The ocean is calling me!
Though we live in Florida the Polar Vortex is a casual visitor during the winter months which can be intimidating to many ocean lovers. No need to panic though. The sun always shines and there is something called a wetsuit. But for now, winter lies in the past and it’s time to get in touch with nature.
“SUP”: You might have heard it, seen it, or tried it but have you ever considered practicing it as a sport?
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle Board. I know you enjoy watching tourists fall overboard 100 times when renting them out at the beach – I can hear your inner giggles right now!
You might think to yourself that it looks difficult to master or that people are just clumsy, but the truth is that it’s both and none. Mastering a SUP is like mastering anything else. It takes practice, but once you find your “swing” you’ll have the world, or might I say the ocean, at your fingertips.
Did I mention that SUP is a great MOM sport? You need one or more partners to go out on the water which makes it a social sport and kids love to tag along. You can get a full body and mental workout by paddling for +30 minutes. And if you are not in the mood just sit on your board on the water and practice your favorite yoga poses or stretches. The connection between you, the water, and your board will calm your soul and positively influence your state of mind.
How did I get into SUP?
Being born and raised on an island (Puerto Rico) the ocean has always been a part of my life and it’s always been by my side even while being away. The college I went to (Endicott College) is set on the coast of Beverly, MA, and has three private beaches. My freshman dorm room, Brindle Hall, had a direct view of the ocean. As an adult, I lived in Chicago on Lake Shore Drive with beautiful lake views. Marriage also kept me near the water in NYC. Our apartment building, Waterside Plaza, was set right on top of the East River with breathtaking views of the Queensboro Bridge. Now, my family and I live in Pensacola on Escambia Bay and spend plenty of time on our Gulf Coast beaches.
Understanding the connection that I have with nature, my husband gifted me a BOTE Board for my first Mother’s day in Pensacola (six years ago). One of the main reasons we chose to go with this particular brand was not only its appealing esthetics and innovative design and technology but the fact that it is a local brand. BOTE Boards was founded in Destin, FL. Yet before I began my relationship with SUP’s I rented them on Bayview Park and Pensacola Beach with friends. After I got my own, the options to launch my board were endless. There are more places to explore between Perdido Key and Panama City than I can count!
But before I list some of them I need to share with you the importance of safety.
Small Craft Safety Guidelines
(Kayak, Canoe, Stand Up Paddle Board)
In order to enjoy your SUP adventures, you must learn and follow these important guidelines. It might seem like too much information, but most of them have to do with common sense which as moms we have plenty of, right?
- Buddy system- Never paddle SOLO
- Always attach your SUP to your ankle with a leash.
- ALWAYS wear a life jacket.
- Leave a float plan – Inform a friend or family member of your specific routes and schedule.
- Monitor weather- Florida weather can be betraying and unpredictable. These apps can help you track your local forecast: Wunderground , Windfinder, First Weather Alert (local TV station)
- Be aware of outside temperatures and dress accordingly.
- Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore
- Don’t drink and paddle
- Practice climbing up to your SUP from the water.
- Wear a bright-colored hat or shirt.
- Bring a light.
- Bring an audible aid, like a whistle.
- Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic.
- Avoid excess weight.
- Practice plenty before going out too far.
- Carry a dry bag to store your phone and ID. There are pouches for these that you can hang on your neck.
- Hydration is key- Take drinking water with you
If you can’t find a SUP partner there is a great community of women who cherish the sport and support each other called SUP Girls Emerald Coast. They organize fun group paddles and there is always a ‘mermaid’, as they call themselves, ready to hit the water at all times.
SUP Launch Locations
- Big Lagoon State Park
- Navy Point Boat Ramp
- Galvez Landing
- Mahogany Mill Boat Ramp
- Bay View Park
- Pensacola Beach little Sabine Bay
- Big Sabine Bay
- White Island
- Quiet Water Beach
- Black River State Park
- Navarre
- Okaloosa Island
- 30A
- Panama City
SUP and Kayak Rentals
- Glow Paddle
- Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
- Black Water Canoe Rental and Sales
- Lagunas Adventure Park
- Innerlight
- Maverick
- Key Sailing
- Horizon Beach Service
- Lazy Days Beach Rental
- Sup Dogs Paddle Rentals
- Little heads Kayak Rentals
- Perdido Key Paddle Co.
If you are interested in exploring the world of SUP in Pensacola comment below or send us an email [email protected]
 in Pensacola and the surrounding area. Everything from safety to launch locations.){kind=link}