Keep calm and follow our blog

1% for the Planet: our commitment to the ocean in 2025

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:49:56 GMT

At Caribbean Paddling , we don’t just enjoy the sea — we are committed to protecting it. Since last year, we’ve proudly joined the 1% for the Planet movement, donating 1% of our annual revenue to organizations that work to preserve marine ecosystems.

In 2025, we’ve chosen to support:

�� Tara Ocean Foundation — for its groundbreaking research on climate change and marine life

�� Expédition 7e Continent — for raising awareness and acting against plastic pollution in the oceans

�� Sea Shepherd France — for its direct action to defend marine wildlife and habitats

A meaningful step — now more than ever

This year, a massive sargassum bloom has severely impacted our region. At Saint-Martin, the invasion is so intense that we’ve had to temporarily close access to Pinel Island. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our environment is — and how real the climate emergency has become.

As a local business relying on clean oceans, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution. Supporting those who fight every day to protect the ocean is not just symbolic — it’s essential.

Thank you

Every rental, every moment on the water with us contributes to this effort.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to protect what we love.

Sargassum at Pinel Island: What you need to know before you visit

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:22:36 GMT

Planning a trip to Pinel Island in Saint-Martin and concerned about sargassum seaweed? You’re not alone. In recent years, the presence of sargassum in the Caribbean has grown, with 2025 being a record-breaking year. Here’s what you need to know before you go, and why you shouldn’t let the seaweed stop you from enjoying this beautiful destination.

What is Sargassum?

Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown seaweed that floats on the ocean’s surface. While harmless, it can accumulate along Atlantic-facing shores and cause unpleasant odors when decomposing. In large quantities, it can also affect the aesthetics of beaches and shallow water.

Does Pinel Island have sargassum?

Yes, like many beaches on the Atlantic side of the Caribbean , Pinel Island can experience sargassum landings, especially during the spring and summer months. The east bay of Pinel is the most commonly affected area, depending on ocean currents and wind direction. Occasionally, a slight odor may be present, particularly on windy days.

What About the Launch Point?

Our launch point at Cul-de-Sac , where both kayaks and ferries depart, is often the most impacted area due to its proximity to the shore. The water may appear murky and filled with seaweed when you arrive. However, don’t be discouraged — once you paddle or sail away from the parking lot , the water clears up significantly, revealing the stunning turquoise waters Pinel Island is famous for.

Is It Safe to Visit Pinel Island During Sargassum Season?

Yes. Most of the time, the situation is completely manageable. The main beach at Pinel , where you’ll find Yellow Beach Restaurant and the Karibuni Restaurant , is typically cleaned regularly and remains welcoming for visitors. The north side of the island and the uninhabited areas may have more seaweed buildup, but they’re still accessible for adventurous travelers.

We Don’t Offer Alternatives — Here’s Why You Should Still Visit

Unlike resorts or large tour operators who might redirect guests elsewhere, Caribbean Paddling focuses on authentic, nature-based experiences at Pinel Island. We don’t offer alternate locations, because Pinel remains one of the most beautiful spots in Saint-Martin , even when touched by sargassum.

What Can You Expect?

Crystal-clear water away from the shore
Access to pristine snorkeling spots and quiet beaches
Delicious seafood and cocktails at beachfront restaurants
Encounters with marine life like sea turtles and rays
A chance to experience the Caribbean as it truly is — wild, beautiful, and ever-changing

Final Thoughts

Sargassum is an unfortunate but natural part of the Caribbean ecosystem — and 2025 is an especially intense year . That said, a day trip to Pinel Island remains a top activity for travelers to Saint-Martin. Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and a bit of flexibility. Most days, the seaweed won’t impact your experience at all.

Still have questions? Contact us — or book your kayak or paddleboard online and let the island show you its best side.

Supporting the Grenadines After Hurricane Beryl

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:45:24 GMT

In 2017, Saint-Martin was devastated by Hurricane Irma , and we understand the immense struggle that follows such a catastrophic event. Today, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors in the Grenadines, who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl. This article aims to highlight the devastation caused by the hurricane and how you can help support the affected communities through a GoFundMe campaign.

