Spring time is here, time to get out and paddle! A few Palm Beach County Paddle Board spots from North 2.
Well it's that time of the year again, spring time and summer are right around the corner. Here are some local South Florida, Palm Beach County, Stand up Paddle Board spots that will get you out on the water!
Here at N2 headquarters in the Boynton Beach/ Delray Beach area, we are lucky to have great paddle board weather year round. In South Florida the water activities including SUP never really stop, although spring time brings out more locals again as well as tourists that flock to our warm beaches to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. At N2 we paddle year round and here are some of our favorite spots.
1) Delray Beach Public Beach, 10 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483.
There are several pay per park lots along the A1A stretch of Delray's Public Beach, Including lots where you can use credit card ("Marriott" lot, located on the NW corner of the Marriott hotel, Sarah Gleason Park, Sandoway Park, Anchor Park, and Atlantic Dunes Park). Also you can park along A1A using quarters in traditioal meter parking, and coming soon we have heard you will be able to use your credit card at these A1A meters as well. Right now the rate is $150/hr. of parking. Keep in mind there are two "recreational" areas on Delray Public Beach (During regular "guarded" hours) that you're allowed to lunch and land water craft, including Stand up Paddle Boards. The very north end of the beach, just past the "North 2" lifeguard tower you'll see a sign that shows the recreational zone just north of the sign intself, also on the very south end of the beach near "kite beach" you'll have the same recreational zone. Some great surf can be found along this stretch of beach, and is recognized as one of the best surf sports in all of South Florida. Also bring along your snorkel mask and check out the wreck of the SS Inchulva located about 150 yards off the south end of the beach. SS Inchulva Wreck
2) Ocean Inlet Park, 6990 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435
Free parking, but get there early on the weekends to secure a spot! For some great flat water paddling, put in at the little sandy beach area just west of the park entrance. Make sure you have your PFD (personal flotation device) with you if you're going to paddle in the intercostal per the USCG regulations, you definitely don't want to ruin your day with a fat ticket from a LE officer. Also a good idea to have a good quality surf leash attached to you at all times for safety. You can paddle north, past the inlet that goes out to the ocean, and around and along "Beer Can Island." There you'll find a great sandbar that becomes fully exposed on low tide, and is a popular spot for boats to anchor and hangout. I have seen bonefish, spinner sharks, and lots of other sea life in this area. Or paddle south and hug the coast under several bridges that will bring you out to a large mangrove forest that you can explore. Look for manatees here during certain times of the year. You can also walk across the street and paddle out in the ocean. Just south of the inlet, from about 30 to 150 yards off shore you'll find lots of rock reef to explore to free dive. For surfing, when the swell is big enough, surf the sandbar break that pops up just to the south east of the inlet itself and about 80-100 yards off shore. Head-high 100 yard rides can be had here when the time is right! Make sure you watch for incoming and outgoing boats if you're prone or paddle surfing here.
3) Lake Boca (Silver Palm Park), 600 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Free parking, but limited. Make sure you're a strong paddler before getting into this area of Boca Lake, especially if you plan to paddle against the strong tidal current which at times becomes very strong through the bridge underpass of E Palmetto Park Road. Great place to put your paddle board in and explore the lake, and if you time it close to high tide, the water will normally be crystal clear. Paddle north into Lake Wynman and see lots of wildlife along the way.
4) Lake Ida Delray Beach (Lakeview Park), 1100 Lake Dr, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Great place to get a flat water paddle in. Free parking, and great place to practice your SUP paddle techniques and fitness. I tend to keep to the banks of the lake as I travel north or south to avoid the boats and jet skis that like to utilize this local Delray gem. You can paddle south west and make your way into the canal that you can take and explore Delray neighborhoods by water. During the week it sees very little motorized water craft use, but the weekends can get hairy in there for people looking to get out and do some SUP.
5) Peanut Island (Riviera Beach, FL), 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
The great thing about Stand up Paddleboarding is that ability to use your SUP as a platform to do other fun things like paddle-snorkeling! Head up to the West Palm Beach, FL area and check out Phil Foster Park. Free parking here allows you to launch your board and head about a 1/4 miles south to explore the water around the famous Peanut Island. The only way to access the island is by watercraft. You can spend a couple hours walking and exploring the island which has a lot of interesting history, including a cold war fallout bunker for past president JFK. Just off shore of the island are some awesome rock reefs that are home for thousands of tropical fish, so don't forget your snorkel mask!
