On your knees first
You head out lying on the board, which is the most stable position. From there you move to your knees and learn to paddle and turn that way.
Stand-Up Paddle Board · San Blas, Nayarit
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding, no experience necessary. Playa Las Islitas in San Blas is the ideal place where you can learn the basics and paddle a scenic route around the rocky islands and coves.
At a glance
Cost
$55 USDPer person
Duration
2 hoursOne session
Level
BeginnerNo experience necessary
Where
Las IslitasCalm water, protected bay
Prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
Stand-up paddle board lesson details
In a single session you can enjoy paddling a paddle board. There are no waves to read and none to paddle for. You get on the board, find your balance, and start moving.
That makes it a good fit for someone who has never done a board sport, and for the days when the sea is flat or there are no surf lessons.
Step by step
Nobody stands up right away. We start on the sand with the safety points and paddling technique. Then we get on the board, find our balance, and start practicing.
You head out lying on the board, which is the most stable position. From there you move to your knees and learn to paddle and turn that way.
Once the board feels steady, you stand up. The water at Las Islitas has little swell, so your balance is the only thing on your mind.
With your balance and the paddle sorted out, the rest of the lesson is moving: islands, palm trees, and calm water.
Where you paddle
Paddling on calm water leaves you free to take in the scenery. Playa Las Islitas is a series of sheltered coves with rocky islands and palm trees, and from the board you see up close what you cannot make out from the beach.
Testimonials
The best surf experience
“He’s super patient and enjoys teaching, not just the techniques to surf, but also the theory behind the teaching.”Val
100% recommended
“The instructor is very patient. He explains everything in a way that is clear. I would come back again. It was a very good class.”Raquel
The best surf instructor
“The best surf instructor. He has all the patience and the vibe for the classes. I’ll always come back every opportunity I have.”Fernanda
Reviews translated from Spanish.
What it includes
Bring your bathing suit, a towel, and water. The rest is provided for you.
All the equipment you need is provided. You only bring your bathing suit, a towel, and water.
You do not go out alone. The instructor is in the water beside you for the whole lesson.
The lesson is at Las Islitas, a sheltered bay without much swell.
Other options
Stand-up paddle boarding is practiced on calm water. If what you want is waves, these are the options.
1 day · 2 hours
Two hours of instruction will give you the very basics and an opportunity to ride some whitewater waves. You will finish the lesson with a better understanding of what it takes to surf.
Read lesson details
2 days · 6 hours
Two lessons in two days. The first day, we cover the basics. The second day, we focus on practice.
Read camp detailsFrequently Asked Questions
No. The lesson is meant for someone who has never been on a board, and you start on your knees before trying to stand up.
No. In surfing we go into the swell with the goal of riding waves. In stand-up paddle boarding we look for calm water to develop your balance and paddling skills, and to enjoy a quiet activity.
Yes, the surf lessons are in the ocean, and while we start in shallow water, for safety, you do need to know how to swim.
You will need your bathing suit, a towel, and water. The surfboard, the leash and the rest of the equipment are provided for you.
Las Islitas sits inside Matanchen Bay, sheltered from the open swell, so the stand-up paddle board lesson can usually be given even when there is swell. If the swell is very big, or conditions are not appropriate, the lesson will be rescheduled.
Contact us
Contact us for Stand-up paddle board lesson availability.
Contact us