Are You In Your YOLO Era?

I want to share some inspiration from one of our newest students, Michelle.

She’s embracing 2025 as her YOLO era, and I’m loving it, and literally here for it!

Her dream is to connect with the ocean and one day paddle alongside a whale (sound familiar?). In fact, paddling with whales and dolphins is one of the top reasons people join our classes and tours.

But, she has no prior ocean experience and limited paddle experience and she’s working to become a more confident swimmer.

Fortunately, we’re perfectly positioned to help make these dreams come true.

We have an ideal learning environment at Mother’s Beach for beginners and training sessions, plus a very special spot at the North Channel Jetty at the end of Marina del Rey penninsula.

There, you can practice launching through waves in what we call the “kiddy pool” of Santa Monica Bay.

Did you know that if you live in LA, you have access to one of the only places where you can launch into the ocean behind the protection of a sea wall?

This is THE place to practice your wave timing in gentler conditions. Then, when whale migration season comes, you’ll have the skills to venture out where you’re most likely to spot them—probably in areas without a sea wall.

But by then, you’ll have the confidence and abilities needed, and with our guidance, you can live your best paddling dreams.

After all, you only live once, and you happen to live where you can make the most of that on a paddle board!

But while seeing a whale is a great goal to have (and one you should definitely do!)…

Here is one more goal that will help you improve your life (on top of improving as a paddler)…

YOLO Era! Check out Michelle’s fun video during her recent out with us!!

There are so many other paddling goals you can YOLO your way into—like getting an AMAZING low-impact workout.

Here’s the thing: after your first few paddles when the initial jitters wear off, basic SUP strokes (the “bunny stroke”) aren’t really much of a workout—they mostly just work one arm at a time.

BUT when you learn the techniques we cover in Lesson 2 and put them into practice, you’ll transform your paddling into a full outdoor gym experience.

These advanced techniques don’t just give you a better workout—they teach you the leverage and quickness you need to handle windy days, choppy waters, and ocean waves.

Guess what?

The same paddle techniques you learn in Lesson 2 for a great water workout are the same strokes that get you through the surf zone so you can paddle confidently on the ocean anytime and anywhere

So when it’s time to go see whales and dolphins, you’ll be ready!

If you’ve got the adventure bug, you don’t even need to leave town to get after it (Plus, we get to do this all year long!).

And maybe the best part?

Our incredible paddling community is right here to provide backup (and whole lot of fun!)

Does Michelle’s story inspire you?

If you want to do cool things with cool people in cool places, you’re on the right track—and stand up paddleboarding in Los Angeles has it all.

And this is the best way to do it…

Stay connected, meet fellow paddle enthusiasts, and get exclusive discounts on all your paddle adventures! As a club member, you’ll get insider access to our community events, special technique workshops, and prime spots on our whale-watching expeditions.

Plus, enjoy member-only discounts on equipment rentals, lessons, and guided tours.

Whether you’re a beginner like Michelle or an experienced paddler, our club is your gateway to LA’s vibrant paddling community – meet paddlers, plan your next paddle in our online forums and chats, and book your paddle lesson, rentals, and tours all in one spot – paid members get group rate discounts!

We’ll keep you updated on the best conditions, share training tips, and connect you with others who share your passion for the ocean.

Click HERE to join today!

Now, for some quick updates…

A core skill and mindset for any paddler is adapting to changing conditions in our fluid environment—and 2025 will bring some exciting changes (and progress!) to our primary launch area…

In preparation for the Olympics, and because we were due for an upgrade, the beach area across from Parking Lot 9 (where we set up our bright orange tent) will be under construction for most of the 2025 season.

While these improvements will enhance our space in the long run, we’ll need to work around the temporary construction.

Additionally, most of the beach near Palawan Way will have temporary boat storage for private owners (previously located on the other side of the restroom), which will limit available space.

But don’t worry—we’ll navigate through these changes together!

After all, the real fun happens on the water anyway.

No matter what challenges 2025 brings, I remain ever optimistic and can guarantee that the Paddle Method staff and stand-up paddleboarding will be here for you.

Let’s make the most of it, and let’s go paddle!

-Tim

For more information message Tim directly at timsanford@gmail.com

P.S. Be sure to check out the Paddle Method shop for the best curated SUP gear out there! These are my personal favorites for the area we live and where we paddle