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Common SUP FAQ’s
What is stand up paddle?
Stand up paddle boards (SUP) offer a fun, relaxing way to play on the water. With a minimum of gear, you can paddle ocean surf or placid lakes and rivers. Because it is a low impact and relative ease to master, paddle boarding is a popular sport amongst all age groups.
Paddle boarding delivers a full-body workout and thus has become a popular cross-training activity. And since you stand at your full height, you can enjoy unique views of everything from sea creatures to what’s on the horizon.
To get started, you just need some basic SUP gear and techniques.
What are the benefits?
Core Stability
Standup paddleboarding requires you to stand upright on the board, which requires a lot of core stability and leg strength to maintain balance.
Full Body Workout
Almost every muscle in the body is used at some point during paddleboarding.
What are the requirements to stand up paddle board?
Stand Up Paddle Board
This is by far your most significant gear investment. Your board choice is determined by a combination of paddler weight and skill, your intended use and the local conditions. See the REI Expert Advice article, Stand Up Paddle Boards: How to Choose, for details.
Paddle
Stand up paddles have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency. Choose a paddle that’s roughly 6″ to 8″ taller than you are (note: some manufacturers recommend an 8″ to 10″ differential).
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD. (You should also carry a safety whistle and use a light if you are paddling after sunset).
Proper Clothing
For cool conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit—something that moves with you and can get wet.
Leash
Typically sold separately, a leash tethers your SUP to you, keeping it close by if you fall off. Your SUP is a large flotation device, so being attached to it can be important for your safety. There are leashes designed specifically for surf, flatwater and rivers; be sure to purchase the correct one for your intended use.
Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Good News
You need just a few key pieces of equipment to enjoy SUP.
Do I need a wet suit?
For our SUP lessons it truly depends on your personal comfort level. The time of day, weather and temperature of the water can all play a part of your decision. We recommend just board shorts (shorts suitable for the water) with a long sleeve “water shirt” (a lycra or nylon shirt is great, like a biking or running shirt) for sun protection.
This is standard paddling gear, and most are surprised how warm they are when stand up paddling. With that said wetsuits are provided with SUP lessons if desired. PFDs (personal flotation devises) are also provided for SUP lessons.
How much time will I spend in the water?
We start with a 20 minute land lesson followed by one and half (1.5) hours of water time where we will put it all to practice. The SUP land lesson covers water safety, standard SUP equipment, and instructional SUP skills.
Where should I park?
-Village Public Parking is metered street parking available throughout the Village for $1.50 per hour. There is a 3-hour time limit on all parking meters in the Village.
-Beach and Village Upper and Lower Parking Lots behind City Hall offers parking for $0.50 an hour for up to 12 hours. Meters fun from 8am-8pm daily. This lot is about a 5-10min walk down to the Beach.
-Cliff Drive Public Parking is a longer term paid parking (4-hour and 12-hour) available on Cliff Drive, West of the Village. Parking costs $1.00 per hour.
-During summers there is a free shuttle that runs from the Beach and Village parking lots to Capitola Village. The shuttle is available Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10am to 8pm Memorial Day weekend through mid-September.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), Venmo, and cash as payment.
Do I need to sign anything?
All clients are required to sign a standard liability waiver form prior to getting started.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that your plans may change. With this in mind, Capitola Surf and Paddle allows you to cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time. Regardless of whether you made your reservation online or by phone, just give us 24 hours notice prior to your appointment time. Customers that cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to the full price of lesson(s) requested. If weather or waves are unfavorable, the rental or lesson may be rescheduled for a later time/date or a full refund will be issued. No-shows will not be refunded. You must know how to swim.
Deposit Policy
We require a credit card and ID at time of reservation. No charge will be applied to your credit card unless there is an additional service or damage to the equipment.