Paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Paddle boarding is undoubtedly an exciting way to spend your time on the water, whether you want to explore new horizons, improve your balance and strength, or take in the natural beauty around you. But beyond the physical enjoyment of this activity, there's a whole community of paddlers who share an affinity for living life to the fullest and making memories on the water. This community is what we call SUP Culture, the welcoming and inclusive world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. In this blog, we'll dive into what makes SUP Culture so unique and why it is the best community to be a part of. Unlike surf culture, which can be competitive and exclusive, SUP Culture is friendly, inclusive, and welcoming. There’s room for everyone in SUP Culture, regardless of your paddle board experience. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced paddle boarder, you’ll find a welcoming community in SUP Culture. There’s no need to fit a certain type of mold, and there’s no judgment from other paddle boarders. SUP Culture is also diverse. There are many types of boards available for different styles, whether you want to just tootle around the swimming area, meditate and stretch with SUP yoga, go for longer adventures, or do multi-day excursions. Whatever your style, there’s a board for you, and you’ll find like-minded paddlers who share your passion for paddle boarding   Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, you'll find that SUP Culture welcomes you with open arms. This is why we at Sea Gods makes boards for every body, every style, and every experience level. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the sport, and that nobody feels left out. Within SUP Culture, there are endless opportunities to try new things and meet new people. From SUP yoga to multi-day excursions, there's always something new to explore and discover. Since your gorgeous Sea Gods board stands out and draws people in with its beauty on the water, you're sure to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for adventure. Sea Gods offers a variety of unique art styles, which can spark up conversations and create a sense of community when you're out paddling. In SUP Culture, caring is sharing. Paddle boarders share their knowledge and encourage others to try it. They also share information about the best SUP spots, local SUP events, and paddle board accessories. SUP Culture is also about safety. Paddle boarders encourage good practices like sober paddling, wearing safety leashes, and Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs).  Community is at the heart of SUP Culture. There are plenty of events and gatherings throughout the year where paddle boarders can come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another. From October Witch Paddles, Summer Water Concerts or regular Local Meet ups, You will make new friends to adventure with, going further than you ever dreamed of with the confidence of paddling out with the safety and support of a group. SUP Culture is more than just a community; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for paddle boarding, and who encourage one another to try new things and to be safe on the water. In SUP Culture, there’s no competition or judgment- just camaraderie and lots of fun. So, if you’re looking for a welcoming community where you can meet new friends and enjoy your love of paddle boarding, look no further than SUP Culture. We will see you on the water soon!

 The Sol Flyer hybrid all around longboard is a new board style by Sea Gods for 2024.  The Sol Flyer is for a different riding style than most other boards.  It is for the folks who like to stand up tall and take really long strokes with a long paddle.  I see them out there, and whenever I try to teach lessons there are always folks who don’t want to bend at their hips and stack their hands-  they want to feel tall and long, hold their face up to the sun and just feel like they are walking on water.  These folks want to just take it easy, cruise along, stand up tall and look good.  They don’t stop the paddle at their feet.  They don’t bend at their hips. They just want to cruise around with a peaceful easy feeling.  This type of riders wants a stable board that will span the chop, give great tracking and stability while they just cruise along from one friend’s dock to another.  We call it an “All-Around Longboard Hybrid”   The ride is like the style-  Smooth and good looking.  It’s not built for speed.  Its stable because of the width up front.  It tracks great because of the extra length.  It is smooth and easy because the tail tapers out to keep that glide.  If you want to stand tall with a long paddle and put your face up to the sun and hum banana pancakes by Jack Johnson as you cruise around for an easy ride, this board is for you. From the show stopping art to the innovative new deck pad, all new board shape and the best technology in materials and construction, the Sol Flyer  is an absolute pleasure to ride.  It performed even better than expected-  smooth flow, easy handling and great stability.  It is sure to be a new favorite in the SUP reviews and for the Sea Gods riders. Sea Gods makes premium inflatable stand up paddleboards with artwork commissioned by independent artists.  A limited number of boards is printed with each piece of art and build our boards in small batches;  it takes a minimum of 3 days for each board to be built by master craftsmen.  Shape samples are designed and tweaked until the performance is perfect and only the best materials are used.   The Sol Flyer combines several new technologies: CX technology- cross weave drop stitch laminated to the durable light weight PVC to be the lightest and most rigid of SUPs  (not to be confused with the CX name that iRocker started using after Sea Gods' CX became popular) Heat laminated seams and extra rail tape for longevity New carved EVA pad Split fin box in Signature Green Brand new hybrid all-around longboard shape A Pacific North West cruise on the Sol Flyer  A warm February day at the Pacific Ocean in White Rock BC where Sea Gods calls home (close to Vancouver) the conditions were fair to take our new board out for a rip! I was super impressed with the way it performed exactly the way we designed it to- it had excellent tracking, easy maneuverability and the placement of the widest portion in front of the feet made for incredible stability well not sacrificing the efficiency.  The board tapers from where you naturally start your paddle stroke and allows for a long smooth, uninterrupted stroke for continuous power.  It was a windy 10 knot day my first ride out, and so with the speed and the waves, it really does feel like you are flying. Performance in the wind and waves: The colours are incredible and put a huge grin on my face that I just could not shake although there was a strong wind an modern amount of chop the board performed incredibly well in each direction - head on into the waves creating a splash out to the sides when they break on the widest part.  