No, you do not. While more advanced paddleboarders will go faster and have more balance when paddleboarding, first timers can pick it up with ease. Paddleboarding is minutes to learn, a lifetime to master. We also offer paddleboard lessons for beginner paddleboarders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a good amount of time to go paddleboarding for?
This varies from person to person. Most of our tours are 90 minutes long which seems to be a good length of time for tours. Some tours are 2 hours. Paddleboarding is energy intensive, some people do it for their daily exercise (you will see why), so its usually good to do it for as long as you normally exercise for. You can always take it easy too, go slow and make lots of stops along your route for those all day renters.
Do I have to carry the paddleboard far?
No, our paddleboards are located right at our launch site, so our paddleboard guides will put the boards in the water for you at our launch dock and you can start paddling right away. No heavy lifting required.
Where are the hot spots in Fort Lauderdale?
There are a few hotspots right near or departure point that are great spots to hit on the back of a paddleboard. First off, the Millionaire’s Row homes are right along the banks of the Intracoastal from our location and to the south. This is a great trek of water to cruise down with lots to see. Also, the sailboat anchorage here at Las Olas Blvd is an iconic spot of beauty to see from sea level aboard a paddleboard. And of course, the Fort Lauderdale sandbar is one of the best party spots in all of Fort Lauderdale on just about any sunny day there is. Lots of restaurants and bars to hit up too including Coconuts, 15th Street Fisheries, Southport Raw Bar, Pier 66’s Pelican Bar and Grill and many others.
Can kids come paddleboarding?
Yes, kids can come. Kids under 14 years old will have to share a paddleboard with their parent. Only 1 child passenger per adult/board. Kids over 14 can paddleboard themselves. Parent consent and liability waiver are always required.
Can the paddleboards hold a wheelchair?
Our paddleboards cannot safely hold a wheelchair and maintain stability.
How choppy are the Intracoastal waters?
The beauty of the Intracoastal waterway is that there are no waves. While a passing boat may offshoot a boat ‘wake’, all the area that we paddleboard through is a ‘no wake zone’ so boats should not be pushing a boat wake and should be travelling slow. We don’t have control over other boaters though, so always be prepared if a boat throws a wake toward you while you are paddling by.
Can we paddleboard on the ocean?
Yes. In addition to being at the absolute best spot to paddleboard in the Intracoastal waterway, we are also right next to one of the ONLY places you can launch paddleboards into the ocean. There is a $5 fee and we can walk the paddleboard right over to the ocean for you to paddleboard on the open sea.
What happens if I damage the board or loose the paddle?
Don’t damage the boards or loose your paddle. If you do, you will have to pay the damages or you will have to pay for the lost paddle. Our boards are strong and tough, so unless you crash into something really hard, you shouldn’t damage the boards.
Do you have parking?
Parking is a commodity on the beach. Under most circumstances, we will not have parking for you. There is a public parking lot across the street from our marina with parking available for $1.75 per hour. If you can, take an Uber to get here. It’s cheap, fast and that way you can have a few beers too. Bonus!
What other activities are there to do at your location?
We also offer drift boat fishing, private sportfishing charters, parasailing, waverunner rentals, small boat rentals and more. What are you looking to do? We have an activity booking center here at our marina that can recommend the best and most fun activities to do in Fort Lauderdale. Come by and see all there is to see and do in Fort Lauderdale.
Do you offer Kayak rentals too?
Yes, kayaks are available for rent too. We have single person kayaks and double occupancy kayaks available. Availability on kayaks is limited so make sure to call ahead and reserve them.
Do you need a license to paddleboard?
You do not need a license or boater’s card to rent a paddleboard. Anyone can rent a paddleboard from us.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
No, you do not have to wear it. While wearing life jackets is recommended by the US Coast Guard, paddleboarders do not have to wear one while they are paddleboarding. It is required that there be a life jacket aboard the paddleboard for each occupant, but it can be stowed in the tie down aboard the paddleboard.
What if I can’t swim?
Then you must wear a life jacket. You can usually stay aboard the paddleboard without falling off. If you can’t swim, make sure you make the paddleboard employees aware of that fact.
Should I bring my camera?
Yes! You will see some awesome sights that you will want to get photos of. The million dollar houses, the mega yachts, passing boats and boaters, the wildlife and let’s not forget the sandbar, are all great sources of good pictures. If you bring a camera (or use your phone), make sure it is in a totally waterproof container. We have waterproof iPhone cases that can be purchased which make a great case for your phone where you will still be able to take photos and it will keep it perfectly dry.
What should I bring with me on the paddleboard?
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen (or lube up before the trip), some drinks (beer?), and a camera or your phone. Make sure anything you bring will float if you tip over.
Can I wear my bathing suit?
Yes. A bathing suit is actually the perfect outfit to wear while paddleboarding.
What should I wear?
Wear something cool and something that you don’t mind getting wet. A bathing suit is a good outfit to wear just in case you fall in the water or want to swim at the sandbar.
Can 2 people paddleboard on the same board?
2 adults cannot paddleboard on the same board. An adult with a child under 14 can paddleboard together on the same board.
Can I drink or bring alcohol with me on the paddleboard?
Yes you can. A few beers is fine to bring with you and drink while aboard the paddleboard. You must stay within the legal limits to operate a vehicle though, so don’t get hammered.
Do I need to sign a waiver to go paddleboarding?
Yes, all renters and attendees of our paddleboard tours must sign our liability waiver in case you hurt yourself. Don’t hurt yourself.
What kind of wildlife will I see on the paddleboard?
You may see pelicans, tarpon, manatees, iguanas and some rare species of birds.