Getting stand-up paddle boarding lessons

Standup Paddle Boarding & Kayaking

The waterways on Florida’s Space Coast include some of the best in Florida for adventurers to explore by board or boat. The geography is stunning from the 72 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches to the world famous Indian River Lagoon. Outdoor enthusiasts have 20,000 acres of freshwater rivers and lakes bordered by approximately 170,000 acres of wetlands to explore by foot or boat.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

The Indian River Lagoon and Banana River are safe places to kayak and enjoy the scenic waterways and wildlife. The rivers have large populations of dolphins and manatee that many kayakers come across. There are also inland lakes and creeks that kayak guides use to take visitors on eco-tours.

The fastest growing sport in the United States is stand-up paddling (SUP). Visitors can take lessons on flat water or venture into the ocean for SUP surf lessons at Sobe Surf & Standup Paddle with Pro Standup Paddleboard athlete and pioneer of the sport on the East Coast, Girard Middleton.

Paddleboarding our waterways on Florida's Space Coast

Don't Miss Bioluminescence

Florida's Space Coast is one of the few places in the world where you can see glowing waters with activity called bioluminescence. During the summer months, the waters come alive with bioluminescent creatures called "dinoflagellates." The microorganisms create their own blue-green light, like fireflies, which creates a nice trail of glowing lights as you paddle.

Bioluminescence lights up the water on Florida's Space Coast

The best way to experience this incredible display is by kayaking or paddleboarding at night. After sunset, every movement in the water is illuminated—a manatee's wake, mullet schooling by the hundreds, even the gentle splashing made by the kayak paddles. A light rain makes the display even better, as each raindrop creates its own glowing splash.

Most kayak companies on the Space Coast offer a bioluminescence tour, so get to paddling and see a nice trail of glowing lights follow you!

Windsurfing Mecca

The Space Coast is perfect for windsurfing (or sailboarding). Even the U.S. Olympic Windsurfing Team trained here. Kelly Park East Community River Park is an internationally recognized windsurfing area on the Banana River that features a natural sailboard launch. It was here that Calema Windsurfing & Watersports hosted the largest wind surfing event in the U.S., the Calema Mid-Winter Windsurfing Festival. Calema and other providers offer lessons for visitors interested in learning how to windsurf.