“I want to try that,” is the statement I have made every time we passed a group of paddle boarders this summer. I finally went looking for a place to give it a try. I came across SUP2U Rentals (Stand Up Paddleboarding to You). The locally owned and operated business runs out of Kings Landing Park. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards for a reasonable amount. For only $25 you get the rental for two hours. You also receive life vests to wear, a dry pouch for your phone/keys, and how to tips from owners Jackie and Michael.
SUP2U Rentals runs their season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They will extend that as long as weather permits. Jackie and Michael carefully watch the weather conditions to ensure the safety of their renters. If there is a 30% chance or more of bad weather they stop rentals until it’s safe again. We were lucky enough to have a perfect day for our first time paddle boarding.
So we geared up and got ready to head out. Jackie and Michael loaded up our paddle boards on their truck and met us at the launch site. After a few pointers, we were out on the water. We decided to head over to the Cocktown Creek.
Paddle boarding was easier than I expected it to be. It does take balance and coordination, but if you can walk than you can paddle board! While out on the water we passed another paddle boarding couple that was headed back to shore. We waved passing each other feeling the common bonds of our paddle boards beneath us. As they passed us, conversation still going, my husband quickly learned that looking back is not a good paddle boarding move. After falling off his board (and me laughing at him hysterically!) he was back up, and ready to continue our experience.
From that point on we enjoyed the calm of nature. We saw fish jumping, turtles poking their heads out of the water, and birds flying all around. It was time to head back before we knew it. Two hours was the perfect amount of time for our first time out. If you are looking for a longer trip you can choose a 5 hour rental for $50 or the all day rental (9am-7pm) for $100.
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Jackie’s Tips for First Timers:
- Come ready to get wet
- Wear a bathing suite
- Don’t forget the sunscreen, you will burn quickly with the reflection of the water
- Sunglass are a must
- Be ready for a fun time!
I am so glad that we gave paddle boarding a try. I know we will return next season to SUP2U for another great experience.
http://www.sup2urentals.com
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Main Image Credit: Courtesy of Jackie @ SUP2U Rentals