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Paddleboarding is widely known as one of the fastest growing watersports in the United States. With the recent uptick in interest, is it any surprise that Florida, with its gorgeous waterside views, is a paddleboarding nirvana? We thought not. Find out about five of our favorite paddleboarding spots below.
Paddle with manatees in Kings Bay in Crystal River, Florida. Need equipment? Stop by Manatee for stand-up paddling (SUP) or kayaking with manatees in Kings Bay and at the Three Sisters Springs. With every SUP rental, you’ll get a free teaching session to make sure you’re safe on the water. Over 70 travelers have ranked Manatee Paddle as “Excellent” on TripAdvisor. Manatee Paddle is open Wednesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with shortened hours on Sunday.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is known as Florida’s “beach Diving Capital,” and features beaches and reefs. Paddling can be difficult on the open water, so why not enlist the help of Paddle Board of Florida? They attract thousands of visitors every year and focus on the main attraction: the living coral reef within 100 yards of shore. The reef offers the perfect backdrop for any watersport, including kayaking, zayaking, and paddleboarding. Rent your equipment and receive free delivery if you’re staying in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
The Florida Keys form the southeastern coast of the Florida Peninsula and provide ample opportunity to get up on a paddleboard. Not ready to paddle the Keys on your own? Fear not: Paddle! the Florida Keys is here to help. They offer paddleboard and kayak rentals with group rates and tours to experience the Keys like never before. The adventurous can sign up for SUP yoga, hosted by their award-winning Eco Tour guides. Have your board delivered or get going right from their location.
Juno Beach, in the aptly named Juno Beach, Florida, has a long scenic fishing pier and is next to Loggerhead Park. The waves can be choppy, but for the advanced paddleboarder, the beach offers a fantastic opportunity to strut your stuff. Not sure where to get your equipment? Florida Paddle Boards has it all. “Whether you are looking for new stand up paddleboards, used stand up paddleboards, rentals, your first SUP lesson, a guided tour or the latest stand up paddleboard accessories; we have you covered,” according to their website. Located in beautiful Juno Beach, Florida, you’ll find any number of aquatic animals to share the sea with. Stop in Tuesday through Sunday to get out on the water with their instructors.
Wekiva Island, north of Orlando, is an “indoor/outdoor recreation complex” next to Florida’s natural springs. Their prime location on the Wekiva River provides incredible access to many of the best paddleboard sites. Get your equipment with Paddleboard Orlando. They also offer lessons in three locations, one in Wekiva Island, another in Lake Killarney (which they are quick to add is alligator free), and a third in Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. In addition, they have a brand new brick and mortar store in Winter Park, in which you can purchase or rent equipment, clothing, and accessories. Paddleboard Orlando specializes in training first-timers, although anyone, of course, is welcome to join!
