![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Paddle-Boarding-500x380-1.png?resize=500%2C380&ssl=1\")
What is Paddle Boarding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Imagine taking a surf board like board into the water and standing on it and propelling the board using a long handle paddle. When you put it like that, paddle boarding sounds like a piece of cake. Everyone knows how amazing surfers are to manage waves taller than a house so paddle boarding must be easy right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes and No. Paddle boarding is a great activity for all ages and fitness levels but it does require balance. Not the kind of balance required to walk a tightrope, but enough balance to stay upright on a floating board and manage water ripples from boaters nearby. That being said, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t do it even if you\u2019re the type of person that can trip over your own feet. It really just takes practice. Expect to fall off and get wet. But you know that already because paddle boarding is a water sport \u2013 right?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What size paddle board is right for you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Paddle-Board-Orlando.png?resize=500%2C380&ssl=1\")
photo by Paddle Board Orlando<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThere are tons of beautiful and amazing paddle boards for all ages, heights, weight and fitness levels. If you\u2019re short like me (I\u2019m 5\u20194\u201d), you\u2019ll need to consider a smaller board than someone that is over 6ft tall. Paddle boards are generally 4-6\u201d in thickness regardless of the length of the board you select. Refer to the table below for a guide on what size to pick.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Table](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Paddle-Board-Size-table-.png?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1\")
Paddle board size recommendations<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow to get on a paddle board<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My first time paddle boarding, I was thinking \u201chow the heck do I get on and stand up without falling off and looking like an idiot?\u201d Turns out it\u2019s easier to get on belly first like you would a pool raft. Swing your legs up on the board, lying prone and now you\u2019re on it. That was the easy part. Now for standing up. I wasn\u2019t too sure about this but with directions from the instructor, we were able to first get into a quadruped position (on hands and knees). Then you bring your feet underneath you and attempt to stand up. We all had slightly different variations. Having had a recent knee surgery several months ago. I decided to start with my good leg. I was shaky but I did it! I was able to stand up with my paddle. It felt like a major source of accomplishment. Until a small ripple of a wave from boaters in the distance slowly creeped toward me. I\u2019m thinking \u201cOh sh$t!\u201d. And you guessed it. I fell off. Well, I figured I got my first fall off the paddle board out of the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Paddle boards: Inflatable vs Hard board<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Young-people-carrying-paddle-boards.png?resize=500%2C380&ssl=1\")
Young people carrying their inflatable paddle boards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTraditionally there used to be only hard epoxy boards. But in recent years the technology for inflatable paddle boards has improved greatly making it a popular choice for folks who don\u2019t have the extra money or space needed to buy and store a hard paddle board. Not to mention it\u2019s not easy to travel with a paddle board on the roof of your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I travel, sometimes I rent a board with a local club or at a state park so I don’t have to drag my inflatable board. Hard boards are exactly that, a hard epoxy board. They are heavy, durable and you feel good standing on one. After my first paddle board excursion, I did a lot of research on inflatable paddleboards. Living in Florida means, I can take advantage of the weather year-round. Although I have an SUV with a roof rack, I did not relish the idea of trying to lift a heavy hard paddle board onto my SUV while being 5\u20194\u201d. Not to mention where was I going to store a hard board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, an inflatable board was a better choice for me. It\u2019s easy to carry (about 15lbs), can be stored in the house or the garage, easy to inflate especially if you have an electric pump and of course it fits inside my SUV including paddles and life vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inflatable paddle boards have come a long way and are incredibly durable and feel hard once pumped up to the recommended inflation. I feel good standing on my paddle board but still need practice to improve my sea legs aka balance. It’s like when you first get on the ice rink with your ice skates and you feel wobbly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to paddle board?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Manatees-Blue-Springs-State-Park-FL.png?resize=500%2C380&ssl=1\")
Blue Springs State Park with Mama and Baby Manatee approaching paddle boarder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOne of the best things about paddle boarding is you can paddle on almost any body of water including lakes, rivers and oceans. There are tons of places to paddle board here in Florida. If you plan to come to Florida for a visit, consider time at any one of our beautiful locations around the state that are perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Check out Blue Springs State Park and paddle with the manatees. There are also plenty of locations in the US and around the world that you would enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still need a lot of practice and I\u2019m lucky to live in a location that I can do it. I look forward to traveling outside of Florida to explore other amazing locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Sidenote: Florida manatees are a protected species and are not allowed to be bothered or harassed by people. They are allowed to approach people outside the protected barrier in the picture. The paddle boarder in the picture was very respectful and had the pleasure of a close encounter with a Mama Manatee and her baby)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth Benefits of Paddle Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Paddle](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fabulous50sandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Paddle-Boarding-family-with-small-kids.png?resize=500%2C380&ssl=1\")
