Stand Up Paddle boarders should take boating safety precautions
Regulations regarding paddleboards and PFDs vary depending on the circumstances. If a paddleboarder is in a swimming, surfing or bathing area, the PFD is optional. It is required equipment beyond those instances.
Those who knew him said was as good as they get.
“He was a very strong paddler,” said Darry Jackson, who sells stand-up paddleboards out of his shop, Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park. “He was in great shape.”
But when Comer, a 50-year-old from Tampa did not return from a stand-up paddleboard trip near Egmont Key last weekend, his friends were left to only guess what happened.
This much is certain: The avid waterman had gone out for a paddle near Egmont Key on Saturday. His paddleboard, along with his wallet and car keys, was found near the north entrance of the Manatee River late that evening. His vehicle was found at Fort De Soto County Park, and Tampa police checked his residence.
“The weather was pretty nice, but later that afternoon a storm came blowing through,” Jackson said. “It was probably pretty rough out there.”
The U.S. Coast Guard scoured local waters for two days, covering an area roughly the size of Pinellas County, before abandoning its search Monday evening. Comer’s body has still not been found.
Inexpensive lifesaver
Even experienced paddlers can fall off their board when the seas get rough. And once you are in the water up to your chin, it is often difficult to see above the waves.
“And when you do fall, you tend to push the board away from you,” Jackson said. “And when the waves are big, it can be hard to find the board again.”
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the nation’s fastest growing water sports. Paddlers stand atop a board that is similar to a surfboard and propel themselves across the surface with a long paddle. Bill Jackson’s sold three times as many paddleboards last month as it did the same time period one year ago.
Unfortunately, many of those who are new to the sport don’t think much about safety.
A board leash, which keeps the board attached to the paddler at the ankle, is relatively inexpensive, but it can be a true lifesaver, especially in open water.
“We don’t know if Jeff had a leash or not,” Jackson said. “But I do know that if I planned to paddle across the mouth of Tampa Bay, I would definitely be using one.”
Board leashes cost between $12 and $35. If the water is flat calm, the leash can be coiled up on the deck of the board, where it is out of the way. “But if you are going to paddle open water, you need a leash,” Jackson cautioned.
PFDs for SUPs
Many paddlers don’t know whether the regulations regarding personal flotation devices apply to paddleboards.
Should a stand-up paddleboard be treated like a surfboard, no PFD required? Or are the oversized paddleboards more like kayaks and canoes, a mode of transportation, and therefore subject to applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations?
After much discussion, Michael Schenker, a local paddling instructor, put the question to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Stand-up paddleboards are classified by the U.S. Coast Guard as a vessel,” wrote Brian Rehwinkel, the FWC’s boating and safety awareness coordinator. “The only exception would be if these paddleboards were used in a swimming, surfing or bathing area.”
As a result, basic boating safety equipment requirements apply, which means one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket “onboard” for each passenger on the paddleboard. In Florida waters, any child under 6 years of age would have to wear a life jacket while the vessel is under way.
Lisa Novak, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard in Washington, concurred: “The Coast Guard has determined that beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing or bathing area, a paddleboard is a vessel, and therefore subject to applicable regulations.”
Paddleboarders should take boating safety precautions – Tampa Bay Times.
Fort Lauderdale Water Jetpack Flying
So you want to fly like James Bond in a jetpack, try Zainojet in South Florida!
Welcome to Water Jet Pack Flying by Zainojet. For an exhilarating flying experience ZainoJet promises to provide you with a breathtaking flight experience on a state-of-the-art watercraft that meets aircraft.
With Flights scheduled daily in Fort Lauderdale , Boca Raton and Miami Beach , you could become your own pilot within minutes. With obvious reasons, safety is a priority and they are committed to training and development on a routine basis. Book your flight today and be one of the first to enjoy this exciting adventure. Happy flying!
Book your water propelled Jet Pack flight here and receive a $50 discount.
Zainojet offer 3 locations to choose from.
