Paddleboarding in Brown County, Indiana with Simply Fitness

Paddleboarding might not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Brown County, but it’s definitely one of the most unique things to do here…especially if you’re looking for something peaceful, scenic, and a little different from the usual trails and shops.

I don’t own a board myself, but over the past few years I’ve gone paddleboarding with Simply Fitness several times—once with friends, once with my husband and daughters, once as part of a retreat I helped organize, and even for a sunrise session that felt straight-up magical.

From still evenings on Yellowwood Lake to paddling through the lily pads at the Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area on Lake Lemon, paddleboarding in Brown County gives you a new perspective on the landscape and a surprising sense of calm.

If you’re curious about paddleboarding but don’t know where to start, this post breaks down what to expect, what makes Simply Fitness such a great entry point, and how to try it yourself, even if you’ve never been on a board before.

What is Paddleboarding, Really?

Paddleboarding is a water activity where you stand, kneel, or sit on a large, stable board and use a long paddle to glide across the water. The board itself looks a bit like an oversized surfboard and can be either inflatable or made from a hard material.

Despite the name “stand-up paddleboarding” (or SUP for short), you don’t have to stand at all. Most beginners start by kneeling or sitting cross-legged, and many people stay that way the entire time.

If you do decide to stand, it takes a little practice to find your balance, but it’s not as hard as it looks—and the boards used by Simply Fitness are especially stable and beginner-friendly. I’ve never fallen in, and everyone I’ve ever paddled with has stayed dry too, although it is possible to end up in the water.

Everyone has a life jacket available, and you’ll be leashed to your board so it never floats away.

It’s a full-body activity, but the pace is usually slow and easy. Even a short paddle session gives your legs, core, and balance muscles a good workout, and I almost always feel it in my feet and ankles the next day.

What It’s Like to Paddleboard with Simply Fitness

If you’re new to paddleboarding, joining a session with Simply Fitness is one of the easiest and most welcoming ways to try it in Brown County. Erica Weddle, the owner and instructor, leads small-group outings that focus on making the experience peaceful, fun, and approachable—no pressure, no performance, and no prior experience required.

Each session lasts about 75 minutes and includes everything you need: paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, and basic instruction. You’ll start from shore (usually at Yellowwood Lake) with a short demo on how to kneel, paddle, and stand if you want to. Then the group heads out into the calm, quiet water.

The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to look around, take breaks, and soak in the scenery. Depending on the group and the vibe, Erica might lead the group through a few fun challenges or simply let everyone explore at their own pace.

Most sessions feel like a mix between a nature walk and a light workout—and often end with people feeling calmer, stronger, and more connected to the moment than when they arrived.

You don’t need to be an athlete or super fit to enjoy it. If you can kneel or crouch comfortably and feel confident in open water, you’ll be fine.

Sessions are open to all fitness levels and are great for individuals, friends, families, or small groups. And if you already have your own board, Erica usually offers a discount for BYO gear.

Who Paddleboarding Is Great For

One of the best things about paddleboarding—especially the way Erica runs her sessions—is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be super athletic, have any prior experience, or even be confident standing up on the board to enjoy it.

That said, there are a few things that can help you decide if paddleboarding is a good fit for you or your group:

✅ Great for:

• Beginners: Erica’s sessions are designed with first-timers in mind. She walks you through everything and creates an encouraging, no-pressure environment.
• Groups & families: Paddleboarding makes a great group activity because it’s mellow, social, and doesn’t require everyone to be at the same fitness level. I’ve done it with friends, my husband and daughters, and even as part of a retreat group, and it worked well every time.
• Anyone looking for a peaceful way to be active outside: This isn’t a high-speed, adrenaline kind of outing. It’s calm, quiet, and surprisingly grounding.

⚠️ A few things to keep in mind:

• You do need to be able to kneel or crouch. Standing is totally optional, but you will need to get into a low position to start and finish. And if you don’t plan to stand, you’ll need to be able to kneel or sit cross-legged for the duration.
  
