so. The Hamptons bays are all open to the public for paddling, but the parking may not be.
“Many of the parking areas require local parking stickers, so it is important to double-check before leaving your car that there are no posted signs,” Bradley says.
Also, keep an eye on conditions, regardless of your experience level.
“A general rule of thumb when paddling anywhere is that it’s really important for paddlers to be aware of the conditions, [such as] wind, current [and] boat traffic,” she says, “and to plan their paddles accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly.”
Going with a buddy is a common-sense safety precaution. A tour, like the ones offered by Paddle Diva or Kayak Shelter Island, is one way to find friends if none are down to paddle. It can also open your eyes — literally and figuratively — to hidden trails and gems for paddling.