Bahia Mar:
801 Seabreeze Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Click Here for Google Map
Across from the beach at the Bahia Mar marina
Marina Mar:
3100 East Oakland Park Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Click Here for Google Map
Next to Shooters off of Oakland Park Blvd
Eden Roc Marina:
4525 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Click Here for Google Map
Charter boats are across the street from the Eden Roc Hotel
Need paddling? Stand up paddle surfing & boarding
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale’s Official Stand up Paddle Boarding Services City Partner!
Goals of Concession
Paddles and Boards Inc. started its operation by founding the first Paddle boarding Club in Florida. Our members have enjoyed the professional and courteous service during our outings, demos, private lessons and eco tours.
Our Commitment is to continue operating with the same level of personal care and safety by introducing the fastest growing new water sport in the world to the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Our goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle and build an active community. By making this sport available to the masses, we will allow our participants to enjoy a magical experience referred to as “Walking on Water”.
The benefits, which are available to a much larger demographic of people in comparison to other water sports, are cardiovascular health, a strong core workout, relaxation and a total balance of mind and body.
Join our community and rent paddle boards for only $40 all day Monday to Friday
Paddles and Boards has been providing paddle boarding lessons and free demos and tours in South Florida since 2008. We are also the organizers and creators of the only Florida Paddle Boarding Club with approx. five hundred members and growing. P&B Inc. offers lessons which will give our clients an excellent foundation into the sport and teach them the skills needed to get started.
Instructors
The company is fully insured, and maintains the highest reputation in facilitating healthy, positive and safe paddle boarding experiences for the customers. All instructors have been well trained and have the experience to responsibly care for adults and children. The goal is to create an amazing paddle boarding adventure and give a healthy bonding experience for families and groups.
Join our community and pay $40 for 6hr paddle board rental Monday to Friday
At PaddlesandBoards.com we pride ourselves on customer service. If you have any questions concerning any of our products please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@paddlesandboards.com
Paddle Surfing, Paddle board, Paddle Surf, Sup Stand up paddle surfing & boarding.
Paddleboard yourself to six-pack fitness
Paddle boarding, an ancient form of surfing, is gaining popularity as a high-intensity, low-impact platform for group fitness classes from calisthenics to yoga.
Experts say it may feel like walking on water because paddle boarding works on the flat water of a lake or pond and doesn’t involve waves.
“A paddle board is basically a surfboard that’s thicker, more buoyant, so it can hold you standing up in flat water,” said Scott Bumbalough, founder of Maui B’s Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
“For fitness classes we take a one-hour lap around the lake,” he said, which in this case is Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando, Florida. “Buoys are placed at intervals and at each buoy we do an exercise such as squats, push-ups or squat thrusts on the board.”
Bumbalough encountered paddle boarding, which probably dates from ancient Polynesia, while living in Hawaii, where surfers used it to train when the surf was down.
“It’s a high-intensity, low-impact workout,” he said. “The class probably works about 85 percent of the muscles in body.”
Bumbalough said he brought paddle boarding to Florida in 2007. Since then it’s spread throughout the nation as a hugely popular sport that can be done anywhere there’s safe water. Peace, serenity, and six-pack abs are among the many benefits that have accrued to Nani Sadowski, a health-care consultant, since she started exercising on the paddle board two years ago.
“I prefer yoga on paddle board because you have to focus that much more on your balance,” said Sadowski. – Reuters
Paddle-board yourself to six-pack fitness – The Star | IOL.co.za.
Keys Stand Up Paddle board fishing with Josh Ardis
Last week I took the Dragonfly paddle boards down to the Keys to fish with friend Josh. Josh is a hardcore offshore captain down there and has taken interest in fishing inshore the last couple years. Since I wanted to get a Tarpon using the paddle board what better excuse to take it down to the keys than to demo the board for a friend.
I had all my gear with me but the winds was just not conducive for going after tarpon via stand up paddle board. We went to plan B, which was to fish sheltered area and see if we can come across some fish.