The Devastation of Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern Caribbean. Union Island, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been particularly hard-hit. Reports indicate that 90% of the houses on Union Island have been severely damaged or destroyed, with significant roof and structural damage. The island's infrastructure, including the airport, has suffered extensive damage, making recovery efforts even more challenging.

The storm's impact extends beyond Union Island. Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada, as well as other islands in the Grenadines, have also experienced severe damage. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and many are currently taking refuge in emergency shelters.

The Urgent Need for Support

The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has left the affected communities in dire need of assistance. Basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter are in short supply. The logistical challenges of providing aid to these small and dispersed islands further complicate the relief efforts.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has described the situation as "complete devastation" and has called for international aid to support the rebuilding efforts. The resilience of the people in the Grenadines is being tested once again, and they need our help to recover and rebuild their lives.

Jeremie Tronet, who has lived on Union Island for 15 years and owns a kitesurf school there, has personally experienced the devastation. He lost his residence, businesses, and all his possessions to the hurricane. In response, Tronet has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the recovery efforts on Union Island and help its residents rebuild their lives.

Donate to the Grenadines Relief Fund on GoFundMe

How You Can Help

We urge you to contribute to Jeremie Tronet's GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the relief efforts in the Grenadines. Your contributions will go directly towards providing essential supplies and supporting the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure. Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this disaster.

The people of the Grenadines are facing an incredibly challenging time, but with your support, we can help them rebuild and recover. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign and sharing this article to spread the word. Together, we can make a difference and support our neighbors in their time of need.

Donate to the Grenadines Relief Fund on GoFundMe

Thank you for your generosity and compassion,

Ozzy and the Caribbean Paddling team

Proudly Partnering with 1% for the Planet: Leading Eco-Tourism in Saint-Martin

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:54:19 GMT

Pioneering Environmental Responsibility: The First Saint-Martin Company to Join the Global Movement

We're Proud to Join 1% for the Planet: A Milestone for Eco-Tourism in Saint-Martin

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with 1% for the Planet , a global network of businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations tackling our planet's most pressing environmental issues. As an eco-tourism company dedicated to showcasing the natural beauty of Saint-Martin through kayaking and paddleboarding, we believe this partnership perfectly aligns with our core values and mission.

Our Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

By joining 1% for the Planet, we are pledging to donate 1% of our annual sales to support environmental causes. This commitment goes beyond mere words – it's a tangible investment in the future of our planet and the stunning Caribbean ecosystem we call home.

As a kayak and paddleboard company, we have a unique perspective on the importance of preserving our marine environments. Every day, we witness the breathtaking beauty of Saint-Martin's coastlines and waters. We also see firsthand the challenges our oceans face, from plastic pollution to climate change impacts. Our partnership with 1% for the Planet is a natural extension of our dedication to protecting these precious resources.

Pioneering Environmental Responsibility in Saint-Martin

We are incredibly proud to announce that we are the first company in Saint-Martin to join the 1% for the Planet movement . This pioneering step demonstrates our commitment to leading by example and inspiring positive change in our local business community.

By taking this initiative, we hope to:Raise awareness about environmental issues affecting Saint-Martin and the wider Caribbean region

Encourage other local businesses to consider their environmental impact and take action
Support local and global environmental nonprofits working to protect our natural world

Join Us in Making a Difference

As our valued customers and fellow nature enthusiasts, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Every time you book a kayak or paddleboard tour with us, you're not just creating unforgettable memories – you're also contributing to vital environmental causes through our 1% for the Planet commitment.

We believe that responsible tourism can be a powerful force for good, and we're committed to offering eco-friendly adventures that allow you to explore the beauty of Saint-Martin while minimizing your environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead

Our partnership with 1% for the Planet is just the beginning. We're excited to share updates on the environmental projects and organizations we'll be supporting through this initiative. Stay tuned for more information on how your adventures with us are making a positive impact on our planet.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter in our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a difference – one paddle stroke at a time.

