Are you planning a beach vacation? Are you looking for something special that makes your vacations memorable? If your answer is yes, then look no further and hire SUP & kayak rental service. 
 
There are plenty of places that offer SUP & kayak rental service. But to get an amazing experience, you need to choose the best one that suits your needs and budget as well. At a resort, you lounge on the beach and see people surfing. Although the sport seems thrilling, you are unsure of your readiness to jump into something so demanding. Stand-up paddle surfing, or SUP surfing, is one style of surfing that is becoming more and more popular.
 
What Is Stand-Up Paddle Surfing?
 
Basically, the sport is what it sounds like. You paddle through the sea while standing on a surfboard that looks like a kayak. You have a lot of control over your movement thanks to the paddle, and being upright provides you with a terrific perspective of the waves around you.
 
Stand-up paddle surfing is both very new and very old. Modern SUP surfing and other techniques were created to give surfers a better perspective and more control, but they have now blossomed into their own sport.                                           
 
What Kinds Of SUP Surfing Are There?
 
Hardcore surfers who wanted to catch the larger waves were the first to adopt stand-up paddle surfing, and it is still an excellent approach to reach the greatest waves more quickly and ride them more safely. Instead of using regular surfboards, many surfers use stand-up boards. People soon realized, though, that, unlike traditional surfing, SUP surfing doesn't require large waves in order to be enjoyable.
 
For beginners, paddle surfing is a simple method to get on the water. If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to ride the waves. Many people find happiness in simply paddling leisurely and taking in the water. The lake contains numerous locations with flat waves that are ideal for this style of paddling. The biggest waves are accessible to surfers, and the paddle helps them maintain control while doing so.
 
Which Tools Do You Need?
 
To start SUP surfing, you don't need much beach gear bikes electric. You obviously need a board first. Although some people use regular surfboards, experts advise using boards made for stand-up paddle surfing instead. You also need a paddle, and again, a specialized SUP paddle is preferable. Third, a leash is necessary to keep you and the board safe in case you fall off (and you will get it a few times). Finally, a personal flotation device is a necessity whenever you are on the water.
 
The Bottom Line:
 
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hold your camera, put up your goggles, and make your vacations unforgettable. 

I have a confession to make: we now have in stock, brand spanking new, custom, Mad Beach Paddle Sports paddle boards, for sale to the public. Why should you care? Why should this be of interest to you? Because it's 2020, and there's always a story to go along with the freak show that is the Covacalypse. It's been dang hard to buy a SUP this year! Why is that?

What me and my family now call the 2020 Death and Destruction Tour the polite people in the media call a global pandemic. The infection rate continues to climb and unemployment is rampant. There's protests in the streets over systemic racism, mask requirements and election results. In the midst of this turmoil, news outlets across the country have sounded the alarm on an unintended consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Fox News Business, 76% of Americans have averaged a weight gain of 16 pounds since the shut-down, and 63% of Americans surveyed after the shut-down was lifted have admitted that they are now prioritizing weight loss to counteract the gains they incurred during the early days of the crisis.

Which brings me back to my original question. Why is it so hard to find outdoor equipment, or any exercise equipment, these days?

For those of us @madbeachpaddlesports, the answer was not immediately clear. We have always strived to offer the best equipment possible to our guests. To that end, we typically purchase new stock about once a year and sell our used inventory. Our goal is twofold. First, to offer our customers the best, and, secondly, to sell our used stock while it's still in great shape to avoid unpleasant customer calls after the sale. Pretty straightforward plan, don't you think?

In 2019 one of our most reliable vendors was running a sale, specifically, offering free shipping, which was HUGE. We get wholesale pricing but the shipping was no joke: 14 foot box, anyone? So, even though it hadn't yet been a year, we jumped on it and placed our order. Fast forward to 2020. The pandemic is upon us and though we hadn't been shut down yet, the writing was on the wall. We start our hard push to sell our used boards. Unlike previous years, it's a breeze. What used to take weeks now take mere days. In fact, there's such a demand that we buy even more SUPS to resell at a modest profit.

Welcome to Spring Break 2020. The weather is perfection. This is our month. Our money month. The month I have to remind my partner about come September and we're twiddling our thumbs. Since, dear reader, you lived through it, you know where I'm going. Like the rest of the country, we're shut down. To keep our heads above water and the staff on the payroll, we start selling our inventory, confident that when the pandemic is over, we can restock and move on.

