Mission Bay in San Diego, California is a bustling hub of activity where commerce, defense, and recreation not only meet, they walk – um… sail… motor… paddle – side by side. While the waves in southern California are often world class, sometimes, like anywhere else, they just aren’t. When that happens, surfers look for other things to do while still staying in (or on) the water, and many have recently turned to stand up paddle boarding. For those who don’t surf but love the water, stand up paddle boarding has become the fastest growing water activity in the US in recent years.
There are no fewer than ten SUP and kayak rental and sales outlets in and around Mission Bay. Places like Sunset Point, Dana Point Park, Quivira Basin, and South Cove are perfect spots to paddle board and spend a day on the water. There are parks with shade palms and picnic tables ideal for eating or relaxing, as well as marinas that provide excellent launch points for paddle boards. The flat, calm waters of the Mission Bay Channel between the Ingraham Street and Mission Bay Boulevard bridges are an ideal spot to try paddle boarding for the first time or to hone your expertise or give yourself a great low impact workout.