Taking the waves cross side it was easy to lean on a rail and keep the board moving straight, but best of all cruising along downwind with the chop was that effortless, calm glide to melt all of life's problems away. Hybrid Longboard Shape: The way that the Sol Flyer tapers back makes it incredibly easy to have long smooth paddle strokes while keeping great tracking so you can switch sides less an enjoy a smoother flow. The tapering in the nose tracked very, very well - cutting through the waves instead of letting them turn the board. Artwork: The Sol Flyer features art painted by Eduardo Bolioli, the original user of the  Posca Pen for surf boards, his use of dayglo paints and hand drawn Mololo's (flying fish) make this board stand out in even the darkest of waters. EVA Pad: EVA is the soft, water tight foam that the top deck is covered with for grip and comfort under your feet.  The new Eva pad was very comfortably grippy under my bare feet- like the way a siped tire sticks to a wet road. The banana leaf cutouts did a great job of keeping traction well the top layer was very smooth on the bottom of my bare feet and overall was very effective and super comfortable.  But we must talk about the looks of this innovative new pad technology!  With splice bonded colours of the tequila sunrise beneath a solid top of smooth black, with the banana leaf carved out, the design is incredibly attractive and the bonding of the EVA is permanent and will definitely hold up to the Lifetime Warranty.  Fin Box and Accessories: The fin box is split into two pieces so the board takes less effort to fold because you don't need to be so mindful of where you place your folds when putting it back into the included wheelie backpack carry bag.  It is a beautiful, sturdy back with a handle or two on each side, signature green wheels that feel with a strong and soft like grippy rollerblade wheels.  The new fin box holds the included flex touring fin very securely-  it takes some pressure to lean on it to pop the fin into the box (no tools needed) and there it stays until you are ready to grab the tip of the fin and yank it out.  The included carbon fiber paddle is well crafted, lightweight and has a great catch and stroke.  The dual action, two chamber pump has different sized chambers to make inflating at the top pressure easier than ever.  The total accessory kit is high quality and includes everything you need to get going. So what is a hybrid longboard? This board is a hybrid between an all around with great maneuverability well giving the tracking of a touring board and also the stability by giving the added width where it will make the most affect right in front of the standing area.  This is for riders who want a smooth ride and love standing tall and taking long strokes. I am over the moon in love with not only the colours and the visual appeal of the shape but the performance exceeds my expectations and the Sol Flyer is a very enjoyable board for long cruises.  It is sure to be a favorite with the reviewers and our Sea Gods Family alike!

When you think of a touring board, your mind might automatically jump to the idea that it is only suitable for advanced paddle boarders. However, this is far from the truth! The Carta Marina touring board is perfect for any level of paddle boarder who wants to venture further and explore more. In this review, we'll delve into why this board is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced paddle boarders. If you're considering getting yourself a Carta Marina touring board, keep reading to find out why it's a fantastic choice! If you're wondering whether or not a 12 foot long touring board is right for you, here are a few quick checks you can make. Firstly, do you have an app like Strava that tracks how fast and far you're going? Secondly, do you hold your hand up to your eyes and look out from the shore at the place you want to go? Finally, do you generally bring a bag with you for "just in case", like just in case you see something awesome and want to be ready for anything? If you answer yes to these questions, then the Carta Marina touring board is undoubtedly for you!   While an all around board is pretty good at all the 4 characteristics that you consider in paddle board performance, a Touring board excels at two - Tracking and Efficiency. Maneuverability is not top of your list when you have places to go, however you can make a quick 180 degree pivot turn if you just practice your step back.  Better tracking means you can paddle on one side for longer before needing to switch sides and correct course, meaning you can keep your cadence and get those reps in, really building muscle and burning calories. Additionally, the efficiency of the board means that you can go further with less work, allowing you to spend more time taking in the sights and less time tiring yourself out. Another critical aspect to consider when choosing a paddleboard is the Stability. Thankfully, this is another area where the Carta Marina does well. The 32" width is stable and easy to master after only a few hours on the water. Of course, if you're still worried about your balance, there is always the option to opt for a slightly wider board. The 33" Skylla is a good cross touring choice, but you sacrifice efficiency and tracking when you take that extra inch of stability.If you're a complete beginner to paddleboarding, it's essential to consider what your goals are. You don't want a board that's only suitable for today; you want one that will continue to support you no matter how far you want to go. Even if you do take a swim or two in your early outings, you'll soon learn the ropes and be up and paddling in no time.  So, why should you choose the Carta Marina touring board? Whether you're a complete beginner to paddleboarding or have been doing it for years, this board is perfect for anyone looking to venture further and explore more. With its easy tracking, stability, and efficiency, you'll be able to comfortably spend hours on the water without feeling too fatigued. And if you're someone who loves adventure, then the Carta Marina touring board is an absolute must-have.  And YES, you can bring your Dog! The Carta Marina CX features the commissioned art piece by Jenny Kirby (Nautical Nonsense)  here.  The construction is CX Technology, where the strings inside criss cross like the cables in a steel frame building.  This means that this touring SUP is not only beautiful, but ultra rigid and incredibly light weight.   If you are looking for an inflatable paddle board that will take your further, faster, and with less effort, then the Carta Marina CX is definitely for you. So, what are you still scrolling for? Adventure Awaits!