Are dogs allowed at Pinel island?

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:11:55 GMT

We often receive inquiries from visitors asking if they can bring their dogs to Pinel Island. Unfortunately, the answer is no—neither our kayak service nor the ferry allows pets. This policy is in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Why Are Dogs Not Allowed?

1. Protecting Wildlife:

Pinel Island is home to various native wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas, and numerous bird species. Dogs, even well-behaved ones, can pose a threat to these animals. Their presence can disrupt local wildlife, causing stress and potential harm. The island's ecosystem is delicate and easily disturbed, and the introduction of pets could have significant negative impacts.

2. Preserving the Natural Environment:

The island's pristine beaches and clear waters are part of a protected natural reserve. Allowing dogs could lead to unintended environmental impacts, such as erosion of sensitive dune areas, disturbance of nesting sites, and contamination from waste. By keeping the island pet-free, we help to maintain its natural beauty and ensure it remains a pristine destination for all visitors.

3. Maintaining Cleanliness:

Ensuring the island remains clean and pleasant for all visitors is a priority. Dogs can contribute to litter and waste issues, which could detract from the experience for other guests and harm the local environment. A clean and pristine island ensures that everyone can enjoy their visit to this beautiful location.

Alternative Pet-Friendly Beaches on Saint-Martin

While Pinel Island may not be pet-friendly, there are still plenty of beautiful beaches on Saint-Martin where you can enjoy a day out with your furry friend. Here are some of the best pet-friendly beaches on the island:

1. Le Galion Beach:

Known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere, Le Galion Beach is often a good spot for bringing pets. The gentle waves and shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable place for dogs to splash around. Le Galion is also a favorite among locals, providing a laid-back and welcoming environment.

2. Friar’s Bay:

Another pet-friendly beach, Friar’s Bay offers a more relaxed environment where dogs can enjoy the sand and sea. The beach is sheltered, providing calm waters that are perfect for swimming. There are also a couple of beachside restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat while your dog enjoys the sun.

3. Baie Rouge:

Located on the French side of the island, Baie Rouge is a stunning beach with pink-tinged sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a bit quieter than some of the other beaches, making it a great spot for a peaceful day out with your dog. The beach is long and wide, providing plenty of space for your pet to run and play.

4. Plum Bay:

Also known as Baie aux Prunes, Plum Bay is a secluded beach that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is known for its beautiful sunsets and is a great place to take your dog for an evening walk. The waters here can be a bit rough, so it’s best to keep your dog close to the shore.

5. Simpson Bay:

On the Dutch side of the island, Simpson Bay offers a long stretch of sandy beach that is ideal for a day out with your dog. The calm waters and wide beach make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants nearby where you can relax and enjoy a meal.

Planning Your Visit to Pinel Island

When planning your visit to Pinel Island, it's best to arrange for a safe and comfortable place for your dog to stay while you enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Many accommodations in Saint-Martin offer pet-sitting services or can recommend local kennels where your dog will be well cared for. Here are a few tips to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable while you explore Pinel Island:

1. Find a Reliable Pet Sitter:

Look for a reputable pet-sitting service that has good reviews and a solid reputation. Ask for recommendations from your accommodation or check online reviews to find the best option.

2. Pack Essentials:

Make sure to pack all the essentials your dog will need while you’re away, including food, water, toys, and any medications. Having familiar items can help your dog feel more comfortable.

3. Prepare for Separation:

If your dog isn’t used to being left alone, try to prepare them in advance by gradually increasing the amount of time they spend without you. This can help reduce anxiety when you’re away for the day.

4. Check-In Regularly:

If possible, check in with the pet sitter to see how your dog is doing. Knowing that your pet is happy and well cared for will allow you to enjoy your day trip without worry.

