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Dana Point Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

Dana Point locals embrace the active lifestyle that comes along with living in this idyllic Southern California beach town. Aside from surfing—which is the pinnacle of watersports—kayaking and paddleboarding in Dana Point are two of the most popular ways to get off the beach and onto the water.

Kayaking

You’ll find that a paddle board and kayak, Dana Point’s most popular watercraft, are easily available to rent all throughout Dana Point. Aside from surfing—which is the pinnacle of watersports— these are two of the most favored ways to get off the beach and onto the water.

Dana Point locals embrace the active lifestyle that comes along with living in this idyllic Southern California beach town. That’s why they live here. Kayaking in Dana Point allows people of all ages to experience a salty adventure on the Pacific Ocean. It’s common to see whole families kayaking through the harbor together—mom and dad each in their own kayak paired with one of the kids. It takes everyone away from their phones and into the moment. Kayaking is also a great way to get out for a fishing excursion. Bring your rod, hooks and tackle and fish for halibut and bass. Dana Point Harbor is the most popular spot for launching kayaks thanks to the local rental shops and the calm waters to make it a breeze to get comfortable paddling around.

Woman Kayaking Outdoors Sports

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddle boarding, sometimes called SUP or simply paddle boarding, combines the art of balance with the sheer bliss of gliding atop the water. Standing on top of what is essentially a large surfboard, paddle boarders use a long paddle to propel themselves through the water. In Dana Point, paddle boarding gives you a chance to get a workout on vacation while exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Southern California coastline.

Dana Point Harbor is a great hub for paddle boarding. For those new to the sport, launching at Baby Beach is a good idea. Get your sea legs on the calm waters before heading out into the Pacific Ocean to get a new view of the harbor and beaches.

If you’re looking for a truly unique paddle board experience in Orange County, iHeartYoga hosts SUP yoga classes out on the water—no paddle board or yoga experience required. The unique 90-minute paddle and yoga workshop, offered in partnership with Westwind Sailing, combines thirty minutes of paddling with an hour of yoga practice on the paddle board. You’ll engage new muscles, make new friends and if you fall, no worries! The water is refreshing.

Beach Paddleboard Friends Women

Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals

If you’re from out of town, chances are that you’re not lugging your paddle board or kayak to Dana Point. And there’s no need to. Local shops offer rentals at reasonable prices, so anyone can take a spin. Looking for a tour? Expert Active provides tours led by expert guides.

Kayaking Sports Outdoors

Pure Watersports

Pure Watersports’ Dana Point location offers Hobie kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and INT surfboards for hourly or daily rental. That means that you can just show up and talk to the people at the front desk to get a paddle board–or make a reservation in advance.

Pure Watersports also offers a variety of premium kayak rental options including single, double and fishing kayaks. As a one-stop shop for many watersports in Dana Point, you can also rent jet skis and purchase spearfishing equipment.

Westwind Sailing

Located on the docks at the OC Sailing & Events Center, Westwind Sailing’s paddle boarding and kayaking rentals are right on the water. Just take advantage of the free parking and walk in to rent your equipment. No reservation required. Everyone can paddle board or kayak even if you’ve never done it before. Westwind Sailing offers dockside instruction, paddle board or kayak use and life jackets within the cost of a rental.

Killer Dana Surf Shop

Killer Dana Surf Shop offers surfboard SUP rentals and beach chairs to use at Baby Beach.

Dana Point Marina Inn

For a paddle board specific vacation, check out the Dana Point Marina Inn Sleep & Paddle package which includes all-day SUP rentals and more with your overnight stay.

Many Dana Point resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort also offer paddle board and kayak rentals for guests. Be sure to inquire with the front desk of your hotel in Dana Point to find out what you have access to right on the resort grounds.

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