Discover stand up paddle boarding

Have you ever wanted to walk on water? Welcome to the wonderful world of stand up paddle boarding! If you haven’t had the opportunity to stand on a paddle board yet, then it’s probably time for you to discover why this is one of fastest growing sports in the world! 

For me, paddle boarding is bliss. When I step onto a paddle board, the muscles of my entire body engage as I try to find balance on the board while rhythmically paddling the board forward. My mind is cleared of the stresses of daily life and is focused on balance and rhythm.  I love the sensation of my mind and my body becoming united in a state of gentle exertion and tranquility. Though my paddle board now feels like an old friend, it’s surprising to me that I’ve only been enjoying this sport for a year.

My family and I have been compared to the Swiss Family Robinsons. My parents and I own and operate the Tailwind jungle lodge— a collection of treehouse-like bungalows on the Mexican Pacific. We’ve been running the lodge for several years now and, not surprisingly, water sports are a passion that we love to share with our guests.

Last year we began hearing about stand up paddle boarding (SUP). On a whim, we decided to buy a few used SUP boards and add them to the Tailwind jungle lodge toy collection.  After our first day of playing around with the SUP boards, my parents and I couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces.  We quickly found our balance and discovered that paddling around on flat water was simple, relaxing and delightful.  We discovered we could stretch, do yoga and sunbathe on the board, and we even brought our yellow lab Pancho out on the boards with us! 

Though we enjoyed the tranquility of paddling on flat water, our real epiphany came when we got brave enough to take our new big boards out on the little waves.  Within hours, my parents and I found ourselves catching wave after wave.  Bliss and adrenaline!

The thrill of catching a little wave on a paddle board is something I will never get tired of. Gone are the days of struggling to stand up on a little surfboard.  We now stand proud on our big paddle boards and with a few paddle strokes, we’re happily riding long beautiful waves.  Imagine, riding waves together as a family!

Needless to say, my family and I will be playing around on our stand up paddle boards for many, many years to come.  Come on down to the jungle and join us sometime! You’re in for a treat.