Nottingham Lake is the best spot in the Vail Valley to learn how to stand up paddle board. This small lake in Avon offers calm water and low prices. It is the perfect place to start your trip.
Nottingham Lake paddle boarding is the easiest way to try stand up paddle boarding in the Vail Valley. This seven-acre lake in Harry A. Nottingham Park provides a small, safe space where the water stays calm and flat all day. Stand Up Paddle Colorado offers one-hour rentals for thirty-five dollars. This is the lowest price for rentals in the region. The lake is in Avon, making it a quick stop for guests staying in Vail. Because there are no river currents or waves, beginners and children as young as three can safely learn how to balance and steer. You can book your Nottingham Lake rental online and enjoy a relaxing hour on the water. It is a great way to add lake fun to your trip.
If you are new to the sport, choosing the right spot is the first step. You likely have questions about how to get started. Let us look at why Nottingham Lake is the best spot for first-time paddle boarders.
Why Nottingham Lake is the Best Spot for First-Time Paddle Boarders
Nottingham Lake sits inside Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon, about 11 miles west of Vail. The lake is small and protected compared to bigger mountain reservoirs. At seven acres, it gives you enough room to explore without feeling lost. The water stays flat and calm because the park and trees block most of the wind. This makes it the safest lake in the Vail Valley for people who have never stood on a paddle board.
The calm conditions are the main reason beginners choose this spot. Unlike rivers such as Gore Creek, there are no currents, rocks, or rapids to navigate. Unlike Piney Lake, the water does not get choppy in the afternoon. You can focus on one thing: learning how the board feels beneath your feet. First-timers can practice turning, stopping, and paddling forward without worrying about wind pushing them off course.
Lowest Price in the Region
Paddle board rentals at Nottingham Lake cost $35 per hour. This is the lowest price of any Stand Up Paddle Colorado location and beats most nearby options. Piney Lake charges $40 per hour for rentals. The price includes the board, paddle, and life jacket. There are no hidden fees. For visitors on a trip budget, this low rate makes it easy to try the sport without a big commitment. You get a full hour of water time for the cost of a casual lunch.
| Location | Price | Water Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Lake | $35/hr | Calm, flat lake | Beginners, families |
| Piney Lake | $40/hr | Lake, windy afternoons | Morning paddlers |
| Gore Creek | Variable | River, Class I-II rapids | Experienced paddlers |
| Lake Dillon | $60/2hr | Large reservoir, wind | All-level paddlers |
Walkable from Vail Valley Hotels
Nottingham Lake is easy to reach. Many hotels and condos in Avon and Beaver Creek are within a short walk of the park. Guests staying in Vail are only an 11-mile drive away. You do not need to rent a car or plan a long mountain drive to find flat water. This walkability changes the experience. You can wake up, walk to the lake, paddle for an hour, and still have the rest of your day free. Compare that to other family-friendly things to do in Avon that require more travel.
Safe for All Ages
Parents can relax at Nottingham Lake. Children aged three and older can ride on a board with an adult. Kids aged eight and older can paddle their own board. Life jackets are provided with every rental and must be worn at all times. The shallow shoreline near the swim beach makes launching easy. There is no deep-water drop-off. For families visiting the Vail Valley, this lake removes the stress that often comes with trying a new water sport for the first time.
What to Expect: Your First Paddle Board Session at Nottingham Lake
Your first visit to Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon starts with a clear view of the Beaver Creek mountains. This 48-acre park holds a calm 7-acre lake at its center, making it the top spot for a low-stress water session. Whether you stay in Vail or Beaver Creek, the park is a quick drive or walk from many local hotels.
Check-in and Setup
The check-in process is fast so you can use more of your time on the water. Stand Up Paddle Colorado runs out of the park daily from 10am to 6pm during the summer season. You will find the rental stand near the beach area where our staff will check your booking and get you ready to go.
Every Nottingham Lake SUP rental includes all the gear you need for a safe trip. We give you a board, a light paddle, and a life jacket. Our staff will help you fit your life jacket, which you must wear at all times on the lake. If you have kids with you, we have sizes for ages 3 and up to ensure everyone stays safe.
Safety Brief and Launch
Before you hit the water, you will get a quick safety talk from a guide. Our team has over 16 years of water sports experience, so we know how to help new people feel at ease. We will show you how to hold the paddle and the best way to move from your knees to a stand on the board.
