Things to Do: Stand Up Paddleboarding in SWFL
Ever dream of standing up on a paddleboard through the back bays of Bonita Springs and Gulf of Mexico? Well, neither did I and then I got an invite from a friend to give it a try. Stand up paddle boarding seems like a near impossibility until you physically get on the paddleboard for the first time. The paddleboard is surprisingly wide and surprisingly buoyant and stable.
A total of three of us went standup paddleboarding, plus one instructor, Chad. After a tutorial and instructions we were on our way in New Pass by Lover’s Key and Dog Beach.
It should be stated that no one in our party even fell off of our paddleboards, even in the Gulf, even in the pass, even with boats in the area. It should also be stated that I am a total boss on a standup paddleboard and I can’t wait to go again.
If you’d like to contact the outfitters who took us standup paddleboarding in Bonita Springs, visit their website www.SWFLstandup.com or email them at chad@swflstandup.com or leave a message here 239-218-5549. Why leave a message? Because the phone is probably in a water tight container on Chad’s paddleboard. SWFL Standup also has a Facebook Page.
SWFL Standup offers a variety of standup paddle boarding excursions and eco-tours in addition to paddleboard yoga classes, paddleboard meditation classes. You can even book a private lesson or family outing. SWFL Standup is pretty flexible with the programs and requests.
Here are some secret tips I can share about standup paddle boarding.
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Wear mega-sunscreen. Florida sunshine don’t play!
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Consider a weekday reservation. The waterways are less crowded and the paddleboard groups are smaller with more individual guidance.
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Go barefoot for better traction and balance.
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Listen to the instructions up front.
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Don’t be afraid to sit down or kneel if it’s windy or you’re tired.
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You can stow a few SMALL items on the front of your paddleboard with the built in bungee, bottle of water, watertight bag/box, flip flops for portaging if necessary.
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When you make a standup paddleboard reservation let them know if you’re very tall, very small or heavy so they can bring the appropriate equipment.
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Smile and have fun because it’s going to be a good time and way easier than you imagined.
If you go standup paddle boarding come back and leave a comment about your adventure! I’d love to know how it went for you.
Here’s SWFL Standup’s contact info again:
239-218-5549