Paddleboarding Lake Dillon: Your Tour Review and Recommendations

Thinking about trying paddleboarding on Lake Dillon near Breckenridge, Colorado? Maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth it, so you are after all in luck. That vast, blue expanse with the mountains all around just sounds so inviting, doesn’t it? I went out there recently with a tour group to paddle around some of the lake’s little islands. I want to share all about that experience with you. I will give you the rundown on what I experienced, from getting set up to spotting wildlife and, you know, taking a few unexpected dips in the water. If you’re considering a visit to Lake Dillon for paddleboarding, I think I’ve got the information you could use to help decide whether to give it a try.

Getting Ready for the Lake

First, things kicked off at the rental place near the Dillon Marina. After I checked in, I gathered my gear: paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), plus, of course, the paddleboard itself. The boards are actually pretty lightweight, and are therefore, easy to manage when you’re moving them around on land. Before hitting the water, they went over the basics of paddleboarding: how to stand, how to hold the paddle, and some easy techniques. They emphasized keeping your weight centered, bending your knees, so you are getting into more stable position. All of this helped big time when I actually hit the water.

The guides, actually they’re more like friendly instructors, were amazing at putting everyone at ease, from total newbies to people who’d been on a board a couple of times. So they shared some super valuable safety information, too, about the lake conditions. Plus what to do if you happened to fall in. All this preparation, actually it made going on the water less scary and more fun. They also gave great tips on what to wear and bring. Things like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are seriously a must, because, well the sun reflecting off the water is intense!

Paddleboarding on Lake Dillon

Once we got out on the water, that is when I got a sense of just how big and amazing Lake Dillon is. It’s almost like being in a different world. You see mountains everywhere that stretch out into the sky. The water was seriously so clear, you could, like, see right to the bottom in some spots. Now, I wouldn’t call myself an expert paddleboarder or anything like that. Yet I was surprised how quickly I felt at ease once I got going. The boards felt surprisingly steady, so too the calmness of the lake on the morning of our tour definitely helped calm any first-timer jitters I might have had.

We paddled slowly as a group, with the guides showing us the best spots to see interesting things, that is, wildlife or cool views. They pointed out some really beautiful homes that sit on the shores, which I was just envying the residents and their back yards that stretch down to the water’s edge. There was so much exploring, and I took photos of the area while drifting across the water.

Exploring Dillon’s Islands

The highlight was, for sure, when we went exploring some of the little islands on Lake Dillon. Paddling around those small, tree-covered spots, well it felt like we were, so to speak, discovering secret places. We stopped at one of the islands so we could stretch our legs and get a drink of water. The guide told us really cool stories about the history and wildlife on the lake. I came to understand that it used to be an area where people farmed the land, however that was before it was turned into the reservoir it now is. He also showed us, like, plants that only grow in these alpine environments.

The water was such a captivating emerald color near the shore. We went on around the perimeter looking closely at the fascinating rock structures, the interesting geological elements jutting out of the landscape that made it almost feel other worldly. When you paddle there, so be ready for how quiet and peaceful it is. Occasionally, you hear a boat or the wind moving through the trees. Other than that, well it’s just you and the lake.

Wildlife Encounters

What I honestly was not expecting was, that is, getting up close with nature. There were times when we saw bald eagles soaring way up high, scanning the water’s surface as they looked for their next meal. The guide explained that they come to the lake to find a source of food. Apparently, there is a population of trout and other species that live within the lake that have provided sustenance for these grand birds to enjoy.

Little chipmunks scurried about collecting provisions for their winter cache, that, too it’s almost as if they didn’t care at all that we were there. I definitely felt like I was observing life within nature and had intruded upon them.

Unexpected Dips and Laughs

Okay, so I said at the beginning that I might have fallen into the water. I did, in fact, fall into Lake Dillon! Twice. The first time, I was busy looking at one of those bald eagles and lost my balance. Splash! The water was surprisingly cold, so too that fact that it all happened so fast took me by surprise. The second time, another group member bumped into my board. I was distracted by our conversation, and that happened. More Splash!

The guides were very prepared when these things happened. So I followed their directions on getting back onto my board quickly, therefore I really appreciated how they prioritized safety and managed to keep things light. Falling in actually became a funny story for our group. Other folks on the tour said they’ve had a dunking before. I figured, that, too it’s almost a right of passage with paddleboarding. What you want to wear out on the lake is important. If the water is too chilly, wetsuits are usually available. Yet in summer, you’ll want clothing to dry quickly.

What To Know Prior to Your Tour

Best Time to Visit: From later spring through earlier autumn offer great weather. Mornings usually bring calm water.
What to Wear: Wear layers. As I have mentioned, clothing needs to dry fast, and consider waterproof sunscreen.
Skill Level: Many tours fit most people, from folks trying it for the first time up to more seasoned paddleboarders.
Booking: So reserve your tour. That way you ensure a spot, because it gets especially busy during vacation season.
What’s Included: So check on the rentals and equipment offered to know how equipped they are, so you can adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts on Paddleboarding Lake Dillon

Paddleboarding Lake Dillon was much more than a watersporting activity. To me, it’s a chance to actually, literally surround yourself in one of Colorado’s most amazing landscapes. When you do a tour, the support and information from the guides make the whole experience better, because it helps both newcomers and experienced folks appreciate the area’s appeal.

Alright, so I can tell you that even though I fell in (twice!), I’m planning to go back to Lake Dillon and explore some more. If you get the chance, you, too might want to consider going. I’m betting that you’ll like having this amazing mountain lake around you, feeling the fresh air, that is, all while paddling.

So in all, here are the major takeaways of the day.

Enjoy amazing views of Colorado’s natural beauty.
The tour provides equipment, safety overview, plus helpful direction on paddleboarding methods.
Perfect to challenge you as a beginner or as someone with more experience.
Be ready for water, weather changes, as well as to have a really, really fun time!

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