Paddle boarding isn’t just a workout or a way to explore new water—it's an experience. And for many paddlers, that experience now includes enjoying great food in unforgettable places. Whether you’re planning a gourmet picnic on a quiet cove, paddling up to a waterfront café, cooking from your SUP, or catching dinner straight from your board, blending food with adventure is one of the coolest ways to enhance your time on the water.

This guide breaks down everything you need to enjoy the culinary side of paddle boarding safely, creatively, and deliciously.

Before planning your menu, start with your equipment. Most inflatable paddle boards—including every Glide iSUP—feature front and rear bungee storage and spacious deck pads perfect for securing gear. Use:

• A dry bag for perishables

• A soft cooler with tie-down points

• An insulated bottle for cold drinks

• A compact cutting board (yes, really)

Inflatable boards are especially picnic-friendly because their width and stability offer a perfect “floating table.”

The best paddle-board picnics happen on calm, flat water—where you can sit, relax, and graze without worrying about balance. Consider:

• A sheltered cove

• A sandbar

• A quiet lake corner

• A shaded tree-lined riverbank

Look for places away from boat wakes and wind channels so your picnic stays peaceful.

Once you reach your spot:

1. Secure your paddle in the board’s holder or under your bungees.

2. Keep your PFD on even while eating—safety never takes a break.

3. Set up your food so nothing can slide or blow away.

4. Stay aware of currents—even slow drifts can separate you from your gear.

A gourmet moment doesn’t require a gourmet menu. Great paddle-board picnic foods include wraps, fruit, cured meats, hummus, cheeses, cold salads, and anything bite-sized or sharable.

In many lakeside and coastal towns, restaurants now welcome paddlers with board-friendly docks and outdoor seating. This lets you:

• Paddle straight to the dock

• Tie off your board

• Dangle your feet in the water

• Enjoy cold drinks and fresh food with zero hassle

It’s one part adventure, one part lifestyle—and 100% Instagrammable.

Outfitters around the world now offer:

• Sunset paddle-and-wine tours

• Private chef beach dinners

• Brunch-on-your-board experiences

• Multi-course meals on remote beaches

If you want to surprise a partner or elevate a vacation, these guided culinary adventures are unbeatable.

With the right setup, you can cook directly from your board or on a nearby beach.

• A wide, stable inflatable SUP

• A compact backpacking stove

• A lightweight pot or pan

• Long-handled utensils

• A soft cooler for ingredients

• Fire-safe cooking area (sandbar, rock shelf, beach)

• Grilled sandwiches

• Stir-fried veggies or ramen

• Hot dogs or sausages

• Pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs

• Breakfast burritos

Cooking on a SUP adds an unforgettable layer to your adventure—just always anchor first and cook away from flammable gear.

Fishing from a paddle board has exploded in popularity because it offers:

• Quiet, stealthy movement

• Access to shallow or hidden spots

• A full-body workout while you wait for a bite

You’ll need:

• A rod holder or fishing mount

• A PFD

• A paddle leash

• A cooler for your catch

• A stable board (the Glide O2 Angler is ideal)

Once you land a fish, find a calm cove, anchor, and prep your meal with minimal movement. Always follow local fishing laws.

Whether you’re warming soup or searing a trout filet, safety is non-negotiable:

• Anchor your board before cooking

• Keep your stove low and stable

• Never cook near your PFD or dry bags

• Use wind shields to protect the flame

• Don’t leave any fire source unattended

• Keep a small bottle of water handy to cool equipment

The goal: elevate your adventure—not set your board on fire.

Paddle boarding already offers a unique perspective on nature—adding food just makes it even better. From casual floating picnics to paddle-up eateries, SUP kitchens, and catch-and-cook adventures, there’s no shortage of culinary creativity waiting on the water. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, bring a little gourmet energy to your next trip and savor the adventure from the first paddle stroke to the last bite.