Paddleboarding is a great way to experience locations that may be inaccessible through walking. Many great locations, environments, and scenery can only be accessed by traveling on water, gently moving through beautiful scenes as far as the eye can see to create memories and photo opportunities that will be the envy of many.
Preparing
Paddle boarding is a great form of exploration and exercise, but it does not suit all. Requiring some level of endurance, a long tour or exploration on a paddle board will put strain on your muscles and fatigue. It is best to exercise beforehand to ensure when on the trip, you will be able to meet the fitness requirement to get what you paid for. Also note, many areas offer to book. This option should be considered as you may get a discount from some places with booking whilst ensuring that on the day, someone will be ready to take you on a tour if that is what you paid for or that there are boards set aside ready for you to take on the day.
Renting
Renting prices vary on the type of board, the amount of time and supplier. Some places can rent ‘beginner’ boards and standard boards so those requiring some aid or inexperienced can get the support they need with easier to use the equipment. As for the amount of time, the usual minimum amount of time the boards can be rented is an hour, ideal for a quick look around to over a day for longer explorations or multiple locations. The majority of suppliers will offer a 24-hour rental but this may vary, some could offer 2 or 3-day rentals for continued use on trips.
Options
They are some options available outside renting paddle boards. Some suppliers may offer additional equipment like life vests for a small fee to lessons for beginners to learn at the start of a holiday or for future holidays. The most popular option is a tour around certain locations. Tours are widely popular due to the tour guide knowing the best spots, routes, and locations to and around ideal locations. They can also provide experienced information and support for inexperienced paddle boarders who would like guidance when on route to locations.
Locations
Here are some locations worth visiting:
Coastal Dune Lakes
Coastal dune lakes offer the opportunity to see much wildlife in their natural habitat. Split into 2 different sections, the large, open areas of the gulf will allow you to see animals such as sharks and turtles while the narrower lakes will show you alligators and bass.
St Augustine
Most paddle board locations offer a chance to see wildlife roaming around or beautiful, natural vegetation. As for St Augustine, exploring this location will let you see a historical city from the river. Castillo de San Marcos is an often-visited structure in this location, with musket and cannon firing, it promises a great experience for those that enjoy older architecture.
Chassahowitzka
Chassahowitzka offers a great location for those looking for a mixture of a scenic route with end goals. Fed by several freshwater springs, Chassahowitzka is a winding river running close to a nearby small town, allowing many chances to stop and swim in the fresh water springs.
Destin Harbour
Destin Harbour is the ideal location for the inexperienced paddle boarder. Steady waters provide a good spot to learn how to paddle board without removing the reason to learn in the first place, the experience. Many wildlife lives in and around Destin Harbour, from stingrays to pelicans.