Paddle Boarding San Juan, Puerto Rico

Condado lagoon on a tyical day

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Star of today’s travel feature is Condado Lagoon, the epicenter of Puerto Rico’s swelling stand up paddle scene and San Juan’s landmark SUP location. It’s one of the most unique urban estuaries in the world - you don’t see too many lagoons situated within the boundaries of major capital city, teeming with endangered wildlife while lavish hotels adorne the shoreline, while hundreds of people frequent the area everyday. As a flat water destination, it offers the kind of beauty and use-friendly qualities that make it a treat for both beginners and experienced paddlers, while still providing enough space for everyone to paddle freely.

The lagoon has become widely known as the home of the Paddle Royal, one of the most anticipated and prestigious events on the SUP racing calendar, with more local and international events being added to the calendar every year. Today we spoke with Jaime Torres, the event organizer for both the Paddle Royal and the Bic One Design Challenge at Condado, as well as owner of Velauno, about the area and what visitors can expect to find in beautiful San Juan. 

Scenes from the BIC One Design Race 

Summary

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1. There is incredible variety. Condado Lagoon is perfect for flat water paddling, but there are waves further afield - serious waves with plenty of juice if that’s what you’re after. The more heavily populated spots do come with a warning, though - remember to pack your manners if you’re looking to surf.  

2. Wildlife - there are manatees, rays, dolphins and more in the lagoon. 

3. The city of San Juan is worth the visit alone - beautiful architecture, amazing people and a great atmosphere. 

4. Amazing weather - the average temperature is warm enough for trunks all-year-round. The only sweaters or thermal clothing you’ll need will be to stave off the freezing airplane A/C. 

 1. Seasons

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As we mentioned above, weather wise it doesn’t really drop below the mid to high seventies, except in the middle of January when you may have the brave the occasional 74 degree day. This makes conditions fairly easy to predict when it comes to flat water paddling. 

Jaime Torres explains the finer points for us. “For waves November to April are the prime months, but for flat water paddling with little wind look at early fall. For downwinders the best time is Spring and early Summer.” 

Image: Velauno

2. Gear

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Jaime supplied us with this detailed list of essential items to bring. Pay close attention:

1. Sunglasses
2. Bathing suit

Should you require anything else, Velauno has a wide assortment of quality rental gear from tiny waveboards to huge downwind sleds.

 

Image: Velauno

 3. The Scene

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To find our more about the Stand Up paddling scene in San Juan, we asked Jaime a few direct questions:

Supconnect: What is the SUP scene like in San Juan - is it growing? 

Jaime: The SUP scene in San Juan is not growing...its exploding! Dozens of new paddleboarders are flocking to Condado Lagoon every weekend. three rental operators, led by Velauno Paddleboarding have converted the metro areas lagoon in SUP party every weekend. Both Locals and tourists can't get enough of the silky smooth flat water, easy access to the ocean and the quick connection to the expansive San Juan bay. 

Supconnect: Can you tell us about a few interesting things about paddling in San juan - what readers might not know from any guides out there? 

Jaime: There is lots of marine life in the lagoon including several manatee families, a few rays and the occasional dolphin. SUP surfing in San Juan is huge with over a dozen very good breaks several of which can hold up too up too triple overhead with ease and good quality. Downwind SUP is just beginning to take off and the once rare 16' and 17' SIC downwind boards are becoming a common sight. Several good downwind events have been held in PR already and bigger and better ones are on the works.

About Velauno

The Velauno team has over 20 years of experience in the water sports industry. We are the largest stand up paddleboard retail, tour, and rental operator in the Caribbean. We also operate a series of inflatable water parks throughout the island. Our rental, tour and water park services are offered from our spectacular Condado Lagoon location located directly in front of the Condado Plaza Hilton hotel.  We are fully endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Convention Bureau. We offer stand up paddleboard and kayak tours and rentals daily as well as operate the inflatable water park on the weekends. Our normal operating hours are 9AM till Sunset but reservations are highly recommended.