How should you and your family spend “the dog days of summer” in the Upper Valley? How about trying the newest craze on water? Storrs Pond Recreation Area, operated by the Hanover Improvement Society, has a couple of paddleboards for getting out on the pond. Paddleboats are a big hit with everyone in the family, according to Karley Hamilton, her broad smile greeting visitors.

“Teenagers love the paddleboards,” says Karley. She adds that they’re great for people of all ages. “It’s a perfect activity, a great total-body workout.”

What is the workout? Paddling while standing on the board really works the upper body and the legs. Every time you move, even just a little, the paddleboard tips, so to stay afloat, you need to use your abdominal and leg muscles to keep rebalancing your weight if you want to stay on the board. (But falling into Storrs Pond is a fine way to cool off on a hot summer day if you do tip.) More than a workout, paddleboarding is fun for anyone.

If you want to enjoy the sunshine and the water, and mosey your way along the shore and under the trees, find your way to Storrs Pond in Hanover. Paddle on a board, cruise along the shore in a kayak, or take a trip around the pond in a canoe.

If you need more room to fit the family, paddleboats are also available for a ride around the pond. “The paddleboats are so great for families,” Karley adds.

If you own your own paddleboard, bring it along and take a ride up the pond to the point and back. This is a favorite trek for many, says Karley.

Paddleboard rentals are available from 9am to 7pm for $10 per hour with members receiving a discount. There are currently 2 paddleboards, 7 canoes, 2 kayaks, and 3 paddleboats. It’s best to call ahead to reserve your ride at (603) 643-2134.

Storrs Pond Recreation Area is a jewel, and it’s just minutes away from the center of Hanover. It offers two sandy beaches, a pool, a splash pad, four tennis courts, basketball, beach volleyball, hiking trails, mountain biking, and scenic picnic spots and campsites. There’s plenty of summer weather left, so be sure to take advantage of all that Storrs Pond Recreation Area has to offer.