Enjoying Your Day on Pinel Island

Pinel Island remains a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the Caribbean's natural wonders. By respecting the no-dogs policy, you help ensure that this beautiful island remains a pristine and protected haven for its wildlife and future visitors. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on Pinel Island:

1. Kayaking and Paddleboarding:

Rent a kayak or paddleboard from us at Caribbean Paddling and explore the clear waters around the island. Paddle to nearby Little Key, an uninhabited island, and enjoy the serene environment.

2. Snorkeling:

The calm waters around Pinel Island are perfect for snorkeling. Discover vibrant reefs and diverse marine creatures just below the surface.

3. Relaxing on the Beach:

Spend the day lounging on the island’s white sand beaches. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

4. Dining:

Visit Yellow Beach and Karibuni Restaurant for delicious local cuisine, including fresh lobster. These beachfront restaurants offer a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

5. Hiking:

Take a hike to the top of the island for panoramic views of Tintamarre, Green Cay, Saint-Barth, and Saint-Martin. The hike is relatively easy and provides a great way to see the island from above.

By respecting the rules and planning ahead, you can ensure a fantastic day trip to Pinel Island while also taking care of your furry friend. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful natural reserve, knowing you are contributing to its preservation for future generations.

And we thank you for that ;)

A new roadblock affects Saint Martin | Caribbean Paddling

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:16:46 GMT

A local protest blocks the road on the French side

As the local family protest occurs for 2 days now on the French side, the road is blocked after Orient Bay. People coming from the Dutch side cannot visit the Windward side of the island, being hostage of a private story.

If you come from the Dutch side and want to visit the French side, we recommend coming from the Marigot side, and you will be able to visit Pinel island.

If you want to visit Pinel island,

Coming from Philipsburg, the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, so you won't be able to pass with your car. You need to drive all around the island (follow the blue line).

We offer a boat transfer to our customers,

If you stay at Orient Bay, or Philipsburg or any other location located South from Orient Bay, and you'd like to visit Pinel island without driving all around St. Maarten, we offer a free boat transfer from Orient Bay to our shack at Cul-de-Sac to start your rental. Please book your kayak or paddleboard, and ask us to pick you up. The pickup location is at Orient Beach, and the boat ride is only 10 minutes.

If you want to visit Orient Bay,

from Philipsburg or from the South of St. Maarten, the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, so coming from the Dutch side is ok. You can possibly use the dirt road of Galion Bay and avoid some traffic.

If you want to visit Anse Marcel or Grand Case,

from Philipsburg or from the South of St. Maarten, the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, once again you need to drive through Colebay and Marigot.

The Best and Most Beautiful Water Adventures in Saint Martin

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:06:06 GMT

With 37 pristine beaches, many ranked among the best in the Caribbean, Saint Martin is the perfect destination for beach vacations and water sports. The island also boasts a fantastic tropical climate, a world-class marine reserve, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. Where could be better for beautiful water adventures?

Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, Saint Martin is a perfect destination for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The tranquil lagoons around the island provide perfect conditions for novices to learn how to paddle their kayak . And the surrounding Caribbean Sea offers excellent sea kayaking for enthusiastic paddlers.

With shipwrecks off the coast, you can paddle over and peer down through the crystal-clear waters at the coral-encrusted wrecks below. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also the best way to explore the Marine Reserve at Pinel Island. Paddling offers the added advantages that it’s healthier for you and better for the environment than using a motorized boat.

You can paddle to Pinel Island from Cul de Sac in approximately 25 minutes. The shallow water within the reserve allows you to peer through the water to observe the abundant sea life below. If you’re nervous about taking the journey alone, you can join a kayaking and stand-up paddleboard tour organized by Caribbean Paddling .

With an expert local guide, you won’t miss any of the most interesting sites around the Marine Reserve. You can also choose between a solo or 2 person kayak depending upon whether you’d prefer to paddle with your partner or venture out on your own.

Nature lovers may also enjoy kayaking in the mangrove at Galion Beach. The mangrove sits between the beautiful turquoise water of the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Watch out for the spectacular trees, water plants, crabs, iguanas, birds, and a diverse range of fish.

