Canoeing or kayaking along the Potomac River, fun as it is, can get a bit blah once you do it often enough. Looking for a new challenge? Turn to stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing). The popular recreational sport has grown in popularity over the past few years, but it’s actually an old form of surfing that originated in the Hawaiian Islands, where surfers used paddles to cover longer distances.

What draws people to SUPing is its exceptional core and balancing workout. While it may take some getting used to, SUPing is a lot easier to learn than surfing. And with summer heat in full swing, now is the perfect time to try out the new sport. The following places offer stand-up paddleboarding lessons and rentals along the Potomac.

Valley Mill Kayak School
15101 Seneca Rd., Germantown; 301-840-7388
Price: $70 for two hours of instruction, $105 for three
If you want to really learn the ins and outs of SUPing, sign up for one of Valley Mill Kayak School’s lessons, which come with all the necessary gear. The school uses Stride Airlite HD river boards, which are ideal for beginners since they are inflatable and provide a soft landing in case you fall. You’ll learn basic safety precautions, how to paddle standing and on your knees, and effective stroke movements.

Potomac Paddlesports
Angler’s Lot (10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac; 301-881-2628)
Price: $395 for a two-year membership
This paddlesports outfitter and retailer now offers paddling instruction courses and memberships. A membership (which lasts for two years) includes four lessons, coached weeknight practices, board rentals, and a 10 percent discount in the store. Potomac Paddlesports offers four different courses, ranging from a fundamentals class to an advanced strokes class.

Paddle DC
Columbia Island Marina boat dock (off George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Arlington; 301-938-3545)
Price: $35 for two rentals; $65 for one class
Take lessons or rent from Paddle DC, which launches from the boat ramp at Columbia Island Marina. The lessons are $65 for a one- to one-and-a-half-hour session. Rent a paddleboard for a night tour of DC and Arlington by water, and the company will throw in a headlamp along with the rental.

Jack’s Boathouse
3500 K St., NW; 202-337-9642
Price: $25 per hour
This popular boathouse may be known for its canoes and kayaks, but you’re likely to find more and more people opting for the paddleboard rentals here. Renters must have experience SUPing and must be at least 18 years old. You can ask for separate instruction if it’s your first time paddleboarding. Reservations are not accepted.