When we are allowed to reopen, I place a replenishment order with my fave vendor and they go silent. Crickets, man. I order with another vendor that we've used before only to find that they didn't receive the stock they had hoped for and were no longer selling to wholesalers. Hoped for? Wha? So, I call my third vendor, my backup, the-boards-are-decent-I-can-live-with-them-vendor. No reply. Nothing. This stings on a personal level as I thought we were friends. He grew up in the same town as I did in Cali. (Ok. Yes. I did have a mini fantasy that surfer dude and and I would hook up but that's not the point of this post. Focus, people!)

Having received no explanation for these shortages, I did what many people do and turned to the internet. (Because, ya know, if it's on the internet, it must be true.) The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on June 26, 2020 that the, "Coronavirus shut down outdoor gear factories across the U.S. and Asia for months." Speaking to the issue of sporting equipment shortages, Scott Yule, of Fitness Showrooms in Long Island, NY, said, "It's across the board. It's everything...I've been doing this for 23 years and there's nothing to compare it to." (Newsday, 8/11/20) Poppy Nour of the Guardian noted, "It looks like workout equipment in the new toilet paper." (June 11, 2020)

Bored yet? I'm getting there! Stay with me! The bottom line is that many companies, afraid of the financial impact of the pandemic, placed reduced orders. Add to that the spike in demand for anything that can get people outdoors, and you have a recipe for finding yourself at a big box store wondering if you should buy the cheap inflatable SUP, knowing you're going to have to pump it up every time you use it. For those of you still awake, the conclusion is this: nobody bought enough, out of fear. Then everyone wanted something, out of fear. Except, @madbeachpaddlesports, BECAUSE I SPENT THE LOCKDOWN DRINKING AND SHOPPING LIKE A NORMAL PERSON, and had custom boards manufactured that are badass and the best we've ever had. It took me six months and copious amounts of Tequila, but they're here and they're beautiful! And, if you want one and you live locally, you're in luck. And if you want one and you live out of state, you can still buy one but you have to pay for shipping. (14' box :)

I'll leave you on this note. Don't make decisions out of fear. (I know, that is HILARIOUS!) Lastly, the best quote I've read during this whole crazy year is from Darren Bush, of @rutabagapaddlesports, in Morona, WI. "Business is just life, with accounting." Damn, Darren. You're a sage.

​Be safe, everybody. And buy a board!

Picture this: it's springtime in St Petersburg, Florida. The shorebirds and gulls of Florida's Gulf Coast sing their sweet tune, awakening you to the bright, blue sky and the crystal clear waters that meet it at the horizon. It's sunny and 75 degrees, and the sound of the waves lapping against the powdered sugar sand beckons you outside; but what should you do? If it's spring time in 2020, a paddle board adventure might be the perfect experience for you.

Whether booking a tour or renting some boards for your own excursion, a paddle board trip is a great way to experience the beauty and richness of Florida's Gulf Coast.  If you're not sure where to go, then look no further, because we have compiled a list of the 4 best paddle boarding spots in the Madeira Beach/ Treasure Island area-just don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

1. Eleanor Island
Located right off the shores of Madeira Beach, Eleanor Island is an alluring mangrove island the serves as a nature preserve and bird sanctuary.  While human contact with the actual island is forbidden, the shallows around the island are a great place to stop, take a break and observe the numerous species of birds that call Florida home.  Additionally, for those that have a hankering for the supernatural, Eleanor Island is said to be haunted.  As the story goes, some local fisherman  dug up some human remains there is the mid-19th century.  They continued to dig to find hidden treasures, thinking that the island could possibly be an old Indian burial mound, however broken pottery shards and bones were all they were able to uncover.  Presently, some locals say that they have seen mysterious green lights around the area where the bones were found. Haunter or not, this spot is a definite must-see location on your paddle board excursion.

2. Little Bird Key
Another dazzling location for nature lovers, Little Bird Key is a small island north of John's Pass that houses numerous species of birds, including Brown Pelicans, Black Crowned Night Herons and Roseate Spoonbills. This is another bird sanctuary that won't disappoint. Park your SUP or kayak in the shallow grass flats and observe the lush mangroves of this bird foraging habitat. Who knows? You might even encounter a dolphin or two!

3.  John's Pass Sandbar
The John's Pass Sandbar is a personal favorite. Prior to the current social restrictions implemented by the CDC to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 coronavirus, it was a great place to relax and mingle with family and friends and other friendly beachgoers. With the restrictions in place, it's still a great spot as long as there are few people around and you're maintaining the required 6 foot distance from others.  If the appropriate social distancing measures are being adhered to and you're able to camp out for a bit, don't forget to pack a cooler!  As always, safety first! So be wise and use your best judgement.

