Downwind Paddle Boarding in Santa Cruz

If your Santa Cruz activities this weekend include paddle boarding Santa Cruz, we suggest doing a downwind stand up paddle from Santa Cruz beaches to Capitola beach.

What is downwind paddle boarding?

You might be wondering, “What is Downwind paddle boarding?” Well, there are a few different ways to enjoy the sport -touring, surfing, racing, and downwinding. Downwind paddle boarding is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon paddle boarding Santa Cruz. With the wind at your back you will be surprised how little effort it takes. You’ll be able to see Santa Cruz and Capitola from a completely new vantage point.

When to go downwind paddle boarding in Santa Cruz?

During the Summer months in Santa Cruz (June, July August) the prevailing winds blow out of the North West. These winds blow across the water from Santa Cruz beaches towards Captiola beach. The further you drive towards Santa Cruz the more you get to see on your downwind Santa Cruz paddle boarding adventure.

This sounds awesome, let’s go!

When you’re ready to go you can rent a few stand up paddle boards from our Capitola Beach rental trailer in Esplanade Park. Next, drive yourself (and your friends or family – the more the merrier!) across town to any Santa Cruz beach, park the car and drop your boards in the water. Then leisurely paddle your way past the Santa Cruz Harbor towards Blacks Point. Make sure to keep a look out for sea lions and harbor seals along the way. Once around Blacks Point you’ll be paddling along the beach and surf spot at 26^th Avenue. The kelp beds of Pleasure Point will be just ahead of you. Once around Pleasure Point, the Hook at the end of 41^st Avenue, will be in sight. Once around the Hook the Capitola Wharf will come into view. Once you arrive back in Capitola you can drop your Stand Up Paddle boards back at the rental trailer and catch a ride back to your car. Fun and easy for everyone to be paddle boarding Santa Cruz.