Paddle boarding family with small kids<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPaddle boarding is a wonderful challenging activity that not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with your family and friends, it also can give you a good workout. Carrying my paddle board bag from the car to the dock was a longer walk than I expected in some of the areas we traveled. However, before I got on the paddle board, I had to pump it up. Let me tell you, it was a workout! I recommend an electric pump which I promptly bought after my first trip with my inflatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once on the paddle board, it’s so peaceful you forget the workout you just had setting everything up. I admit after about 20 to 30 minutes of standing, I needed a break. Some people kneel or sit and paddle. I eventually bought a seat for the paddle board from SereneLife<\/a>. Best purchase ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are tons of beautiful and amazing paddle boards for all ages, heights, weight and fitness levels. If you\u2019re short like me (I\u2019m 5\u20194\u201d), you\u2019ll need to consider a smaller board than someone that is over 6ft tall. Paddle boards are generally 4-6\u201d in thickness regardless of the length of the board you select. Refer to the table below for a guide on what size to pick.<\/p>\n\n\n
How to get on a paddle board<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My first time paddle boarding, I was thinking \u201chow the heck do I get on and stand up without falling off and looking like an idiot?\u201d Turns out it\u2019s easier to get on belly first like you would a pool raft. Swing your legs up on the board, lying prone and now you\u2019re on it. That was the easy part. Now for standing up. I wasn\u2019t too sure about this but with directions from the instructor, we were able to first get into a quadruped position (on hands and knees). Then you bring your feet underneath you and attempt to stand up. We all had slightly different variations. Having had a recent knee surgery several months ago. I decided to start with my good leg. I was shaky but I did it! I was able to stand up with my paddle. It felt like a major source of accomplishment. Until a small ripple of a wave from boaters in the distance slowly creeped toward me. I\u2019m thinking \u201cOh sh$t!\u201d. And you guessed it. I fell off. Well, I figured I got my first fall off the paddle board out of the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Paddle boards: Inflatable vs Hard board<\/h3>\n\n\n\nYoung people carrying their inflatable paddle boards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTraditionally there used to be only hard epoxy boards. But in recent years the technology for inflatable paddle boards has improved greatly making it a popular choice for folks who don\u2019t have the extra money or space needed to buy and store a hard paddle board. Not to mention it\u2019s not easy to travel with a paddle board on the roof of your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I travel, sometimes I rent a board with a local club or at a state park so I don’t have to drag my inflatable board. Hard boards are exactly that, a hard epoxy board. They are heavy, durable and you feel good standing on one. After my first paddle board excursion, I did a lot of research on inflatable paddleboards. Living in Florida means, I can take advantage of the weather year-round. Although I have an SUV with a roof rack, I did not relish the idea of trying to lift a heavy hard paddle board onto my SUV while being 5\u20194\u201d. Not to mention where was I going to store a hard board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, an inflatable board was a better choice for me. It\u2019s easy to carry (about 15lbs), can be stored in the house or the garage, easy to inflate especially if you have an electric pump and of course it fits inside my SUV including paddles and life vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inflatable paddle boards have come a long way and are incredibly durable and feel hard once pumped up to the recommended inflation. I feel good standing on my paddle board but still need practice to improve my sea legs aka balance. It’s like when you first get on the ice rink with your ice skates and you feel wobbly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to paddle board?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBlue Springs State Park with Mama and Baby Manatee approaching paddle boarder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOne of the best things about paddle boarding is you can paddle on almost any body of water including lakes, rivers and oceans. There are tons of places to paddle board here in Florida. If you plan to come to Florida for a visit, consider time at any one of our beautiful locations around the state that are perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Check out Blue Springs State Park and paddle with the manatees. There are also plenty of locations in the US and around the world that you would enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still need a lot of practice and I\u2019m lucky to live in a location that I can do it. I look forward to traveling outside of Florida to explore other amazing locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Sidenote: Florida manatees are a protected species and are not allowed to be bothered or harassed by people. They are allowed to approach people outside the protected barrier in the picture. The paddle boarder in the picture was very respectful and had the pleasure of a close encounter with a Mama Manatee and her baby)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth Benefits of Paddle Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPaddle boarding family with small kids<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPaddle boarding is a wonderful challenging activity that not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with your family and friends, it also can give you a good workout. Carrying my paddle board bag from the car to the dock was a longer walk than I expected in some of the areas we traveled. However, before I got on the paddle board, I had to pump it up. Let me tell you, it was a workout! I recommend an electric pump which I promptly bought after my