4.  Archie's Island
Located in Boca Ciega Bay, Archie's Island got its name from a local dog who absolutely adored it.  About 12 years ago, Archie's family started taking him boating around the island, and every time he would excitedly jump off the boat and swim to the shore.  Archie loved the island because he could run around freely, and his family erected a cement sign on the island giving it his name; ever since, the island has become known as Archie's Island.  Unfortunately, Archie passed away in 2017 at the age of 13, but his family still enjoys visiting the island and considers it a memorial to their beloved four-legged friend. Archie's Island is dog friendly, and whether you have four legs or two, this spot is a great place to soak up the sun or play in the water like Archie.

Until next time...we'll see you on the water! 

It's raining today so I'm in the office instead of on the dock.  I been poking around online today and found our page on Apple Maps, which is supported through YELP.  I noticed a new review.  It's a 4-star rated review.  I'm happy with the review and rating, but it makes me wonder why YELP shows this 4-star rated review while it hides fourteen 5-star rated reviews. I'm not very happy about it.

In the beginning I reviewed myself... Now I know better.  I mean, the review was true.  We offer great, flexible  service and quality equipment, but of course it's biased.  I'm not gonna leave myself a bad review.  So I get it, that review is hidden on YELP.  But what about some of these?

Umm... Am I missing something?  What is wrong with this review?  Why does YELP 'not recommend' this review and then refrains from showing it to our potential guests?

I don't know Victoria.  I don't remember Victoria from Minnesota.  I didn't ask Victoria to leave us a 5 star rating. I just know that Victoria from Minnesota had a good time renting a two-person kayak in the morning on a different side of Treasure Island.  She took the time to write about it.  And YELP took the time to delete it.

This one looks like another legitimate review.  This person has reviewed 24 business on YELP.  Can someone tell me what review policy this violates with YELP?

I'm not understanding what's wrong with this one.  It seems reliable to me.  She has 5 reviews on YELP.  She's active on YELP and the quality seems fine to me.  Why won't YELP let others see this?

I read this review and I actually impressed myself.  I helped these ladies enjoy several experiences on their vacation.  I figured that the tourists reading YELP reviews would choose to come to us instead of the rest because of our excellent service like this example.  Then I log back into YELP and I see that it is 'not recommended'.  Well now it's visible.

Nothing impressive to note here, just an easy kayak delivery for the week.  What's your problem YELP?

This seems like another wonderful, detailed, legitimate review from a very satisfied customer.

Another one.

Have you used our services?  
Take a minute to write a quick review on our YELP page.  
​Let's see what happens.

​https://www.yelp.com/biz/mad-beach-paddlesports-treasure-island

The take away is don't trust YELP for reviews don't give them money to advertise your business, and, oh yea... we offer great service too.

Via Electric Scooter

It's 2019. We are packing more power into smaller spaces, and the lithium ion battery in the Xiaomi Mi Scooter will power you up to a speed 15.5 mph and take you a distance of 18 miles, on a single charge.  It weighs about 25 pounds and it easily folds in half.

Sunset Beach is at the South end of Treasure Island.  You will pass by Caddy's On The Beach.  It's a great little restaurant right on the sand.  Order some food and dine on the top deck, or reserve some chairs and an umbrella on the beach.  Work on your tan for a bit, then hop back on your E Scooter.  

Scoot over the bridge to Mastry's.  It's a little local brewery located on Blind Pass.  Food trucks often park outside so you can grab a bite here too.

Get off of Gulf Blvd. and scoot the side roads toward Upham Beach.  Relax in a chair under an umbrella, get in a game of beach volleyball, or cool off in the Gulf.  There are restrooms and refreshments at The Paradise Grille.  

The Trade Winds Resort in St. Pete Beach is another potential stop on the route.  Have you watched the show 'Tanked' on The Discovery Channel?  They built an aquarium in Rumfish Grill, one of the resort's restaurants.  Check out the YouTube video here.  Then check it out in person after you stop by on your E Scooter.

The Undertow provides beach access to a few volleyball courts.  If you couldn't find a game at Upham, you can probably find one here.  

The iconic hotel is at the North end of Pass-a-Grille.  Stop in for a cone of Working Cow ice cream.  

You're at the end of PAG.  You can see Shell Key, a small island in the nature preserve.  Sign up for a paddleboard or kayak tour with Mad Beach Paddle Sports and we will take you to the private island.  ​Or reserve a boat from Treasure Island Boat Renatls and venture out on your own.  They are under new ownership and the new guys are great.  Ask for Cameron.

If you haven't had anything to eat yet, or you are determined to be a glutton and order something from every place along the route, Sea Critters is your next stop.  With a relaxing atmosphere and outdoor seating along the bay, it's a good place to order an 'almond crusted grouper sandwich.'  When you're not traveling on a scooter you can arrive by boat.