If you’re visiting Los Angeles and want to really get into the SoCal vibe then a stand-up paddleboard lesson, rental, or tour is a must! Los Angeles has amazing beaches along a huge coastline running from Malibu to Palos Verdes. With a number of SUP beachfront launch options for first-timers and novice paddlers, there is no better place to start stand-up paddle boarding than in Marina del Rey. As any water activity is dependent on wind, wave, and weather conditions you can be certain that almost any day of the year is a great day to go for a paddle in Marina del Rey.
If you’d like to learn about every launch location in the Los Angeles region, locals-only insider information, where to eat, what to see, and everything you need to know to make sure your stay is a hit, check out the Ultimate Paddling Guide to Los Angeles County from Perfect Paddles!
With eight smaller channels (or basins) and one main channel that leads to the Santa Monica Bay, Marina Del Rey has plenty of waterfronts to explore on a SUP. In fact, paddlers of all levels come here year-round and around the clock to learn techniques, get a paddle workout, or just a leisurely paddle with friends. Numerous SUP service providers offer the opportunity to learn the basics of SUP in a group or individual lesson, group guided tours to visit sea lion colonies, or sunset paddles for exploring the marina at night.
Best Ways to Enjoy the Marina With Paddle Method:
Marina Lesson 1
The Marina lesson is best for first-timers and beginners who are over 14 (if you hike or ride a bike this is for you!) and want to learn how to paddle on their own in a marina and see the sea lions, and beautiful boats.
Guided by a Professional Paddle Method coach you will learn all the moves to navigate any marina and make SUP a new way to get outside, and experience all inland waterways. Plus you’ll be ready to choose lesson 2 wind techniques, and lesson 3 wave timing.
Sunset Tour
Spectacular sunsets like you’ve never seen them before! Unwind, and enjoy a night on the water with your friends, a significant other or meet someone new! Cruise under the setting sun and then under the stars and experience the water from a whole new perspective!
Sea Lion Tour
This is the place to start and is our most popular SUP Tour for beginners – a lesson and tour combined – includes a Level 1 Paddle Method lesson from a certified paddle Pro so that paddlers of all abilities can enjoy the always entertaining scenic Sea Lion colonies and migrating sea birds with confidence. Great for small groups: families, friends, and corporate team building events!
When booking your next paddle experience or even your first it is best to understand that just like paddle boards, not all stand-up paddle board providers are the same. Some offer discounted Groupon deals and may feature foam lightweight boards that are great for those looking to float around; while others may have rental-ready rugged heavy-duty boards that can handle the crowds but are a struggle to find the glide, and still others may have high-quality boards but generic rubber bladed paddles that can be awkward for new and experienced paddlers alike.
When doing your research look for high-quality rigid epoxy boards for maximum glide or high-performance inflatable paddleboards in both cases ask about the paddles too! Carbon fiber or fiberglass performance paddles offer a lightweight option that makes paddling more enjoyable for all levels and give a mechanical advantage in the water to boost you forward so you will catch the glide and experience what stand-up paddleboarding is all about!
With a number of paddle shops to choose from Marina del Rey has operators who will launch you from a dock or, if you go to Marina del Rey’s Mothers Beach (aka marina beach), a sandy protected lagoon awaits where you can walk in and gradually get comfortable on the boards before you paddle out into the main channel or even all the way to Santa Monica bay!
While paddling in the Marina always be on the lookout for boats and give them plenty of space. Also keep an eye out for the Pacific brown Pelican, California Sea Lion, gold throated Cormorants, Seagulls, the occasional dolphin, and on rare events grey whale calves or sea turtles! Just to the north of Ballona Creek, MDR opens up into Santa Monica Bay where you can learn to SUP surf and paddle all the way to the Venice pier and beyond!
When in Los Angeles whether it be for a layover, a long-term visit, or maybe you just moved to town, the best place to start your stand-up paddle-boarding life is Marina del Rey!