A hard board is lovely on the water and miserable on a forest trail. For walk-in lakes like Lucille, an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) that rolls into a backpack is the simplest way to get on the water.
Why inflatable for walk-ins
- It rolls into a backpack. Both hands free on uneven ground.
- It's tough. A good iSUP shrugs off rocks and roots that would ding a hard board.
- It fits in any car. No roof rack, no straps.
Packing list
- Board, rolled tightly, in its backpack.
- Pump (manual, or a small battery pump if you have one).
- Three-piece paddle, packed in the bag.
- Fin, if it's removable. It's the easiest thing to forget.
- Leash.
- PFD and whistle. Required in Canada, and worth wearing.
- Dry bag for phone, keys and snacks.
- Water, sunscreen, a hat and a warm layer.
Carrying it in
A loaded iSUP pack is heavy. Adjust the straps before you start, carry water separately or let a friend take it, and take your time on rough sections. On a walk like Lucille's (about fifteen minutes), it's very manageable.
Pumping it up
- Unroll the board on a flat, rock-free spot, away from the busiest part of the beach.
- Pump to the board's recommended pressure. An under-inflated board feels like a pool noodle and is harder to stand on.
- Attach the fin and leash before you launch.
Pumping is a workout. That's normal. Swap with a friend.
On the water
- Start on your knees, then stand once you're moving.
- Small lakes are usually glassy in the morning, which makes standing easy.
- Stay away from swimmers near the beach.
- Cold water happens even in summer, especially deeper down. Wear your PFD.
Packing out
Let the board dry in the sun if you can, then deflate, roll it from the nose toward the valve to push the air out, and pack it back in. If it's wet, open it up to dry once you're home to avoid mildew. Take every bit of garbage with you; there are no bins at Lucille.
Don't own a board?
Squamish Canoe Rental delivers paddleboards and canoes to the Chance Creek parking, or you can pick up and drop off at their Squamish base. Just remember the last stretch to Lucille is on foot.
Questions
Can you bring a paddleboard to Lucille Lake?
Yes. Lucille is about a fifteen-minute walk from parking, so an inflatable SUP in a backpack is the easiest option. Board delivery to the parking is also available.
How long does it take to pump up an inflatable paddleboard?
With a manual pump, plan on several minutes of steady pumping, longer for bigger boards. An electric pump that runs off a car or battery saves your arms.
Do you need a PFD on a paddleboard?
Yes. In Canada, a paddleboard is treated as a vessel when used for navigation, so you need a PFD or life jacket with you, plus a sound signal like a whistle. Wear it.