Vancouver Island, with its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, is a paddleboarder's dream come true. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of paddleboarding, this stunning island offers a plethora of options. Join us as we explore some of the best places to paddleboard on Vancouver Island, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound Nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino and Clayoquot Sound are renowned for their breathtaking beauty. Paddleboarding here is a surreal experience, with lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and abundant marine life to marvel at. Explore serene tidal inlets or challenge yourself with open ocean paddling. Keep an eye out for sea otters, seals, and maybe even the occasional whale sighting. Sunset paddleboarding in Tofino is nothing short of magical. While Long Beach and Chesterman provide another scenic setting, they are not the best for paddling. Save them for a rip with your sup surfboard!   Victoria Harbour For a more urban paddleboarding experience, head to Victoria Harbour, the heart of British Columbia's capital city. Paddle past historic landmarks, float by the iconic Empress Hotel, and soak in the vibrant cityscape. You can rent paddleboards right in the harbor and paddle alongside floatplanes, kayakers, and sailboats. The calm waters and stunning city views make this an ideal spot for beginners. Gulf Islands Just a short ferry ride from Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands offer a different kind of paddleboarding experience. Explore the pristine waters surrounding islands like Salt Spring, Pender, and Galiano. Each island boasts its own unique charm and opportunities for paddleboard adventures. The calm bays and coves provide a perfect setting for paddleboarders of all skill levels. Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park If you're seeking a serene and freshwater paddleboarding adventure, head to Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park. This crystal-clear lake is surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of the island. Paddleboard across the lake, bask in the serene atmosphere, and perhaps take a refreshing dip in the cold, clear water. Comox Valley Estuary The Comox Valley Estuary is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Paddle along the calm waters and witness the incredible diversity of birds that call this estuary home. You might spot bald eagles, herons, and countless other species. With its calm waters and stunning scenery, it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Cowichan River For a river paddleboarding experience, the Cowichan River is a fantastic choice. Flowing through lush forests and past charming farmland, the river offers a gentle and scenic paddleboarding adventure. Grab your board and take a leisurely trip down the river while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 7. Nanaimo Nanaimo is another fantastic destination for paddleboarding, with its numerous sheltered bays and stunning coastline. Explore Newcastle Island's shoreline or paddle along the tranquil waters of Departure Bay. You'll have the chance to discover hidden coves, rocky formations, and maybe even encounter seals or sea otters during your paddle. 8. Thetis Lake  Thetis Lake is actually a pair of freshwater lakes, Upper Thetis and Lower Thetis, nestled amidst lush forests and rugged terrain. The park encompasses over 500 acres, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and well-maintained hiking trails. Paddleboarding at Thetis Lake provides a unique opportunity to explore the park from a different perspective. As you glide across the calm, emerald-green waters, you'll be surrounded by towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and the peaceful sounds of nature. The lake's calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Vancouver Island is a paradise for paddleboarders, offering a diverse range of environments to explore. Whether you're seeking the rugged beauty of the west coast, the urban charm of Victoria Harbour, or the tranquility of freshwater lakes and rivers, you'll find it all on this magnificent island. So grab your paddleboard, embrace the beauty of Vancouver Island, and create unforgettable paddleboarding memories in this coastal haven. Remember to always prioritize safety, wear appropriate gear, and respect the environment to ensure a positive and responsible paddleboarding experience.