Snorkelling

With its warm, crystal-clear water, Saint Martin is a perfect location for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel is the Marine Reserve at Pinel Island on the northern French side of Saint Martin. An eco-snorkeling trail in the park introduced snorkelers to the immense wealth of protected flora and fauna beneath the waves.

Because of hurricane Irma, the company shut down but the Pinel Island Marine Trail still exists and is located off the south of Pinel Island and marked with white buoys that direct you around the reef. There you can expect to find colorful reef fish, stingrays, turtles, and other tropical marine species in an area where both fishing and jet skis are forbidden. There is also a botany trail ashore with two viewing points.

Other great snorkeling locations in the north include Creole Rock and Baie Rouge. On the southern Dutch side of Saint Martin, there are popular snorkeling spots at Dawn Beach, Cupecoy Beach, and Mullet Bay.

Scuba Diving

As you may expect, Saint Martin is also perfect for scuba diving . Along with the reefs and abundant marine wildlife, there are also seven shipwrecks dotted around the island that divers love to explore.

The oldest well-known wreck is that of HMS Proselyte, which sank in 1801. The 32-gun frigate now lays 50 feet below the waves near Philipsburg. Coral-encrusted cannons, ballast bars, anchors, and barrel hoops still remain visible on the seabed.

Nature lovers often scuba dive around the Carib Cargo wreck off Cay Bay. This 1996 shipwreck lays 65 feet down on a sandy patch. The environment there is perfect for stingrays, which draw many underwater photographers who wish to capture images of sea creatures living in abandoned human habitats.

Surfing

Saint Martin’s position on the eastern edge of the Caribbean facing the Atlantic makes its beaches perfect for surfing. You can surf on beaches all around the island between November and April, but the beaches on the eastern Atlantic-facing coast offer great surf all year long.

The beaches differ in difficulty. Mullet Bay and Cupecoy are popular with more experienced surfers, while beginners should head for Wilderness Beach.

Wilderness Beach is perfect for surfers of all ability levels. The pink sandy beach is also beautiful. However, it takes 30 minutes to walk there from the parking lot. Also, because Wilderness Beach is remote, it offers no services. Le Galion’s beach is much easier to access, and it is also suitable for surfers of any ability.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Saint Martin is renowned for its windsurfing and kitesurfing. The most popular spot for windsurfing is Le Galion. The tranquil lagoon is an ideal site for beginners’ lessons, and the nearby beach provides nice wave breaks for experienced windsurfers on Le Galion Reef. Other popular locations include Barnes Bay and Meads Bay for experienced windsurfers and Cove Bay for novices.

However, the most unique spot to windsurf is Maho Bay. Passenger airplanes taking-off from nearby Juliana Airport fly close to the beach providing a minute-long, 40-knot gust. This kickstarts windsurfers to a new level.

Kitesurfers head for Nettle Bay. The Caribbean-facing beach features trade winds that experienced kitesurfers appreciate, and the tranquil lagoon provides ideal conditions for beginners. Orient Beach also offers dual locations, with an open ocean beach and a calm, clear lagoon. You can hire equipment and take lessons with kitesurfing schools in both locations.

Family Fun on the Beach

If you just enjoy leisurely swimming in the sea, a game of beach ball, or lounging on the beach, Saint Martin boasts 37 highly-rated beaches. With pristine, sheltered coves, turquoise water, and breathtaking scenery, why not hike along the coast and admire sunrises or sunsets over the sea?

Orient Bay in the northeastern French area of Saint Martin is one of the most popular beaches. It also hosts some of the island’s best nightlife along with bars and restaurants where you often spot visiting celebrities. Locals call it the Saint Tropez of the Caribbean. However, families with young children should be aware that there is a naturist beach toward the south side of the beach.

