Paddling the Wild Waves

Stand up paddleboarding orginated in Hawaii back in the 1960's when surfers would take their surf board and a paddle to the waves. In the beginning paddleboarding was not looked at as a sport, but as means of transportation. The Hawaiins would paddle out on their boards so that they could take photos of tourists learning to surf.

50 years later, paddleboarding has earned longevity in the realm of board sports. Core strength is essential to paddleboarding success, but it is said that an hour lesson can make a huge difference.

Once the sport hit the Pinellas beaches, it was only a matter of time before the masses took note. Rentals are available with reasonable rates:

• $50/ day
• $200/ week
• $60/ hour (private lesson)