When I first moved to Key West I was vaguely aware of what seemed to be a popular water sport called paddleboarding. The paddlers looked to me like diehard surfers that couldn’t catch a wave in Key West and instead found an innovative use for their surfboard by adding a paddle. Additionally, I found 99 percent of paddlers seem to be in incredible shape, tan and sport name-brand sport apparel. I was born with very little sports enthusiasm so this new sport was especially intimidating. All my reservations aside, something kept pulling my interest towards it. Overtime I looked at paddle boards in shops, observed paddlers on the ocean and discovered people who were involved with the local businesses that hosted tours and board rentals. My curiosity kept growing.
On the brink of my 28th birthday I decided to try something new and proclaim a new take on life, as I seem to do every year on my birthday. This year my goal was to try paddle boarding. I invited my husband to tag along, as his curiosity was right in tune with mine. I didn’t eat a whole breakfast the morning of our first venture. My nerves were chaotic and my stomach in knots. I’m not sure why I was so fearful. I love the ocean and adore being in it, near it and on it whenever possible.
Our first trip lasted two hours. I sat and kneeled most of the time. I learned that while sitting or kneeling feels more stable, it takes much more effort to paddle efficiently. I sweat like crazy, especially when my husband seemed to be paddling with minimal effort and maintained a 100 foot lead. The view was simply breathtaking, especially in the morning hours when the water was calm. I was happy to be done, but so thankful I tried it. I spent the rest of the day eating horribly unhealthy junk food and laying around the house. I guess I felt like I deserved it.
Shortly after my first paddle I discovered a local water sports company, Lazy Dog, was offering a six-week beginner’s paddle training course. I was apprehensive to try it; did I mention how out of shape I am? With encouragement, I signed up for the class, which I’m now halfway through. Each week is a one hour session and we’ve covered a little more distance each week. With the time limit of one hour, I felt extreme concern that I wouldn’t be able to increase my distance so quickly. Our first paddle was about 1 mile long and last week I paddled 3.5 miles in just about the same amount of time.
For me, paddleboarding is the perfect metaphor for my life; much of it is about balance. If you stand too much to the left or right you will fall off. If you’re not centered on your board, you’re more likely to fall into the water or find it very difficult to paddle forward. Using the right paddle technique is essential to propelling yourself in the right direction. If your paddle is too far away from the board, you tend to wobble and veer to the right or left. When you keep your paddle close to your board you’re more likely to move straight ahead. It’s also a mental workout! If I get stuck against a current or against a strong wind and think “I’ll never get out of this”, odds are it will feel like a heavy challenge. However, if I keep my head down and try to enjoy the scenery while giving a tough paddle, I find I get unstuck much quicker.
Regardless of my experience and opinion, its observable fact that paddleboarding is becoming quite the hot sport. Grab the latest sports and fitness magazine off the news shelf and you’re likely to find an article about it. Lazy Dog has a media page in which they seem to be collecting local news about the sport. I was able to wrangle up a few other resources (PaddleBoarding.com, Standup Paddle Magazine and Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine to name a few).
That being said, I want to give a shout out to the other Key West water sports companies who offer paddleboarding. I go to Lazy Dog because I have friends that work there and I’ve had such a great experience. Eventually I’ll branch out to other companies and you should too! Here are a few other Key West companies that offer paddleboarding as well as other fun water activities: Lazy Dog SUP Key West Java Cat Charters
Laura is the Marketing Assistant and Reservations agent at Rent Key West Vacations. In her free time she enjoys singing, writing and traveling. If you'd like to read more of Key West from a local's perspective, head over to her blog.
Everything at this Italian eatery is fresh and prepared to order. You can watch the chef rolling out the day’s fresh made pasta through the window early in the day. The owners travel to Italy annually to research recipes, so you can expect authentic meals here. Expect personal service from the staff; perhaps even from one of the proprietors.
And now for the menu…
Starters, or antipasti, like caprese (homemade mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil) or the calamari in brodetto (grilled and sliced baby squid with spicy tomato sauce, garlic, a touch of red pepper, olive oil and parsley) are highly recommended favorites. Choose from several pasta favorites like gnocchi del giorno (homemade potato gnocchi with your choice of sauce: gorgonzola cream, meat ragu, or pesto). The pesce and carne menus feature fresh local seafood, beef, veal and lamb. Pair your meal with a vintage port or cognac, American wine or a cocktail from the bar. Finish off with a decadent dessert such as gelati, sorbet, or others. A tray of cookies accompanies your bill to help sweeten the deal.
For your special occasion, Antonia’s offers catering options as well as a dining room upstairs for private parties. The dining room sits above the restaurant and seats up to 50 guests. With a private entrance and full service bar, it’s sure to please your guests. Menu options are offered as three, four or five course menus, buffet, Hors d’oeuvres, and even dietary restricted menus. Whatever your needs, Antonia’s is sure to accommodate you and your party.
Enthusiastic foodies will be pleased know that Antonia’s is highly regarded by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Frommer’s Travel Guide, and Zagat among other restaurant critics.
Save on baggage fees – With airline baggage fees increasing across the board, it’s becoming more and more expensive to fly. Here’s a cost-saving idea: send a package with your vacation essentials to us. FedEx ground ships suitcases often at cheaper prices than the baggage charge by the airline. We’ll deliver the package to your Key West vacation rental on the day of your check in. It costs less and is less hassle. Arrive with your belongings safely secured rather than lugging them around town.
Don’t sell yourself short of having a terrific vacation! A few creative ideas can help save a few pennies without compromising your outcome. Rent a Key West vacation rental today and still afford the getaway you deserve.
Who wouldn't want to stay in with a kitchen like this?
Key West holds a special place in its heart for architecture and real estate. An afternoon stroll through an Old Town neighborhood will open your eyes to the structural beauty of Key West. Yards are beautifully landscaped and accented with courtyards, gardens and pathways. Some of the city’s Victorian and gingerbread style homes date back to the 1800s. Renovations and new foundations are a delight. Save room, because we have a treat for you!
The Windsor Townhomes are the perfect complete package for your Key West vacation stay. Located just a few blocks from Duval Street in Old Town, they are the perfect blend of sophistication and modern charm.
Built in 2007, these six units are three bedrooms laid out between two-stories. With bedding for six, three-and-a-half baths and 1,700 square feet, there is plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable. Each unit has its own private pool, deck and garden and is equipped with central A/C, flat screen TVs with DVD players and security systems.
The first floor of the Windsor Townhomes are open and full of light. You’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with top of the line appliances and an island bar adjoining the spacious living room & dining area. This common area opens to wonderful views of the pool and garden through the sliding glass door. Relax after a day of sun on the deck and pool, which are surrounded by tropical foliage. When you’ve had your fill, or perhaps if you’ve had your fill, retire to one of the bedrooms. The first floor has one bedroom with a queen bed and private bath with shower, so you won’t have far to go. Take the stairs up to the second floor where you will find the master bedroom which features a king size bed, private bath and small private balcony that overlooks the pool and gardens. The bathroom showcases porcelain floors, dual sinks, and a large walk-in shower.
Head across the hallway to the final bedroom with two twin beds (or one king, if you prefer), a bathroom with tub and shower and a small balcony as well.
It’s easy to see why these six units are perfect for several groups of people. They can easily accommodate one party and still offer privacy and elegance. Picture your Key West vacation rental accommodations for your wedding stay, family reunion or other meetings here at Windsor Townhomes. You certainly won’t forget it.
Check out all of the pictures of the Windsor Townhomes on our website.
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