How to Get to Pinel Island

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 20:49:20 GMT

The best way to get to Pinel Island:

A lot of people ask this question: how can I reach you and/or Pinel Island? For us residents of St Martin - St Maarten, this is quite simple: just follow the road! It really is simple since there is only one road on our island! But, for everyone else, it's not as easy.

There are three possible places you might be starting from...

a cruiseship.
somewhere on St Maarten.
somewhere on St Martin.

If you are coming from a cruise ship:

Simply ask for a taxi at the pier! The taxi ride lasts 30mn, is not too expensive and drop you right on the parking in front of Pinel Island. Don't forget to tell your driver to pick you up later!

Looking for a nice and professional driver? Ask us !

If you are staying on Sint Maarten:

You are usually around Simpson Bay . Most of the hotels are there. This spot is the furthest away from us. Don't panic, it will take you only 30mn to reach us!
So, leave Simpson Bay (opposite direction of the airport) and drive until you reach the big roundabout. Don't go right. If you do, you will go to Philipsburg and there is a lot of traffic there! Follow the road towards Marigot. There, there is another roundabout. Continue straight and you will pass Marigot in 5mn. If it looks like there is some traffic in this street, go left at the roundabout and go straight towards the sea. At the corner there will be a drugstore. In front of you there will be a tiny street. Take it and you be on the sea front. Take a right, and then left. Follow the road until the next roundabout, then take a left and continue on your way. Pass through Grand-Case, and the next roundabout will be the last! Take a left and continue until the next crossroad. Anse Marcel is on the left, Pinel Island straight on!

If you are staying at Oyster Pond:

At the Westin Resort for example, this is much easier. Drive around the marina, follow the road around Fish Pond and pass through French Quarter. At the crossroad, take a right, drive until the roundabout, and take the right to Cul-de-Sac and Pinel Island.

If you are staying in Saint Martin:

It is easier. Your hotel is probably located in Marigot , so follow the sea front and the signs to Pinel. If you are by Orient Bay, take the main road until the roundabout and go right.

Once you arrive in Cul-de-Sac, you have one last choice to make: take the ferry or kayak ?

The ferry leaves every 30mn from to 10am to 5pm (4pm in Summer) and returns every hour.

What are the benefits of kayaking?

Kayaks leave whenever you want
You can come back when you want, too (Up to 5pm)
You can access Little Key
We provide waterproof bags
No pollution. We are a proud partner of the Marine Park .
It is fun, calm and quiet
We provide you all of the information about wildlife you can spot from the kayaks

Fête de la Mer 2018 à Grand Case

Tue, 29 May 2018 02:52:11 GMT

Tee-shirts mouillés, grands coups de pagaies et visages enchantés ; tel était le mot d’ordre de ce samedi 26 Mai ensoleillé.

Nous avons organisé une course de kayaks et de standup paddle à destination des habitants de notre ile adorée. Une belle initiative de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin afin d’honorer les différentes aides Européennes distribuées sur notre territoire chaque année. Quelle bonne idée!

Quoi de mieux que de s’amuser ensemble en mélant nature, mixité et émulation autour d’un but commun : arriver le premier !! Adultes ou enfants, Saint-Martinois de longue date ou nouveaux arrivants, débutants ou confirmés… Tous se sont partagés la baie de Grand-Case sous le soleil chaud et réconfortant de ce joli mois de Mai… Mais surtout, de ce joli mois de l’Europe.

En effet, chaque année, les différentes régions d’Europe organisent des manifestations diverses afin de mettre en lumière ces fameux “fonds européens” dont on entend tous parler, de près ou de loin.
Événements gastronomiques, artistiques, sportifs… Libre à chacun de célébrer l’Europe à sa manière.

Mais assez d'histoire! Tee-shirts avec dossards intégrés & casquettes distribués, équipements attribués... À vos marques, prêts? PARTEZ!!

C’est dans le cadre de la 9ème édition de la Fête de la Mer et grâce à l’aide précieuse de l’association Métimer qui organise cette manifestation annuelle d’une main de maître, que les participants aux différentes courses se sont affrontés.