  If your knees aren’t up to that, then paddleboarding might not be the right fit for you.
• You should be comfortable in and around water. While you likely won’t fall in (I haven’t yet, and I’ve done several sessions), it’s always a possibility. You’ll need to know how to swim before heading out (life jackets are also provided).
• There’s a weight limit of 375 lbs. That’s the max capacity for the boards Erica uses, which includes both you and any gear you’re carrying.

If you’re not sure if paddleboarding is the right fit, you can always reach out to Erica directly—she’s great at helping people figure out the best session for their needs.

Types of Paddleboarding Sessions Available with Simply Fitness

Simply Fitness offers a wide variety of paddleboarding experiences throughout the warmer months, typically from late May through October. Most sessions take place at Yellowwood Lake, but Erica also occasionally leads paddles at Crooked Creek Lake, the Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area on Lake Lemon, and other scenic spots around the county.

Each session type has its own vibe, but they’re pretty much all beginner-friendly and focused on creating a peaceful, supportive experience on the water.

Here are a few options you might see on her schedule:

Paddleboard 101

Paddleboard 101 is the best option if you’ve never paddleboarded before or want a simple introduction. Erica walks you through how to get on and off the board, paddle efficiently, and find your balance—whether you prefer to sit, kneel, or stand. It’s calm, fun, and always beginner-friendly.

Sunrise Paddle Sessions

These early-morning paddles are my personal favorite. The water is glassy, the air is cool, and there’s often a layer of fog lifting off the lake. It’s quiet and still—and sometimes you’ll spot a beaver gliding by or hear birds waking up in the trees.

Even if you’re not usually a morning person, this is worth setting an alarm for.

Paddleboard Yoga

Paddleboard yoga is a great way to combine movement and mindfulness, this session blends a relaxed paddle with a guided yoga practice right on the water. You’ll paddle out, anchor in a quiet cove, and move through simple poses designed for all levels—no experience required.

Retreats & Special Events

Throughout the season, Erica also hosts full-day retreats and themed paddle events that combine paddleboarding with hiking, yoga, or other wellness activities.

She’s also available for private group sessions—I’ve worked with her for my own retreats, and she’s fantastic to partner with.

Prefer to Paddleboard on Your Own?

If you already have a board or want to head out solo, there are a few local spots that work especially well for self-guided paddleboarding:

• Yellowwood Lake – Calm, non-motorized, and easy to access
• Little Africa Wildlife Area (Lake Lemon) – Scenic area with lilypads and wildlife
• Crooked Creek Lake – Quiet, forested setting with minimal traffic

You’ll need a valid Indiana DNR Lake Permit for most public lakes, and not all access points are created equal—some have formal ramps, others are carry-in only.

I’ve covered all the best local launch sites, permit requirements, and access tips in detail over in the full Brown County Kayaking & Paddling Guide if you want to explore more on your own.

NOTE: If you bring your own board to a Simply Fitness session, Erica usually offers a discounted rate—just message her when booking to ask about current pricing.

Ready to Make Paddleboarding Your New Favorite Brown County Activity?

If you’re looking for a low-stress way to try something new, connect with nature, and get a little movement in, then you should definitely consider going paddleboarding in Brown County, Indiana.

You don’t need to own a board. You don’t need to be super fit. You don’t even have to stand up if you don’t want to.

What you do need is a little curiosity, a willingness to try, and a beautiful place to paddle. Simply Fitness takes care of the rest—providing gear, guidance, and a supportive atmosphere that makes you feel like you actually belong on the water.

And if you do have your own gear, it’s easy to explore on your own. Calm lakes, scenic wetlands, and peaceful mornings are waiting just around the next bend.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or have lived here for years, paddleboarding in Brown County is a reminder that some of the most memorable moments happen when you slow down and float for a while.