Sunscreen is an absolute must these days for anyone spending time outside, but did you know that the type of sunscreen you choose can have a significant impact on the health of our oceans, reefs and aquatic life? And while the market may be flooded with cheap sunscreens laden with toxic chemicals, there are still good options available that will safely shield you from UVA and UVB rays and also help to keep our oceans healthy.
Read MorePaddle Sports Center runs a lot of special tours that take advantage of the magnificent landscape and natural resources of Santa Barbara (like our Full Moon Paddles and our History & Wildlife Tours), but our most unique and breathtaking tours would be our paddling trips to the Gaviota coast, North America’s largest coastal Mediterranean ecosystem and southern California’s last section of undeveloped coastline. What better way to experience the amazing flora and fauna than from just inches above the water, gliding along in a kayak? If you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience the last frontier of California's unblemished beauty, you simply must experience the Gaviota Coast.
Read MoreOne of the most satisfying aspects of running Paddle Sports Center is that it gives us the opportunity to give back. We are often involved in projects like beach cleanups and safety trainings, and we hold regular events that educate and involve our community. We’re always looking for more ways to spread our love of the ocean and grow our tribe. For the past 8 years, we’ve been partnering with a fantastic local non-profit to share resources and create programs that get more people exposed to the benefits of being on the ocean. We wanted to let you know what we have going on this summer, and give you a closer look at our partner and their outstanding work with youth in our community.
Read MoreToday, the Waterfront is Santa Barbara’s crown jewel - a prosperous fishing industry, a busy harbor bustling with boats, gentle surf perfect for water sports, beaches stretching up and down the coast, shopping, restaurants and tourist attractions for all ages. It also has a long history rich with Maritime culture and a few individuals whose influence changed Santa Barbara forever.
Read MoreAdam Nagler is one of the most astoundingly determined and meticulously health conscious people you’ll meet in the harbor. He’s been a part of Santa Barbara’s local community for the last 18 years now, and a dedicated Paddle Sports Center Member. Coming from the “big city” lifestyle and growing up in New York, the community in SB surprised him. It has been a refreshing change of pace and an important inspiration to him.
Read MoreThe word calls to mind many things. To proceed readily. To have smooth continuity. To hang loose and billowing. To deform under stress without cracking ---used especially of minerals or rocks. Or, “flow” can be a particular way of thinking and feeling, more than anything else. It’s liquid quality leaks looseness, portraying it’s peaceful properties, calling to mind sheer seaside serenity.
Read MoreIt was late June and a warm night was about to fall. I had let the rest of the staff go home and I stood behind the counter, counting the sales for the day. I heard a group coming through the back door and looked up to see a gaggle of guides, mermaids and friends mosey through the back door. They shouted their hellos and set about socializing and putting on gear. I watched the group from the safety of my well worn shop stool and started to pack up for the day. I hiked my backpack up onto my back when the co-founder of CIO asked me where I was going. With a matter of fact tone I told him, “home” to which he replied something along the lines of “suit up”. They were heading out for a group paddle on the full moon and I could not have been more thrilled to be invited. Unprepared to paddle at night, I had not brought along a white waterproof light, so became paired in a tandem with a new friend.
Read MoreStand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is for everyone. Well, it can be for everyone. Sadly, there are those who become deterred after their first paddle and sign off on the ocean sport. So what exactly goes wrong for that percentile of potential paddlers? Is it the cold wet element or the sore muscles the morning after? There are countless reasons this comes about, but what it boils down to is the sport is more technical than it looks. If you have never stand up paddled before, then you my friend, are a beginner. I have accumulated the top mistakes I see new paddlers make in order to give you a jump start on your paddling experience.
Everyone knows that with regular exercise comes a slew of health benefits ranging from weight loss to lower cholesterol and feeling more energized. Not everyone knows that you can amp up all those benefits by taking your workouts to the ocean. Paddling on the water ties in the sun, the ocean vibes, a full body workout and a relaxed state of mind. Here are five reasons you should be adding paddling to your workout plans.
Read MoreStand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP) has vastly grown in popularity in recent years. With this surge of interest and ease of accessibility to rent or purchase a board, a large volume of people are experiencing the ocean from various skill backgrounds. While the majority of our renters are members who frequently paddle, we still find a significant amount of paddlers that come to our shop are first time SUP'ers. When Paddle Sports Center first brought kayaking to the Santa Barbara Harbor in 2001, it was met with strong resistance. Our business taught a large volume of lessons in the early years as newcomers became familiar with kayaking.
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