Media & News

Where to SUP in Oaxaca, Mexico

Last Winter, I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, with my husband, our cat, and our Hala inflatable stand-up paddleboards. Oaxaca might not be the first place you think of when you hear SUP vacation, but ...

Tips & Tricks: featuring Jim Miller

Whether you're paddling a calm lake, exploring coastal waters, or dropping into your first whitewater rapid, every paddle involves risk. The goal isn't to eliminate risk entirely. It's to understan...

The Best Inflatable Whitewater SUP Boards: A Guide From the People Who Built the Category

We have been building inflatable whitewater SUPs since 2011 — longer than any other brand in the sport. The dimensions we settled on for the first Atcha — 9 feet 6 inches long and 36 inches wide — ...

How to Size a SUP Paddle: The Complete Modern Guide

Getting your SUP paddle length right changes everything — your efficiency, your shoulder health, and how much fun you have on the water. Here's the modern take on sizing, including why whitewater a...

Best Inflatable SUP Boards: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Finding the best inflatable SUP doesn't have to be complicated. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from construction quality and fin systems to board types and our top picks for e...

Introducing StompBox 2.0: Hala's Next-Generation Retractable Fin System

StompBox 2.0 is Hala Gear's re-engineered retractable fin system — faster deploy, better tracking, and improved surf performance on all river SUP boards.

River SUP: How to Choose a Whitewater Paddle Board

Rivers demand a different kind of board. Learn what separates a great river SUP from a flatwater board — fin systems, dimensions, construction, and how to choose the right board for your skill level.

SUP Safety: The Complete Guide to Paddleboarding Safely

Staying safe on the water starts before you launch. This guide covers PFDs, leash selection, river reading, self-rescue, and the gear decisions that matter most on rivers and lakes.

Inflatable vs Rigid SUP: Which Paddle Board Is Right for You?

Inflatable or hard paddleboard? We compare performance, portability, durability, and real-world use — and explain why the best inflatable SUPs rival hard boards in almost every condition.

The Best River Paddle Boards: A Guide for Every Skill Level

The best river paddle boards for every level — from first-timers on class II to experts running technical whitewater. Here's how Hala's river SUP lineup breaks down by skill, use case, and what you...

Colorado Companies: Hala Gear - Uncover Colorado

Hala Gear was founded in 2011 by Peter Hall. Hala's products are designed in Steamboat Springs.

Whitewater SUP Paddling the Arkansas: Fractions & Browns Canyon

There’s something wild and rewarding about paddling whitewater on a stand-up paddleboard. For Meghan Christian and me, running the Fractions and Browns Canyon sections of the Arkansas River in Colo...

Paddleboarding at WOKA Whitewater Park: SUP Adventures on the Illinois River

This past early summer, Meghan Christian and I, Paul Clark (SUPPAUL), made the trek out to WOKA Whitewater Park in Watts, Oklahoma. We were joined by local paddler Shane Talley, who gave us a full ...

Rigged to Flip

Getting Your Gear Strapped to Your Paddle Board for a Multi-Day SUP Trip By Paul Clark (SUPPAUL), aka “The Duffle Bag Paddle Boarder”  

Stand Up Paddleboarding the Zion Narrows

Garrett Bennett highlights his breathtaking trip through the Zion Narrows and offers guidance to other paddlers looking to experience the magic of the area.

Why I Paddle Here

Join us this Earth Month for our “Why I Paddle Here” campaign, running through April. Post a photo or video of where you paddle. Tell us what it means to you. Tag @halagear and two friends. Help us...

Hala Enthusiasts Unite!

Finding a group of passionate whitewater SUP enthusiasts is a great way to improve your skills and discover new rivers while staying safe. Last Fall, I met up with fellow Hala Ambassador Davide Sar...

SUPing the Poudre River

Wow, the runoff in Colorado this year has been long and strong! When we arrived in northern Colorado at the end of May, the rivers were already flowing abundantly.  The Filter Plant Section is one ...

Where to SUP Board Near Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The area around Jackson Hole, Wyoming has many great stand-up paddle-boarding opportunities.  From the classic whitewater run on the Snake River through Alpine Canyon to mellower snorkel and fish f...

Utah Paddling: Must-Visit Spots

Looking for a Stand Up Paddle Board spots in Utah? Our Hala Gear Ambassador shares a few must-see spots, where to camp, and when to go.