- Check in at the park stand: Bring your ID and arrive about 15 minutes before your time to sign your waiver.
- Get fitted for gear: Grab your life jacket and paddle while our staff brings your board to the beach.
- Walk to the swim beach: Carry your board to the sandy launch area where the water is shallow and clear.
- Start on your knees: Push off from the shore and kneel in the center of the board to find your balance first.
- Stand up slowly: Once you feel steady, place your hands on the board and rise one foot at a time.
- Paddle with your core: Keep your arms straight and use your middle body to pull the paddle through the water.
- Return to the beach: Paddle back to the same sandy spot after your one-hour session to return your gear.
Calm Waters and Mountain Views
The best part of Nottingham Lake paddle boarding is the calm water. There are no river currents or big waves to worry about here. This lets you focus on your form while you take in the views of the Vail Valley. You might even see people fishing for trout or kids playing at the nearby park playground.
A standard session lasts one hour and costs $35, which is our lowest rate for any location. This short session is just enough time for kids aged 8 and up to try going solo. For young children, sitting on a board with an adult is a great way to build confidence. This makes it a perfect choice for active families visiting the mountains.
What to Wear and Bring for Nottingham Lake Paddle Boarding
Packing the right gear makes your first paddle board trip more comfortable. The mountain sun at 7,400 feet is stronger than what many visitors expect. A little planning ahead helps you stay safe and enjoy your full hour on the water.
Clothing Choices
Quick-dry clothing is the best choice for paddle boarding. Avoid heavy cotton items that stay wet and cold once they get splashed. Boardshorts, swimsuits, or athletic leggings all work well. In early summer when the water is cooler, a light wetsuit or rash guard adds warmth. Water shoes or secure sandals protect your feet from rocks at the launch area. Flip-flops can slip off, so choose something with a back strap.
Sunglasses with a retainer strap are a smart add-on. The sun reflects off the water and can be very bright. Without a strap, you risk losing your glasses if you take a quick dip. A hat with a brim also helps shield your face from the high-altitude sun.
Sunscreen and Hydration
Apply a water-resistant sunscreen before you arrive and bring more for reapplication. The Colorado sun at altitude burns faster than at sea level. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is a good starting point. Bring a water bottle even if you only plan to paddle for an hour. The dry mountain air and exercise on the water can dehydrate you faster than you realize.
A towel and a change of clothes are helpful to have in your car or at the park. After your session, drying off and changing into dry clothes makes the walk back to your hotel more comfortable. For a full list of recommended items, check out our guide to what to pack for mountain paddle boarding.
Nottingham Lake Paddle Boarding Safety Tips for Beginners
Nottingham Lake is one of the safest places in Colorado to try paddle boarding for the first time. The water is calm and shallow near the beach. Still, following a few basic safety steps helps you stay relaxed and focused on having fun.
Life Jackets Are Required
Every rental from Stand Up Paddle Colorado includes a life jacket. You must wear it at all times while on the water. Our staff will help you find the right size and adjust the fit before you launch. Children and adults alike wear them. The jackets are comfortable and do not get in the way of paddling. This is not just a rule. It is the best way to stay safe on the water, especially for first-timers who are still learning their balance.
Alcohol and Boarding Do Not Mix
Drinking alcohol on any SUP Colorado equipment is strictly banned. If our staff sees anyone drinking on the water, the rental will end immediately. This rule protects both the guest and others around them. Save the drinks for after your paddle session.
Altitude and Sun Awareness
Avon sits at about 7,400 feet above sea level. If you just arrived from a lower elevation, take it easy on the water. Drink extra water before and during your rental. The combination of sun, thin air, and physical activity can tire you out faster than you expect. Apply sunscreen before you launch and bring more with you. The high-altitude sun burns quickly, even on cloudy days. Our guides have over 16 years of experience and can offer more tips when you check in.
When Is the Best Time to Go Paddle Boarding at Nottingham Lake?
The paddle boarding season at Nottingham Lake runs from late May through early September. Stand Up Paddle Colorado operates daily from 10am to 6pm during this window. With a few months of good weather, picking the best time comes down to your schedule and what kind of lake conditions you prefer.
