Paddleboarding is Making Waves

Paddleboarding has been gaining popularity within the past year and the beaches act as one of the prime areas for the sport.

Paddleboarding is like a mix between surfing and kayaking. A long board with grip is used to stand while surfers push themselves along.

“You’re standing up so you work all your muscles, but at the same time you can go further distances than on a kayak,” said Terry Decker, a paddleboarder and employee at the .

Since paddleboards can be used for many different activities, from racing to working out, the sport has caught on quick, Decker said.

“It’s about the best workout you can get without going to the gym, and you’re outside,” Decker said.

Another aspect that appeals to paddleboarders is the closeness with nature. Decker recounted a time that he went out on his paddleboard and got closer to dolphins than he ever has been before.

Another appeal is that the sport is very family friendly. Some boards can fit two people on them, and there are people who will take their dogs out on the board, Decker said.

When people go out to paddleboard, they normally hit up the intercoastal waters that are smoother and have fewer waves, Decker said.

Having fewer waves is important because that helps beginners learn how to balance on the board better, Decker said.

There are huge amount of paddleboards available for use, but New Surf Project, Starboard, and Riviera boards are all popular choices for people looking to get into paddleboarding, Decker said.

The boards also come in different shapes. Thinner ones are better for speed and are primarily used for races, while wider boards keep balance better and are more suited for fun or workout purposes, Decker said.

The boards don’t come cheap though, with the least expensive boards at Suncoast Surf Shop still being close to a $1000 and other options online costing $500.

For those who are hesitant about spending that much money on buying a paddleboard, the Suncoast Surf Shop rents out the boards at $50 per day. The shop will even deliver them to your location and pick them up at the end of the day if you don’t have a vehicle to transport the board, Decker said.

If you want to learn more about paddleboards, or if you’re interested in trying one out, contact the Suncoast Surf Shop at (727) 367-2483.