Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour & Lesson

Stand up paddle boarding, often abbreviated as SUP, is one of the best ways to explore the pristine waters and estuaries of Costa Rica. Just as the name sounds, stand-up paddle boarding involves standing upright on a board that looks similar to a surfboard, using a long paddle to navigate tranquil bays, estuaries, and other waterways similar to how gondoliers steer their boats in Venice, Italy.

SUP begins by sitting astride a board and then heading out into the water. When the time is right, participants stand up and then use their guide pole to steer and navigate some of the most beautiful natural areas of Costa Rica’s coastline. Because these waters explored via SUP are very calm and tranquil, SUP is suitable for people who have little to no experience in more challenging sports like whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking, or surfing. However, for those interested, one can also catch waves with a SUP which involves similar mechanics to surfing but the paddle replaces the paddling. Many enjoy this as a second option to surfing.

Once of the best places to enjoy SUP is on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The area in and around the Manuel Antonio National Forest includes creeks, estuaries, tranquil bays, and mangrove forests that are completely inaccessible by land. But with SUP, visitors can easily explore these natural wonderlands. And because SUP involves no noisy motors, visitors can get up close and personal with the wonders of nature, including exotic wildlife and colorful tropical bird species.

SUP is one of the fastest-growing water sports on the planet because it offers a comprehensive workout. Instead of sweating in a stuffy gym, SUP allows participants to get a great “core” workout of their shoulders, arms, torso, and back while enjoying the great outdoors in Costa Rica. And few experiences can compare to finding a quiet spot to jump off the board and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio Surf School and Camp (MASS) offers both stand up paddle boarding trips in Costa Rica as well as SUP surfing lessons. All tours begin with a comprehensive coaching lesson provided by experienced local professionals, including how to use the board, practice sessions in the water, and a full explanation of safety techniques. SUP is recommended for visitors of all ages who want to explore the waterways and rich coastal areas of Costa Rica in a new and exciting way.