If you think stand up paddleboards are only for folks with amazing balance and killer core strength, THINK AGAIN. The Pura Vida Paddle people say all you need is a desire to have fun and willingness to try something different.

Pura Vida Paddle is one of the new companies bringing the downtown stretch of the Brazos River back to life this spring. Waco Paddle Co. also just opened and is getting people on the water via kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards. And Pura Vida Paddle is taking the stand up paddle board experience to the next level.

 “The river is so gorgeous, I just want to get people on it,” said Erin Ward, who’s from Waco and recently returned with her husband, Blake, to give Pura Vida Paddle a go from the lower deck of Buzzard Billy’s

Erin Ward brings to Pura Vida Paddle her past experience working for a river outfitter in San Marcos. But it’s her experience as a mom to two little ones that’s playing a big role in her family’s river gig right now. She’s promoting paddleboard play dates for family and friends. Adults and kids can hit the water (sitting or standing. Yes, sitting is allowed!) with a Pura Vida guide who will lead them through their paddle boarding experience and even pass out water guns for friendly, wet battles. Pura Vida can tailor the group experience, Ward said, making it an activity for team building, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, etc.

More paddle board fun Ward is excited about are night floats. She’s getting LED lights that go on the bottom of the boards and she’ll be decking out paddlers in glow gear for the nighttime adventure as well.

The I-35 bridge and Riverwalk are cool at night, Ward said, and Paddleboard would offer a fun perspective to see them from.

Pura Vida Paddle is also partnering with Yoga Pod to provide stand up paddle board yoga classes. And the Pura Vida will schedule one-on-one paddle board lessons if that’s what someone is looking for.

Pura Vida Paddle’s hours are:

Tuesday through Friday: 2 – 7 p.m. (but they will happily schedule play dates and other group events before 2 p.m.)

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday: noon – 5 p.m.

Call 254-242-8370 to schedule a time to hit the water! Yes, they are open on Good Friday.

pictures: Pura Vida Paddle