Q. What is Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)?

A. It is the fast-growing water sport/recreation in the world! The popularity of the modern sport of SUP has its origin in the Hawaiian Islands in the 20^th century. The resurgence started again in the early 1960s; the surfers would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf.

Q. Why should I try Stand-up Paddle boarding (SUP)?

A. It’s new, exciting, adventurous and peaceful all at the same time!

It’s easy and it’s fun! And it gets you outdoors and on the water! The view  from a Paddleboard is incredible! Since you're standing at your full height, you'll enjoy wonderful views of the sea life and the horizon! And, you just may encounter dolphins, manatees and/or a school of fish! It’s almost like walking on water!  The health benefits are terrific ...working your core muscles and your entire body at the same time!



Q. Is it hard to learn?

A. Paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board.

Q. Is Paddle boarding exercise?

A. Paddleboarding is a great core workout – muscle groups in the mid-section of the body – that strengthen the stomach and lower back. The combined effort of balancing on the paddleboard and the torso rotation of the paddle stroke provide a great total body workout that can burn up to 225 calories for the average, light, recreational paddler. However, once you really get going, you can burn 500 calories in an hour. And the “go getter” paddler can burn 600 – 1,000 calories an hour! You get what you put in to it!

Q. What will I learn and do in the 1 hour lesson?

A. SUP lessons start with a land lesson lasting a few minutes. You will learn the proper techniques on how to pick up, walk with, and put down your board. You will also learn water safety and stand up paddleboard etiquette. Water lesson is about 15 minutes: You will learn how to safely get on and off the board, go from your knees and/or belly to your feet, proper way to stand, paddling technique and how to turn the board. And then be free to paddle around to explore…

Q. What happens if I fall?

A. SUP is relatively easy to learn, but sometimes you can take an occasional fall while gaining the skills. The Instructor will tell you and show you how easy it will be to get back on the board. And then they will have you do it.

Q. Do I have to wear a life jacket/Personal Flotation Device  (PFD)?

A. Florida law requires that children 6 years of age or younger must wear a PFD. No exceptions. All other persons must have a PFD on the Paddleboard, which we will provide for you. For added safety, you will also be provided a leash that can keep you attached to your board. 

Q. Are there any age or weight restrictions?

A. Families are enjoying paddleboarding together! There is a minimum age of 7 and no one is too old - as long as you can balance yourself! Please contact  us to discuss physical abilities and limitations. There is a minimum weight of 50 pounds. The Clearwater Beach site has stricter rules - please call for more information

Q. Do I need to know how to swim?

A. Yes

Q: What should I wear for Paddleboarding?

A: Wear clothing that lets you move and that can get wet: shorts
and a T-shirt or a swimsuit work well in warm weather. In cold weather when hypothermia is a danger, consider a wetsuit or drysuit. Bring water shoes if you have them. No high heels or open toe sandals! Yes, you can go barefoot!

Q. Do I need any Paddle boarding experience?
A. No! You only need to know how to swim! Since this sport is relatively new to the east coast, most people have had no prior experience with SUP. The instructor will give you a great introduction to paddleboarding, provide you with all of the necessary paddleboard equipment and give you an informative paddleboard/safety lesson.

Q: Why not just use a kayak?

A: Kayaking is great fun, but the beauty of SUP is that standing up allows you to enjoy much better views, both to the horizon and down into the water. We have a lot of people who prefer kayaks, so we rent Kayaks too!





Q. What do I need to bring on my PaddleBoarding trip?
A. Recommended items to bring include: a hat, sunglasses (with a strap if you have one), sunscreen, drinking water and a waterproof camera if you wish.

Most importantly - your sense of curiosity and adventure!