Panama Paddle Center , or paddlepanama which ever you prefer is the leading paddle store in Panama.

With the explosion of SUP in the world we released the popularity of the sport and have worked with local and international distributer to bring paddlers the best SUP at the best possible price

SUP have may disciplines, surfing, racing, touring , yoga and what ever!!!

Mike Young is our SUP expert. Mike have been surfing since , well we all know Mike , he  well accomplished and represented Ireland in many International Surfing competitions

Mike is most probably the leading expert on SUP in Panama, not only does he paddle all the time but Mike takes the time to study the sport , at the end of the day there much more to SUP than a sale in a store

So here are some of our SUP stuff

The Atlantic, we love paddling Puerto Bello and other Atlantic spots, its a great place to learn, tour and even surf

Mike been teaching from Scuba Puerto Bello and other spots, Here is Joshua taking off

Racing

Even though we have had only two racing events we participated in both, in Punta Chame Gabriella was the first and only kid to participated in a SUP race in Panama at the age of 11 , Well done Gabi

SUP in the Panama Canal: the Lower Chagres River to the Caribbean Sea – October 12, 2014

I was up before the rooster started crowing this morning so I could be at Joe’s house in La Boca by 5 am. We were going to be meeting with 5 other SUP aficionados to paddle the lower Chagres River. Everyone had arrived by 6 am and we loaded the ‘Super Deportes’ van with 7 SUP’s.

The trip across the isthmus was smooth as we headed for the Gatun Locks. On the way to the Gatun locks we passed a strange sight off in the distance. It was the new lock gates for the Panama Canal expansion, which were standing proudly in a field like great monoliths of the 21st Century.
The bridge on the Atlantic / Caribbean / Other side of Panama is located within the Gatun Locks at sea level. When crossing at this site you can almost be guaranteed that you will have to wait to cross. The wait can be troublesome if you are in a hurry but we had time and it was early. We only had to wait a few minutes as the large ocean going vessels  passed through the locks either headed towards Gatun Lake and the Pacific or exiting the canal and moving into the Caribbean.

The green light flashed to indicate the bridge was open and the horns started honking as the train of cars/vans/buses/taxis moved forward and into the locks of the Panama Canal. We crossed over, hung a left and headed for the Spillway that sits at the top of the lower Chagres River. We unloaded all the boards, attached fins, Go Pros, water bottles and a waterproof stereo and we were off down the river.

The paddling was smooth and the conditions were ideal. The jungle was all around us and the sights and sounds were omnipresent. The howling of the monkeys and the chatter of any number of bird species was spectacular. The first part or 7/8 km of the river winds like a serpent through the jungle. The last 4 km or so is a very straight river bed that allows you to see the Caribbean Sea and Fort San Lorenzo on the cliffs as you approach the mouth of the river. You can paddle across a small bay and cruise under the cliffs which are topped by Fort San Lorenzo. You can imagine the history that this area holds.

If you have any questions about future events, instruction or equipment contact mike@paddlepanama.com

We started with Panama Paddle Center 6 months ago, an idea to promote all paddle sports in Panama. We have been overwhelmed with all’s participation

We have been able to scout amazing kayak fishing locations in Panama and guide local and international fishermen on very successful kayak fishing adventures.

We are striving to develop Surf ski(open ocean ) Paddling and K1 and K2 racing in 2014

SUP is one of the fastest growing paddle sports in the world .  In Panama we see a few SUP’s but the sport is still in its infancy with SUP racers and surfers.

Panama Paddle Center trains with a mythology of experience.  It is about the heart, not just the action , it is about understanding SUP, the board, the water, the waves .

Last Weekend I watched Mike Young teach 4 friends and my kids for 4 hours without taking a break or breath, he has the passion to teach, but teach correctly and if you dont like it, go get someone else teach you.

Joshua just recently started surfing , he is still a beginner and loves the ocean and sports in general.

Mike took Joshua through the various steps of paddling the board in a prone position , (yes that is not just jumping on the board and starting to paddle).  He had to learn to sit,turn the board and paddle in a prone position before moving to standing on the SUP, this is done for control of the board and safety.

The paddle technique and how to hold the paddle was demonstrated.

How to go from kneeling to standing and at last they went paddling around Puerto Bello with Joshua in full control of his SUP and Mike watching close by.

SUP training is important for safety and enjoyment as well as technique

Lessons can be booked at Panama Paddle Center, they are done on various beaches, from Vera Cruz , beaches around Coronado and on the Caribbean at Scuba Puerto Bello.

We have pro – staff in our store to give you the best advice and training

Contact Mike cell 66187761

mike@paddlepanama.com