With things opening and closing at different stages, it was a challenge to find fun summer activities with my kids; ages 10 and 12.
Until I discovered the magic of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
With all our various bays and diverse shoreline, San Diego is a perfect place for paddleboarding. And if you go early enough, parking is easy, the water is still, and you also get some exercise out on the water.
The following are my top 2 choices to go with kids, along with my top choice for more experienced paddlers.
- Sunchaser SUP and Yoga (831-277-8367)
Not only is the location ideal to get from your car to the water, with the calmest waters for beginners and kids, but the price is just right at $20/hr rentals. If you need a rental during the week, they are quite accommodating, just give them a call, and they’ll even give you a short beginner run through.
This location has been by far my favorite for the kids. My son is a pretty strong paddler, but given my daughter is not so much, she can sit in front of me while I paddle. The boards are big and stable enough to practice yoga if you like, simply ask to rent an anchor.
And on that note, they also teach SUP Yoga classes, their schedule is on the website.
I like that the water is easier to maneuver and without many obstacles like boats/jet skis/etc in the early morning.
Across the bay from Sunchasers is the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, with its own parking, and a variety of rentals available. You pay about $28 for 2.5hr rental. You just need to purchase rental tickets online and come in with the barcode. They sanitize boards/paddles and have a pretty smooth-running operation.
The only caveat is that if you go on the weekend or a bit late, all the boats are out, and this can be a challenge for beginning paddlers. Maneuvering the boards that were provided was not easy. The kids still had a blast. My daughter even managed to stand on her own board for a while!
3. SUP Coronado (619-888-7686)
Now this one is by appointment only, but the location is amazing. You get to paddle under the coronado bridge! Just make sure you go early (7/8am) to avoid too much activity. The water feels much heavier when paddling so I would not recommend it for beginners; you will get a workout! It cost $40/2hrs a rental and their boards are all ISLE boards—which are the best quality and local (San Diego company).
What has been so wonderful about paddleboarding is that you can maintain social distancing and still enjoy some time on the water and in the sun.
So get out there and get salty, San Diego Mama!
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