Learning how to stand-up paddleboard is easier than it looks. At Portofino Island Resort, the sheltered waters of the Santa Rosa Sound create one of the most beginner-friendly settings on the Florida Emerald Coast. With the Gulf on one side and the calm Sound on the other, our Pensacola Beach resort gives paddlers protected, scenic water just steps from their door.
For guests staying in our luxury Pensacola Beach condo rentals, you can find a paddleboard rental right on the resort property, so you can wake up, grab your gear, and be on the water within minutes.
Visit One of the Best Places To Paddleboard in Florida
The Santa Rosa Sound is what makes Portofino Island Resort such a rewarding place to learn how to stand-up paddleboard. Sheltered from the open Gulf by Santa Rosa Island, the Sound stays calm and shallow for long stretches, giving beginners the steady, predictable water they need to feel confident. Mornings are especially serene when the water lies still, and the only ripples come from your own paddle. Along the way, you may spot dolphins, wading birds, and other coastal wildlife near the edges of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
How to Stand-Up Paddleboard: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to stand-up paddleboard takes only a few minutes of practice. Once you have your board and paddle from Portofino Island Resort, follow these simple steps to find your footing:
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Find your balance on your knees. Get a feel for how the board moves and take a few paddle strokes before standing.
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Rise one foot at a time. Place your feet where your knees were, shoulder-width apart, and stand slowly with your knees slightly bent.
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Look at the horizon, not your feet. Keeping your gaze forward helps you stay steady and balanced.
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If you lose your balance, simply fall away from the board into the water and climb back on. The calm Sound makes it easy to try again until standing feels natural.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga on the Sound
Once you feel steady on the board, stand-up paddleboard yoga is a rewarding way to take the activity further. If you would rather build your foundation on land first, the Portofino Fitness Center offers yoga and Pilates classes with views over the Sound. For tips on transferring your yoga skills from land to the Emerald Coast waters, REI’s Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga Basics is a great resource.