Glide through Florida

Being born and raised in Florida has led to some amazing opportunities to get on most of the waterways throughout the state. From the crystal-clear, 72-degree fresh springs to the salty coastal mangroves and the endless turquoise horizons of the open ocean, Florida is an absolute paradise for stand-up paddle boarding. Whether you are looking for a serene wildlife encounter or a challenging coastal adventure, the state of Florida has some amazing places to paddle. Read on as I share a few of my absolute favorite spots — and the gear I trust to make every session unforgettable.

1. Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)If you want to experience the magic of Florida's natural springs and spot manatees, Silver Springs State Park is a must-visit. The water is famously clear, and the park is rich with history—it was actually Florida's first tourist attraction."Silver Springs State Park is our top pick and favorite spring to paddleboard with manatees. We had the most intimate encounter with a couple of manatees on our last paddle trip there. The water is so clear and the paddle trails are well marked." — [Outshine Adventures][.

2. The Banana River Lagoon & Thousand Islands (Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral)For those who want a mix of calm waters and abundant wildlife, the Banana River area on Florida's East Coast is perfect. Paddling through the mangrove tunnels in the Thousand Islands offers a peaceful, shaded escape."Launch from Ramp Road or Manatee Sanctuary Park and snake your way through mangrove tunnels and open lagoons. Shaded, calm, and brimming with wildlife, this area offers a little bit of everything: natural beauty, easy navigation, and a beginner-friendly pace... Early mornings are your best friend. That’s when the wind is lightest, the water is glassy, and wildlife is most active." — [Epic Boardsports][2]

3. The Loxahatchee River (Jupiter)Designated as Florida's first National Wild and Scenic River, the Loxahatchee offers a completely different vibe. Here, you paddle under a canopy of ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, immersing yourself in the wild, untouched beauty of South Florida."Sweet smelling swamp lilys, creepy Spanish moss, spongy pink bunches of snail eggs and stumpy cypress knees... figuring them out is part of the mystery and fun when you paddle on the Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River." — [Jupiter ]

This featured Product:

This cup holder attaches nicely to any SUP keeping your beverage secure. A must have for those warm sunny days in Florida!

https://paddlesupplyflorida.com/products/floatsup%C2%AE-cup-drink-holder