1. Is the water cold? This might be the #1 asked question.
Answer: Well that depends on how you define “cold.” In our opinion, cold water is when you have to wear a wetsuit or booties and what is great about Texas is how warm it is year round and how cool and refreshing the water is between the months of April and July. A lot of times the same people who ask how cold the water is in June will also complain about how hot it is in July.
2. Are there alligators?
Answer: Yes, but very rarely and in remote spots of the lake, but in general, the odds of running into an alligator are very slim. They are just as scared of us as we are of them. It is interesting to note that our most popular blog post of all time is “Are there Alligators in North Texas?”
3. How deep is it?
Answer: At max depths Grapevine and Lewisville Lake average around 50-80 feet. Closer to shore the depth is anywhere from 2-20 feet. Average SUP fins are 8 inches in height, so if you fins touches bottom then you know that it’s time to hop off your board.
4. What do I wear? And what about shoes or slippers?
Answer: Swimsuit attire, hat and sunscreen and yes even a speedo if you’d like. In our Beginner Paddle Classes you will learn how to get back on your board when you fall and in our yoga classes their is a good chance you will fall in while attempting a headstand for your first time. 1 out of 30 people lose their sunglasses, which is why we sell and demo Bomber Floating Sunglasses to wear with some sunscreen and a hat. SUP is a barefoot activity because, just like surfing, you get more grip from the soles of your feet. You can opt to wear a thin material slipper or watershoe- these are great for adventure paddles in backwoods and creeks and 3mm booties are ideal for cold water conditions.
5. Can I paddle with my dog?
Answer: Yep, absolutely. A man and his best friend can enjoy the feeling of walking on water together. Your dog needs to wear a life jacket just like his or her owner. The bigger the dog, the bigger the board you need for the both of you at once. Kayaking is always a great option too.
6. If I have never paddleboarded before is it okay to rent a board?
Answer: Nope. Safety and confidence is our #1 objective on the water besides having fun. While paddleboarding is easy to do, it is difficult without knowing what and how to do it. All first time paddlers (first time ever, does not have to be at DFW Surf) are required to either hop in a class or receive private instruction from one of our certified and professional coaches.
7. Are you open? What are your hours? Where are you located?
Answer: We are open year round by reservation, on any day, at any time. Check out our new website from your mobile phone for our weekly business hours depending on the time of year. We are open weekends in May and September and 4 days a week in the summer, June 1- Sept 1. We have 3 lakeside locations to get on board.
8. What are the requirements to becoming a member of the DFW Surf Club?
Answer: Check out more info and membership pre-requisites on our website- http://dfwsurf.com/dfwsurfclub/. We require that you take a class and coaches approval. Once you become a member you need to take another class or private wakesurfing lesson to be able to surf in one of our weekly meetups.