Image courtesy of Chris Hunkeler at Flickr.com
,Every summer it seems there are more and more people getting into SUP (Standup Paddleboarding) and other water sports that are catching on, especially due to the fact that they are fun and easy to learn. SUP is spreading all over Florida and you can find amazing places to practice this sport and sightsee and get to know all the nooks and crannies of Florida. Although surfing and other water sports will require the rider to be seated until the wave comes around, it’s the complete opposite for SUP. Here riders are always standing and they propel themselves across the water. It has been a sport that has been increasing, and the amount of people who start off are actually in a majority first-timers. There are actually many variations of SUP that can be practiced by people of any age or skill level. You could practice on flat water while paddling as a recreational hobby, or sightseeing. Others may like a bit more thrill so they’ll do some racing on lakes, large rivers or even canals. If you’re even more adventurous you could try out whitewater SUP on river rapids. Although some see the relaxing and soothing side of it and decide to take on some SUP Yoga or even get in some fishing. Obviously depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll pick and choose the many locations that Florida has to offer. Although some may be scared at first, there really is no need to worry. You could even read more about how to prepare how to rescue yourself from any danger while SUPing on the Patrick Dwyer Blog. So, now let’s go through some amazing places you could visit while practicing SUP.
St. Augustine
This historic city is simply breathtaking and being able to explore it on a paddle is simply a delight. It’s located on the northeast coast of Florida and it’s said it is the oldest city in the United States. It stands out due to its Spanish colonial architecture and its well-known beaches like Crescent Beach and St. Augustine Beach. It is also home to a 17th-century Spanish fortress, The Castillo de San Marcos, which is a sight you can’t miss while visiting St. Augustine. You could find out more about tours and rent equipment here.
South Walton
If you are more interested in seeing wildlife including sharks and turtles, then maybe a Coastal Dune Lakes is perfect for you. These dune lakes are in South Walton, which is considered the perfect getaway in Florida. Its white-beached sand and turquoise water is an amazing place to relax and SUP. In Walton County, you can find 15 coastal dune lakes. These lakes are a unique body of water that shares an intermittent connection with the Gulf of Mexico and also is fed lake water from streams, rain and storm surge. Water is shifted back and forth and makes for a beautiful natural dune lake. While you’re there you can also find out about classes here.
St. Augustine
This historic city is simply breathtaking and being able to explore it on a paddle is simply a delight. It’s located on the northeast coast of Florida and it’s said it is the oldest city in the United States. It stands out due to its Spanish colonial architecture and its well-known beaches like Crescent Beach and St. Augustine Beach. It is also home to a 17th-century Spanish fortress, The Castillo de San Marcos, which is a sight you can’t miss while visiting St. Augustine. You could find out more about tours and rent equipment here.
South Walton
If you are more interested in seeing wildlife including sharks and turtles, then maybe a Coastal Dune Lakes is perfect for you. These dune lakes are in South Walton, which is considered the perfect getaway in Florida. Its white-beached sand and turquoise water is an amazing place to relax and SUP. In Walton County, you can find 15 coastal dune lakes. These lakes are a unique body of water that shares an intermittent connection with the Gulf of Mexico and also is fed lake water from streams, rain and storm surge. Water is shifted back and forth and makes for a beautiful natural dune lake. While you’re there you can also find out about classes here.
Image courtesy of Clinton & Charles Robertson at Flickr.com
Jupiter Island Preserve
The Blowing Rocks Preserve is a protected area of Florida, located in Martin County, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Its waves spray up to 50 feet in the air, upon the limestone cropping, that sets this amazing location apart from the rest. You’ll find coquina shells, sand, and crustaceans, where you can spot sharks, sea turtles, and amazing reefs. It is quite windy, so it will depend on what kind of SUP you want to do. Although if you want something a bit more relaxed, you could always go to Intercoastal Waterway. While at Jupiter Island, try going here for any SUP help.
Naples Beach
Famous for visiting dolphins, mainly due to its calm waters. This is the spot for true beginners or those who simply want to enjoy the calm and ease of SUPing. Spreading across 10 miles of sandy beaches, it goes from the southern part of the state in Gordon Pass to the north up to Seagate Drive. It’s amazing for fishing and simply enjoying an unforgettable sunset. You can find a lot of facilities to help you enjoy your day or afternoon even more. For help with all your SUPing needs try this website.
There are tons of other locations you could consider going to, again depending on what you're looking for in SUPing. Some places you could look up if you’ve made up your mind about paddling and traveling to Florida. You could always try Destin Harbor, for beginners who are looking for calm waters, or New Smyrna, for those truly adventurous spirits. If you’re more into sightseeing maybe Islamorada, will be the best choice. Here you’ll find an old wrecking colony, surrounded by mangroves that are home to sharks and crocodiles. Whatever your preferences, you are sure to find it in Florida.
The Blowing Rocks Preserve is a protected area of Florida, located in Martin County, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Its waves spray up to 50 feet in the air, upon the limestone cropping, that sets this amazing location apart from the rest. You’ll find coquina shells, sand, and crustaceans, where you can spot sharks, sea turtles, and amazing reefs. It is quite windy, so it will depend on what kind of SUP you want to do. Although if you want something a bit more relaxed, you could always go to Intercoastal Waterway. While at Jupiter Island, try going here for any SUP help.
Naples Beach
Famous for visiting dolphins, mainly due to its calm waters. This is the spot for true beginners or those who simply want to enjoy the calm and ease of SUPing. Spreading across 10 miles of sandy beaches, it goes from the southern part of the state in Gordon Pass to the north up to Seagate Drive. It’s amazing for fishing and simply enjoying an unforgettable sunset. You can find a lot of facilities to help you enjoy your day or afternoon even more. For help with all your SUPing needs try this website.
There are tons of other locations you could consider going to, again depending on what you're looking for in SUPing. Some places you could look up if you’ve made up your mind about paddling and traveling to Florida. You could always try Destin Harbor, for beginners who are looking for calm waters, or New Smyrna, for those truly adventurous spirits. If you’re more into sightseeing maybe Islamorada, will be the best choice. Here you’ll find an old wrecking colony, surrounded by mangroves that are home to sharks and crocodiles. Whatever your preferences, you are sure to find it in Florida.