Like most people he was hesitant about fishing from a SUP because the fear of falling. I assured him if he had half way decent balance it would be a breeze. After about 10minute of paddling it was 2nd nature to him. We to fight some winds to get to our spot but once there we were greeted with calm crystal clear water.
Due to looking into the glare, we spooked a few fish heading over there. This was very promising indeed. We decided to work the mangrove and split up until we found fish. It wasn’t too until Josh screamed “fish on!” in a super excited voice. I made my way over and Josh, on his first cast with a DOA shrimp I gave him(casting it on a over size rod) get a really nice red fish.
We saw several more schools for red fish and Josh on his 2nd cast lands another one on the DOA shrimp again. I opted to stay with fly rod only and could not get a good shot so no eats for me. After the tide came up the fish scattered and we called it in for lunch.
We decided to relaunch for baby tarpon later but the water was so high they all underneath the mangroves. We did get a chance to get Josh’s girlfriend on one for a quick demo. Like Josh, she was hesitant at first but picked it up right away. I think after this experience there will be a couple more paddle boards in the keys soon.
Keys Stand Up Paddle board fishing with Josh Ardis | Saltyshores.com.
Informed sources report the paddle boarders have no respect for other mariners.
Responding to complaints from jet ski tour operators, Florida Fish & Wildlife officers have aggressively increased their presence at popular paddleboarding spots, to initiate a ‘no tolerance’ policy regarding any infractions. “We’ve had reports of paddleboarders harassing the jet skis—racing intimidatingly towards them and generally making a distracting spectacle on the water,” said jet ski operator, “Smitty” Smith, “when our clients are feeling threatened, we lose business and demand protection.”
Informed sources report the paddleboarders have no respect for other mariners, or even aids to navigation. “They just paddle wherever the hell they want, ignoring channel markers and even going in water too shallow for real watercraft,” Smith tattles. “Some even dive off their boards and go for a swim.”
Marine Patrols are on the lookout, writing tickets as fast as they can tally offenses—all in the name of maintaining order on the seas. Former Commodore, “BJ” Jones explains, “It’s our right to go out drinking and fishing without having to look at them paddling around aimlessly. But when they start with that paddleboard yoga, well someone has to draw a line.”
Paddleboard Crackdown | Mile Zero Key West.
So you want to work your core and get in shape? try paddle boarding
So you want to work your core and get in shape? Join the fastest growing water sport in Fort Lauderdale. Paddles and Boards located in Fort Lauderdale Florida is Fort Lauderdale’s Official Paddle Boarding Services City Partner. Ranked #1 in South Florida 5***** rating! Offering Lessons, Rentals and Tours 7 Days a week. Paddle on Site or pick up and go. Join the club community and rent Paddle boards in Fort Lauderdale for $40.00 all day. (offer is for Monday to Friday 6 hrs rental all gear included)
JOINT THE CLUB and call for reservations at: 1-877-STOKED4 paddle boarding! (877-786-5334)
The benefits, which are available to a much larger demographic of people in comparison to other water sports, are cardiovascular health, a strong core workout, relaxation and a total balance of mind and body.
LESSONS
Paddles and Boards has been providing paddle boarding lessons and free demos and tours in South Florida since 2008. We are also the organizers and creators of the only Florida Paddle Boarding Club with approx. three hundred members and growing. P&B Inc. offers lessons which will give our clients an excellent foundation into the sport and teach them the skills needed to get started.
Check out our location: REVIEWS and COMMENTS
Great time. Searched around until we found the quiet spot on the intercostal waterway to take our first lesson. Mario was easy to deal with and made the whole experience alot of fun. Lots of quick tips made handling the board easier than I expected. Great core workout also.