first trip with my inflatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once on the paddle board, it’s so peaceful you forget the workout you just had setting everything up. I admit after about 20 to 30 minutes of standing, I needed a break. Some people kneel or sit and paddle. I eventually bought a seat for the paddle board from SereneLife<\/a>. Best purchase ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditionally there used to be only hard epoxy boards. But in recent years the technology for inflatable paddle boards has improved greatly making it a popular choice for folks who don\u2019t have the extra money or space needed to buy and store a hard paddle board. Not to mention it\u2019s not easy to travel with a paddle board on the roof of your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I travel, sometimes I rent a board with a local club or at a state park so I don’t have to drag my inflatable board. Hard boards are exactly that, a hard epoxy board. They are heavy, durable and you feel good standing on one. After my first paddle board excursion, I did a lot of research on inflatable paddleboards. Living in Florida means, I can take advantage of the weather year-round. Although I have an SUV with a roof rack, I did not relish the idea of trying to lift a heavy hard paddle board onto my SUV while being 5\u20194\u201d. Not to mention where was I going to store a hard board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, an inflatable board was a better choice for me. It\u2019s easy to carry (about 15lbs), can be stored in the house or the garage, easy to inflate especially if you have an electric pump and of course it fits inside my SUV including paddles and life vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inflatable paddle boards have come a long way and are incredibly durable and feel hard once pumped up to the recommended inflation. I feel good standing on my paddle board but still need practice to improve my sea legs aka balance. It’s like when you first get on the ice rink with your ice skates and you feel wobbly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to paddle board?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBlue Springs State Park with Mama and Baby Manatee approaching paddle boarder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOne of the best things about paddle boarding is you can paddle on almost any body of water including lakes, rivers and oceans. There are tons of places to paddle board here in Florida. If you plan to come to Florida for a visit, consider time at any one of our beautiful locations around the state that are perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Check out Blue Springs State Park and paddle with the manatees. There are also plenty of locations in the US and around the world that you would enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still need a lot of practice and I\u2019m lucky to live in a location that I can do it. I look forward to traveling outside of Florida to explore other amazing locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Sidenote: Florida manatees are a protected species and are not allowed to be bothered or harassed by people. They are allowed to approach people outside the protected barrier in the picture. The paddle boarder in the picture was very respectful and had the pleasure of a close encounter with a Mama Manatee and her baby)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth Benefits of Paddle Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPaddle boarding family with small kids<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPaddle boarding is a wonderful challenging activity that not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with your family and friends, it also can give you a good workout. Carrying my paddle board bag from the car to the dock was a longer walk than I expected in some of the areas we traveled. However, before I got on the paddle board, I had to pump it up. Let me tell you, it was a workout! I recommend an electric pump which I promptly bought after my first trip with my inflatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once on the paddle board, it’s so peaceful you forget the workout you just had setting everything up. I admit after about 20 to 30 minutes of standing, I needed a break. Some people kneel or sit and paddle. I eventually bought a seat for the paddle board from SereneLife<\/a>. Best purchase ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the best things about paddle boarding is you can paddle on almost any body of water including lakes, rivers and oceans. There are tons of places to paddle board here in Florida. If you plan to come to Florida for a visit, consider time at any one of our beautiful locations around the state that are perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Check out Blue Springs State Park and paddle with the manatees. There are also plenty of locations in the US and around the world that you would enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still need a lot of practice and I\u2019m lucky to live in a location that I can do it. I look forward to traveling outside of Florida to explore other amazing locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Sidenote: Florida manatees are a protected species and are not allowed to be bothered or harassed by people. They are allowed to approach people outside the protected barrier in the picture. The paddle boarder in the picture was very respectful and had the pleasure of a close encounter with a Mama Manatee and her baby)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paddle boarding is a wonderful challenging activity that not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with your family and friends, it also can give you a good workout. Carrying my paddle board bag from the car to the dock was a longer walk than I expected in some of the areas we traveled. However, before I got on the paddle board, I had to pump it up. Let me tell you, it was a workout! I recommend an electric pump which I promptly bought after my first trip with my inflatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once on the paddle board, it’s so peaceful you forget the workout you just had setting everything up. I admit after about 20 to 30 minutes of standing, I needed a break. Some people kneel or sit and paddle. I eventually bought a seat for the paddle board from SereneLife<\/a>. Best purchase ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth Benefits of Paddle Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n