Explore the Keys with Stand-Up Surfboards
A new way of seeing remote spots in the Keys is giving kayaking a run for its money!
Paddle surfing is making its way into the Keys as an alternative, eco-friendly way to explore the mangrove, flats, backcountry or simply cruise the beaches on a calm day.
Working much the way it sounds, a person stands on a 10-12 foot long stand-up surfboard specially designed with fins for stability and padded decks for safety. A canoe-like stroke with a long paddle propels a person along.
The sport dates back to the ancient Polynesians who brought it with them to Hawaii. Throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s, Waikiki surfers used stand-up boards to access better waves farther offshore.
Popularity of paddle surfing waned until it was introduced in California by Laird Hamilton, a well-known surfer. Quickly adopted by other surfers, the sport migrated east where it has been adopted in a more mellow fashion in the Florida Keys.
“Anywhere that is good to kayak is good to paddle down here,” commented Brad Lange, owner of Seven Sports in Islamorada. He points out the numerous kayaking trails that are available to paddle surfers. Paul Menta, owner of the Kitehouse in Key West, started renting stand-up surfboards along with kites and has seen rentals quadruple in the last year.
Paddle surfing is a great way to see many protected areas of the Keys. One distinct advantage it has over kayaking is that you can see more in and out of the water standing up, as opposed to sitting in a kayak. Also, paddle surfing is a great way to get in shape!
Custom stand-up surfboards run anywhere from $1000 to $1500 while a generic, non-custom model is available for around $750. As the sport’s popularity increases, these prices can be expected to come down some.
A highly flexible carbon fiber paddle costs $350, where light weight and flexibility are the big concerns. Lange expects to soon see aluminum and wood paddles selling for around the same price of regular kayak paddles.
However, if you’re just taking a relaxing vacation at the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast and want a great way to see out of the way places, rent a stand-up surfboard for around $35 and up. A nice three-hour group tour is available at the Kitehouse for $75.
It’s easy to learn paddle surfing! See remote areas of the Keys you might not be able to otherwise access.
Tags: explore Keys, nature, paddle surfing
