Where Did Paddle Boarding Come From?

A quick history lesson, with a salty breeze and sunblock on your nose.

If you’ve ever glided across the water on a paddle board, you know the magic — that calm, floating feeling that makes you feel like you’re part of the ocean. But have you ever wondered where it all started?

Turns out, paddle boarding has roots that stretch back centuries. While the modern version we know today got big in Hawaii in the 1940s and 50s, the earliest versions can be traced back to Africa and South America. People were standing on floating boards and paddling across rivers long before it was a beachy weekend hobby.

In Hawaii, "beach boys" (like Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki crew) started using paddles while standing on their surfboards to manage large groups during surf lessons. It gave them a better vantage point — and honestly, they looked effortlessly cool doing it. Fast forward to the 2000s, and paddle boarding exploded as a way to explore coastlines, get a solid workout, and vibe with nature.

Here on the Jersey Shore, paddle boarding feels like a ritual — early mornings on calm bays, sunset floats, and yes... dodging the occasional jet skier. Whether you're a weekend paddler or you’ve got your board and favorite cove, you’re part of a community that’s all about slowing down and soaking up the saltwater life.

What We’re Loving Right Now:

• Our coastal candles to match your mellow board day energy
• Lightweight beach tees perfect for post-paddle hangs
• After-beach aloe soap bars (because the sun always gets ya)

Do you have a favorite paddleboarding spot at the Jersey Shore? DM us or tag us in your pics — we’d love to share your paddle day stories with our community.