- Nov 20, 2011Mario has a way of making you feel comfortable on the paddle board. Navigating in the moonlight is a definite “to-do in Ft. Lauderdale”. Can be a romantic date or just relaxed paddle experience. You will love the experience…I did! Thanks Mario-Monica
- Nov 13, 2011Wow! So much fun….what a great way to see a little more of Fort Lauderdale. I can’t believe how easy it is, once you are on and get comfortable you are set. Anyone can paddle board, it is nothing like surfing…which takes so much time to learn. Mario gives great tips and pointers and sends you on your way feeling confident and ready to go. Thank you so much, we had a great time.
- Nov 13, 20115 STARS… LOVED IT!!! I went for my first time, a bit nervous, and was quickly calmed down. I was given great advice and tips by Mario (the owner) before starting, and successfully completed one hour WITHOUT falling in!!! I had a blast and got a workout all at the same time!!! I would recommend ANYONE to do this!!!
- Oct 27, 2011What an outstanding way to be outside, on the water and get some exercise! I have horrible balance, but through Mario’s (the owner) instruction I was able to paddle around and felt confident by the end of the private lesson. Very easy-going and super cool owner! What a great time, would recommend to anyone at any age level!! Thank you Paddles and Boards!!
- Oct 3, 2011This is a fun activity that is easy to learn and offers a good workout. Paddles & Boards is a great place to start, because the launching point is at a calm spot on a river in Ft Lauderdale. There’s opportunity to do more challenging paddling, but no need to throw a beginner into a difficult spot on his or her first try. Owner is very friendly, articulate and kind. I am definitely going to do this again next time I visit Florida! -Emily
- Sep 20, 2011Awesome! I booked a private lesson for a group of friends from the UK and we had a blast. None of us had ever paddled before, but our instructor/guide Mario walked us through everything so easily we were up and on the board in no time. It was both a great work out and a relaxing experience at the same time. I am booking another group of friends to go out again this week. I can’t hardly wait. See you on the water!
- Sep 18, 2011Had a blast, fun and relaxing! Thanks Mario!
- Sep 12, 2011what a great experience, it was so easy to find information on the website, easy to find the location, easy credit card transaction right there on the spot, I absolutely enjoyed it, I was trying to find a hobby and I think I found it 
Thanks!
- Sep 12, 2011I purchased a semi-private lesson for my wife and I for her birthday and WOW, was it perfect. Starting with how easy it is to find you, we were out of our car and into the water within minutes. I purchased a semi-private lesson for my wife and I for her birthday and WOW, was it perfect. Starting with how easy it is to find you, we were out of our car and into the water within minutes. We loved how you used your ipad to do your business work – very hitech! You made our first experience with paddleboarding a perfect one. The weather held out for us, your explanations on technique were right on the money, and we got a great feeling that you were enjoying each and every minute. We took to it pretty quickly and we have not stopped telling our friends about our experience. Plan on seeing a lot more of us. Thank you for making my wife’s birthday a memorable one. We’ll see you soon. Rick
I had an absolutely peaceful hour cruising on the paddleboard on Sunday morning. A great way to start the day. Thanks for the opportunity and the friendly service.
- Sep 12, 2011My wife and I wanted to learn how to paddleboard for some months now. We took a one hour session with Mario and it was very much fun and worth it. Thank you Mario.
- Oct 30, 2010Good times First time paddle boarder and it was a ton of fun. It was a great event for my girlfriend’s birthday. We will definitely come back with friends.
- Oct 18, 2010What a great time!!! there is no greater fun than to go out on a board and experience florida’s beautiful water sports than SUP. Mario does great job teaching and guiding and tailoring your experience. Absolutley one of the funnest things I’ve done. Nice job Mario and Cristina!!
- Oct 18, 2010My new addiction! Perfect to take on the boat!
Oct 15, 2010Excellent Fun Sport!!!! I went to George English Park not knowing what to expect. Once there, I was received by Mario & Cristina and wow! What a great time I had. Not only they are professional and they catered to each participant skill level but they make it easy and fun. Mario even took professional pictures that he emailed right away to us. This week we will be back for some more fun with my friends visiting from Germany.
