Santa Cruz Paddle Boarding

Where Are The Best Places To SUP In Santa Cruz?

• New Brighton State Beach: You can head east toward New Brighton State Beach and paddle out around the kelp beds. Kelp beds provide shelter for many species of fish and all sorts of other marine animals. 

• Capitola Beach: Head west past the Capitola Wharf toward Pleasure Point during high tide to check out what locals call the Napali Coast of Capitola. There are many secluded beaches that are accessible only by Stand Up Paddleboard or a boat at high tide.

Soquel Creek: During the summer, the Soquel Creek is the perfect setting to go exploring on a Stand Up Paddleboard. You will  pass under the Stockton Bridge and Union Pacific train trestle on your way up the creek. Keep heading up creek and you’ll get to Capitola’s famous Shadowbrook restaurant. Soquel Creek is a nice quiet alternative from the waves and wind of the ocean.

• The Santa Cruz Harbor: This is a great area for beginners. The beginner paddler can stay within the harbor checking out all the beautiful boats while the more adventurous person can make their way out past the harbor entrance and into the open ocean of the Monterey Bay. 

• Cowell’s Beach: Stand Up Paddling near Cowell’s Beach is a popular location for beginners. At this Santa Cruz beach, you will more than likely share the area with seals, Kayaks, surfers and open water swimmers. Possibly even a whale or two if you’re paddling during the right time of the year.

We offer stand up paddle boarding lessons and rentals daily. If you have any additional questions about paddle boarding in Santa Cruz, please contact us at Capitola Beach Company.