Industry Partnership Expands SUP Accessibility In Oregon

BEND, Oregon – Sun Country Tours, a POWDR company and award-winning river outfitter famous for its family-friendly whitewater rafting trips in Oregon, and Stand On Liquid, a Bend-based stand up paddle boarding (SUP) retailer that offers the largest inventory of paddle boards on the West Coast, have announced a partnership to expand SUP recreational opportunities in Central Oregon.

The partnership between the two companies provides local and visiting paddlers of all abilities with a wide range of high quality SUP boards and accessories as well as unprecedented access to a variety of remote and pristine bodies of water in Central Oregon.

“Our collective intention is that people will embrace the opportunity to let us help them find the right SUP board and accessories, including equipment for transporting the boards on their vehicle, and then go explore the hidden gems within our region,” said Chris Smith, Operations Manager of Sun Country Tours. “There are so many stunning places to paddle board beyond the heavily used area of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District.”

Locals and visitors alike might be surprised to learn there are 40 bodies of water within 40 miles according to Rob McDonald, the owner of Stand On Liquid.

“Paddle boarding on the local, in-town stretch of the Deschutes River is quick and easy, but also congested, and we encourage our customers to venture just outside of Bend to explore the high Cascade Lakes or the quiet stretch of the Upper Deschutes between Benham and Dillon Falls for a truly unforgettable SUP outing,” said McDonald, who enjoys paddling Elk Lake at sunrise. “Stand On Liquid is thrilled to partner with Sun Country Tours to deliver the best and most affordable SUP rental and touring experience in Central Oregon.”

Photo courtesy: Stand On Liquid

While Sun Country Tours is well-known for providing expertly guided rafting trips on Oregon rivers since 1978, the river outfitter also helped bring the growing sport of SUP to Bend more than ten years ago with rentals, lessons, retail and even camps led by surfing legend Gerry Lopez. With the guiding principle that there is a perfect board for every type of paddler, the founders of Stand On Liquid have also been instrumental in helping paddle boarding gain traction locally and regionally as a unique, accessible way to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Oregon’s Instagram-worthy lakes and rivers.

In partnership with Stand On Liquid, Sun Country Tours offers hourly and daily paddle boarding rentals as well as guided SUP tours on the Upper Deschutes River. In addition to a variety of recreational boards, including inflatables, Sun Country Tours also provides adaptable equipment to help customers easily transport rental boards on their own vehicles. See more information about SUP rentals from Sun Country Tours and Stand On Liquid here.

About Sun Country Tours:

Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Sun Country Tours has been operating on the beautiful rivers of Oregon since 1978, and specializes in family-friendly whitewater rafting adventures. Sun Country Tours is a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame award winner, having earned the Certificate of Excellence for more than six years running. For more information, please visit suncountrytours.com or all 541.382.1709. Sun Country Tours is part of the POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Co. portfolio and a sister company of Mt. Bachelor.

About Stand On Liquid:

Founded in 2010 and based in Bend, Oregon, Stand On Liquid offers the largest inventory of stand up paddle boards and accessories on the West Coast, and designs and sells its own collection of SUP boards. Stand On Liquid also distributes almost 70 paddle board brands and accessories nationally. For more information, please visit standonliquid.com or call 541.639.4596.