Morning Paddles Are the Calmest
Morning hours offer the flattest water at Nottingham Lake. The wind has not picked up yet, and the lake surface is glassy. This is the ideal time for first-timers because there is no chop to throw off your balance. The morning sun also lights up the Beaver Creek and Vail Valley views in a way that makes for great photos. If you arrive right when the rental stand opens at 10am, you will often have the lake to yourself for the first part of your session.
Afternoon breezes can create small ripples on the water. These are not dangerous at Nottingham Lake. The lake is too small and protected for big waves. But for a first attempt at standing up and paddling, calmer water gives you more room to learn without distractions.
Book Ahead on Weekends
Summer weekends at Nottingham Lake draw crowds. Families, hotel guests, and day-trippers all head to the park. If you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday in July or August, book your rental ahead of time through the Avon and Vail booking page. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. You will have more space on the lake and a more relaxed experience from start to finish.
The peak season runs from the Fourth of July through mid-August. During this period, morning reservations fill first. Planning your trip even a day or two ahead can save you from showing up to a sold-out rental window.
More Than Paddle Boarding: Other Activities at Nottingham Park
Harry A. Nottingham Park is the heart of Avon. The 48-acre park offers much more than just a place for water sports. It is a hub where families can spend a whole day in the fresh mountain air. Many visitors find it easy to walk to the park from nearby hotels and condos in the town center.
Water Fun and Beach Relaxing
The park features a sandy beach where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. It is one of the few places in the Vail Valley with a true beach feel. If you want to stay on the water but do not want to stand, you have other options. You can try Nottingham Lake rental options like kayaks and pedal boats. Single kayaks and pedal boats are $35 per hour, while tandem kayaks for two people are $50 per hour.
Fishing is also a popular choice for guests of all ages. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, making it a great spot for kids to catch their first fish. You will need a valid fishing license from the state of Colorado before you cast your line.
Play and Picnic Areas
If you are looking for things to do in Avon with kids, the park playground is a top pick. It has modern gear and plenty of space for children to run. Nearby picnic pavilions offer shade and tables for a lunch break. You can bring your own food or walk a short distance to the many local restaurants and shops in Avon.
Paved walking paths circle the lake and connect to the Eagle Valley Trail. These paths are flat and easy for strollers or a light stroll. The park setup makes it simple to switch between active fun and quiet rest. Whether you want to fish, swim, or play, the park has a way for everyone to enjoy the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paddle board at Nottingham Lake?
Stand Up Paddle Colorado offers paddle board rentals for $35 per hour. This is the lowest price across all of our locations. Your rental fee includes the board, a paddle, and a life jacket. You can see current rates and book your time on our Avon and Vail page. These one-hour sessions are a great way for new folks to try the sport for the first time.
Can kids go paddle boarding at Nottingham Lake?
Yes, Nottingham Lake is a safe place for kids to learn. Children who are three years old or older can go on a board with an adult. Once a child turns eight, they can use their own paddle board. Every guest must wear a life jacket, which we provide for you. The calm, flat water makes it easy for young ones to stay safe and have fun while they learn.
What are the operating hours for Nottingham Lake rentals?
Our rental stand is open every day from 10am to 6pm during the summer. The season usually runs from late May through early September. We suggest that you book your spot early, as weekends can get very busy in July and August. You can check for open times on our booking site. Morning times often have the calmest water for your first trip.
Where is Nottingham Lake located?
The lake is in Harry A. Nottingham Park in the town of Avon. It is about 11 miles west of Vail and very close to Beaver Creek. Many people walk to the lake from local hotels. The park covers 48 acres and has a beach and playground. You will find our rental stand right by the water in the middle of the park.
Ready to book your Nottingham Lake SUP rental and start your fun?
If you do not set up your rental now, you may miss the chance to paddle on the calmest water in the Vail Valley. Spots fill up fast when the sun comes out and the park gets busy with families. Booking ahead makes sure your gear is ready so you can enjoy the flat water before the afternoon wind starts to blow.
Book your Nottingham Lake SUP rental today to secure your gear and plan your time on the water in the heart of Avon.
Explore our Vail Valley paddleboarding guide for more on paddleboarding at Nottingham Lake and across Avon, Vail, Beaver Creek, and the surrounding area.