- Oct 15, 2010Thank You Mario Thanks for getting me sooooo stocked!! Thanks for giving me the chance to learn by allowing me to use your boards and paddles. You have the best equipment. It is a pleasure to help now others to experience this great activity and your location in Fort Lauderdale is the best and safest place to learn, to rent boards, to join in on a great tour along the Middle River. Keep up the fantastic job you are doing for our comunity. You da best!!!!
Oct 15, 2010Surf’s Up! Paddleboarding has been a great new experience for me. I have always loved being out on the water so this was a natural fit for me. SUPing is so versatile – I have enjoyed the paddling a lot and it has also opened up another avenue that I thought I would never experience – surfing! Last winter’s waves gave me that opportunity. What a blast! Fell off more than I stayed on but it was an awesome experience. Mario was a great help in learning the basics and also in offering advice, equipment, etc. Can’t wait to get back in the water! Hope to see you all there soon! Take Care..
- Oct 15, 2010Excellent sport & great location! I’ve been paddleboarding at George English Park several times, each time bringing a new friend(s) with me, and ALL of us had a blast. The first time I went, we took a group lesson, and Mario is patient, friendly, and fun. The whole experience was very enjoyable, and I look forward to trying it on the ocean the next time. Mario also takes professional quality pictures for you, which is an added benefit at no additional fee. Others who saw the pictures on Facebook were impressed and would like to try it as well! I highly recommend trying it out–you will get addicted, though! Additionally, it’s centrally located; I drive down from Palm Beach County, and have friends in Dade & Broward meet me there, so it works out perfectly. Thanks so much, Mario!
- Oct 15, 2010Lots of Fun I have been to Mario’s location several times to paddle board. It is always a lot of fun and Mario does a great job working with you especially if you are a beginning like me.
- Oct 12, 2010Great experience! My girl and I took a couple boards out this weekend at the location on Sunrise. Awesome! I’m a pretty big dude (6’6″ 270lbs.) and didn’t get the hang of it for about 15 minutes–a long time when you’re jumping up on a board and falling right off again! But Mario stuck it out with me and kept giving me good advice and feedback on my technique. I eventually got it, and it was great. I will definitely go out again. Thanks Mario!
- Oct 12, 2010Fun way to stay in shape, experience the splendor of the ocean! Mario, I want to thank you for introducing me to the great sport of paddle boarding. You have been a very patient teacher.
- Oct 11, 2010Paddle-boarding at its best Had an awesome experience Paddle-boarding with Mario, he’s a great instructor. Hoping to get back real soon to enjoy this great adventure again. I advise anybody out there who has not given this great water sport a shot, to give it a try. Get out there and see for yourself. You might just get hook like I did. Cheers, Carl
- Oct 11, 2010Family fun Thank you Mario for showing my son & I how to Paddle board. We had lots of fun in the ocean while living in Florida. Now that we live in Québec, we enjoy our Paddle boards on our beautiful lakes. Its a great sport that all the family can enjoy! Great choice in the boards you sold us! We love them! Thanks a mil! Caroline xx
- Oct 6, 2010Great Event! Mario, Thanks for helping out with our group of Veterans. You were patient and generous, as usual. We’re looking forward to our next event. Veterans Retreat
join the club here: $40 day Rental CLUB
www.paddleboarding.com
Paddles and Boards
paddle boarding m y s e a s t o r y
i have to confess hard core water sports are not my thing, but then, most of you know that by now! but i do enjoy living by the sea and doing stuff water and beach related.
so i was really excited to try paddle boarding a couple of weeks ago. have you tried it? at first i thought i was going to get bored, it looks so slow and repetitive. i went with three friends and surprisingly we had a great time. we exercised a little, explored the canal and houses around it and even chit chatted with each other. it felt kind of relaxing too!
if you’re in provo and want to give it a try, contact nautique sports, they have plenty of boards to rent and will give you some tips on how to get started. i can’t wait to go back!
picture via pinterest, please share the source if you know, would love to give proper credit.
paddle boarding | m y s e a s t o r y.
