Beat the Heat...on a Standup Paddleboard or Kayak!

It's officially HOT! Let's spend a day on the water paddling SUPs or kayaks! (And earn some calories for later...Paddling is a great core workout!)

Huntington Harbor is a great place for a fun paddle, with lots of cool houses and yachts. So this is fine if you are new to it and not afraid to get wet in case of a wobble or two! Heck, it's hot, you might want to jump in the water on purpose!

You will need a decent level of fitness to paddle against the wind if it kicks up later in the day, but kneeling down helps.

The rental place also provides life jackets and some instruction with the board. Or if a kayak makes you more comfortable, you can always do that! :)

We'll meet on the beach next to OC Paddlesports (where you can rent a board for $25 if you don't have your own) and cruise through the canals, with a stop at the beaches for refreshments and a break.

Bring something to drink (adult beverages are fine!) and a snack if you want. Possibly a small towel to sit on or dry off with if you go for a swim.

Then we'll paddle our way back to the start.

And in case you were wondering, yes, there will be bathrooms available if you don't want to "test the water!"

• Since it's PCH come EARLY (9:45) to find parking!! It can take a little while sometimes or you might be walking a bit.

We'll meetup at 10:00 am to give everyone time to get their gear sorted out, put on sunscreen, get instruction, etc. We'll splash down at 10:15 in the water and start the party! If you are ready early you can paddle around just off the beach and practice your skills.

(And if you want more of a workout and have your own board, message me in the comments about meeting a little earlier at another launch location)

Afterwards, anyone who wants to continue the party can decide on someplace for lunch. There are lots of fun restaurants and breweries nearby, plus a great brunch place with plenty of shaded parking.

Or...you can continue having fun on the water! Rentals are good for the whole day.

If you're a seasoned paddler, you already know what to bring, but here are some tips for newbies:
- Get to OC Paddlesports a little before 10am if you can, to get your gear

• bring a drybag of some sort that you can put under the bungee cords on the board to hold a small towel, a cold drink or two, sunscreen, keys, phone, money, cards, etc. It will get a bit wet on the outside but should ideally keep everything dry that's on the inside.
  - If it's a homemade drybag (like just a plastic bag) or you're not completely confident about it, also put valuables in a waterproof bag or ziplock first.
  - Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  - And wear something that dries quickly just in case you get wet. If you like leggings, it's sometimes a good idea to also wear a bikini bottom under them in case you get wet or just want to take them off later.
  - Bring water
  - If you've got a waterproof speaker you like to use when you paddle, bring it along! I'll have mine playing a variety of fun tunes.

RENTALS ARE $25 and they take cards or cash
Click the link for more info on them:
OC Paddlesports