Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Pura Vida Ride
Mix up your routine! That’s exactly what four of us did the other day when we went paddle boarding in the morning at Pura Vida Ride in Las Catalinas. All of us have exercise routines that lock us into doing the same activities each week, but we decided to try something different and hit the water on SUP’s.
Paddle boarding is an enjoyable sport that utilizes your core and stabilizer muscles as you balance on a large surfboard while propelling yourself across the water. The bay at Las Catalinas is an ideal spot for paddle boarding, as it tends to be calmer than the open ocean, especially on windy days. Fortunately, the weather was perfect during our outing, allowing us to paddle around the island in search of whales. Although we didn’t spot any that day, we had a fantastic time catching up amidst the stunning scenery.
One of the highlights was paddling on our dragon SUP board, which is a 22’ board that accommodates four paddlers. The staff at Pura Vida Ride were doubtful we’d make it to the dock, but we started on our knees and made impressive progress through the water. We felt like pros—until we stood up! Balancing became a challenge, and we quickly realized that everyone needed to paddle in sync for smooth sailing. My stabilizer muscles were screaming as I positioned myself at the front of the board. Every little movement from my friends behind me sent my core into overdrive. We tumbled into the water a couple of times and struggled with steering initially, but once we found our rhythm, we were gliding around the bay with ease.
Our day on the water was not only a great way to shake things up physically, but it also offered a refreshing escape from our usual routines. Paddle boarding is an incredible way to connect with nature while getting a workout, and the laughs we shared made our adventure all the more memorable. If you're looking to break free from your exercise routine or simply want to experience the beauty of Las Catalinas from a unique vantage point, I wholeheartedly recommend giving paddle boarding a try—just be prepared for some delightful splashes along the way!