1st Timer Guide to Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island
If you've ever wanted to try stand-up paddleboarding, what better place to do it than while vacationing here on Anna Maria Island?
Enjoy the warm Gulf waters and gorgeous bay as you explore the natural beauty around you. The scenery is beautiful, and catching a few waves and swells is thrilling as you paddle along the coast.
While most people might simply want to paddle around the beaches and enjoy the crystal clear waters, nearby are also wild Florida mangroves to explore for a completely different experience. The diversity you can find on Anna Maria Island makes it such a great spot for paddleboarding and other water sports.
Stand-up paddleboarding is an excellent way to get in shape and have fun at the same time, and the best thing is that all you need is a body of water, which is included in your stay with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.
What Is Paddleboarding & Why We Recommend It
Paddleboarding is a sport where you'll stand on a flat board, similar to a surfboard, and use a paddle to move yourself around. You can think of it like canoeing — just standing up!
The amazing part of paddleboarding is that because it is so much fun, you don’t feel like you are working out. It is an amazing core workout, and it isn’t hard on the joints like running. You get a full body workout using all your muscles to balance on the board while staying in a constant squat to steady yourself. Plus, you also work out your arms, shoulders, and back while paddling.
It’s like paddling while standing on an exercise ball for two solid hours, and you don’t notice how much of a workout it is until later that day/night and you start to feel it in your arms, abs, and thighs.
Let’s look at the best spots in AMI for paddleboard rentals.
Paddleboard Tours & Rentals
AMI Paddleboard
When you’re ready to go, we suggest AMI Paddleboard.
You can book standup paddleboard rentals and tours as well as kayak rentals and tours directly from their website. All rentals and tours are on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Florida.
AMI Paddleboard offers lessons, tours, and board sales, providing great service and products. They specialize in teaching first-timers how to get the hang of things while keeping everyone dry and making sure everyone is having a great time.
They also offer private paddleboard parties, corporate “board” meetings, and paddleboard adventure trips. They have boards from 9 - 14 ft to suit 50 lbs - 350 lbs and guarantee that everyone can learn to paddleboard.
A few of the tours they offer with their expert guides are:
- Mangrove kayak & paddleboard eco tour
- Happy hour tour
- Paddleboard yoga
- Day rentals & week rentals
Beach Bums
If you're planning to rent a paddleboard in Anna Maria Island and go on a solo adventure at your own pace, Beach Bums AMI is another popular rental company offering board rentals at great prices.
In addition to paddleboard rentals, the friendly and knowledgeable team also offers lifejacket rentals and a little extra guidance if it's your first time
Beach Bums also offers free delivery to Bayfront Park, which is a great place to paddleboard. From here, you can access Tampa Bay, see wildlife in Bimini Bay, and enjoy views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and City Pier. Alternatively, your boards can be delivered to your vacation rental if you'd prefer.
There are several stand-up paddleboard rental options available, all at competitive prices:
- Four hours – $55
- One day – $75
- Three days – $125
- One week – $215
- Two weeks – $400
*Prices listed at time of publication. They’re subject to change.
Our Top Tips for First-Time Paddleboarders
If this will be your first time paddle boarding out on the open water, keep reading for our top tips for how to get the most out of your adventure:
- Start on your knees – Paddling on your knees to begin with is a great way to perfect your paddle technique and get better at balancing, so don't feel as though there's a rush to paddle standing up.
- Focus on the horizon – You'll likely be tempted to look down at your board, but keeping your eyes on the horizon can be a huge help if you're having trouble staying balanced.
- Paddle with your core – It should be your torso that rotates when you paddle, rather than your arms bending. Think about the paddle scooping the water with every stroke, and this should help with your technique.
- Use a leash – Keep yourself safe in the event that you fall off by attaching the board to your ankle or calf with the board's leash. By doing so, you can be sure that the board won't float away and leave you stranded.
Will You Try Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island?
Standup paddleboarding is the perfect way to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Florida coast. At the end of a great day on the water, you'll relish coming home to a modern, comfortable vacation rental. Browse our range of stunning properties today.
