Paddle boarding continues with good weather

  • Published
  • By Ilka Cole
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin continues to bask in summer fun due to warm temperatures and its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. 

One way base families take advantage of Florida's humid subtropical climate and location is to try a new water sport.

The 96th Force Support Squadron's Outdoor Recreation Center will host paddleboard events at their bayside location known as Post'l Point this month. The first is a full moon paddle Oct. 8 at sunset and the second is a sunrise paddle Oct. 17 at 6 a.m.

"Paddle boarding is the newest water sports craze out there right now," said Damion Jones, the program director of the Outdoor Recreation Center here. "It is a gratifying and enjoyable outdoor water sport."

The sport is appealing to all ages and every fitness level, he said.

"It's the art of surfing without the waves," said Billy Gartman, a certified paddle board instructor with Eglin's Outdoor Recreation Center.

During a two-hour paddle board clinic in September, led by certified instructors, 10 participants took a short walk to the shoreline with the required safety gear, a paddle and a whistle to experience the sport for the first time. 

"I loved it.  It's so much fun," said Tina Eagle, a first-time paddle boarder. "It's relaxing and not stressful. I really think anyone can do it."

After hearing about weather and water current effects, the group got into the shallow water for instruction on how to mount their boards. 

Before long, all the participants found their sea legs.  One by one they stood up on their boards to sail, using basic paddle strokes.  The last part of the clinic wrapped up with the practice of board recovery techniques, followed by an hour of free paddle.

Stand-up paddle boarding provides an up close vantage point from which to observe the abundant marine life and the picturesque scenery this area has to offer, according to Jones. 

Any given day on the water paddlers might see schools of minnows, trout, red fish, sting rays and sea turtles at the grass flats at Post'l Point, he said.

"There hasn't been a single sunrise paddle event that we didn't see a pod of dolphins," said Jones.

Outdoor Recreation plans to offer more group paddle board clinics this fall and winter, depending on water temperatures. Private lessons are also available.

Throughout the year, 24-hour paddle boards are available for rent; $10 an hour or $30 day. They may be taken off base.

For more information on activities at Outdoor Recreation, call 882-5058.