Sable blanc, eau turquoise, musique, animations nautiques et dégustations de produits locaux font très bon ménage. C’est testé et approuvé! Saupoudrez le tout d’une course à portée de tous ou l’idée est de filer sur notre mer lisse & transparente : vous avez la recette d’une journée palpitante... Du départ, jusque l'arrivée !

Kayakistes ou paddle boarders, amateurs ou passionnés, très jeunes ou ( un peu! ) ridés… Les participants ont tous passé un heureux moment de joie et de partage. Et puis côté spectateurs (et organisateurs), quel plaisir de vous avoir observé vous amuser et pagayer à tour de bras. Triomphants pour certains, tranquillement pour d’autres. Légèreté pour tous.

Et la légèreté, ça fait du bien. De ça, nous pouvons tous en témoigner...

Les 4 courses achevées (kayaks doubles, kayaks simples, standup paddles et paddle géants), la remise des prix est arrivée . Et quels prix!! Dîner pour deux au Sol e Luna , soins spa, bons d’achat Yves Rocher , billets d’avions pour la Guadeloupe et tickets Voyager pour Saint-Barth. Pas mal, n’est-ce-pas? Motivant, en tout cas ��

Les 4 premiers de chaque catégorie ont été récompensé et félicité. Et ils sont tous repartis comblés. Tout cela s’est terminé autour de collations maisons, les pieds dans le sable. “Et la prochaine course, ce sera quand?”

Très bonne question! Nous espérons tous pouvoir reproduire l’événement au plus vite et mieux encore.

Le projet initial était d'établir cette course dans la baie de Cul de Sac, notre terrain de jeu de prédilection chez Caribbean Paddling . Malheureusement (ou heureusement?), les sargasses ont modifié le programme. Nous ne remercierons jamais assez toute l’équipe de Métimer pour l’accueil et espérons sincèrement pouvoir collaborer à nouveau dans le futur dans le cadre de notre passion commune : la mer .

Impossible de terminer cet article sans remercier Eliza de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin pour nous avoir contacté et fait confiance.

Mille merci à ces précieuses petites mains ( et gros biscottos ) qui nous ont aidé toute la journée à transporter, encadrer et recadrer…

Et merci à tous les participants qui nous ont touché, coulé et bien fait rigoler!

A très vite pour de nouvelles aventures !

Sportivement,

Toute l’équipe de Caribbean Paddling

Yellow Beach Restaurant is back !

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:57:46 GMT

Yayyy! This is a happy week! We are thrilled to share this amazing news with you : the Yellow Beach restaurant has reopened!!

6 months ago, hurricane Irma came by St. Maarten and damaged badly our "friendly island”. Unfortunately, beautiful Pinel Island did not escape from it and both of the restaurants (Karibuni and Yellow Beach) were wiped out of the map…

Since then, the restaurants staff went above and beyond to rebuild their properties. It took them a lot of effort and time. Everyday, all the materials needed to be brought back and forth to Pinel Island by boat : wood, machines, electricity…

We love Pinel Island for its wildness and this wildness needs to be deserved. ��
That is how life works : everything has a better taste when you fight for it. Right? And it was worth fighting!

Today, the Yellow Beach restaurant is back up and running & more beautiful than ever!

The restaurant is entirely made of wood and palm trees tikki huts for a perfect combination with the nature. The beach chairs and umbrellas are shinning, the beach is clean and beautiful, the sea is turquoise and crystal clear, the tables in the water and on the beach are standing proudly… And the Yellow Beach team is waiting for you impatiently!!

This Sunday March 25th and for the first time in six months, it felt like “nothing happened” for the people who had the chance to go to Pinel Island.
To do so, some went with the ferry, others took a kayak , the most adventurous chose a paddle board , big parties tried our giant paddle boards … And EVERYBODY had a blast !

They relaxed on their beach chairs, worked on their suntan, sipped their cocktail white floating on the water, shared a table with their friends and families, hiked around, paddled across… All we can tell you is that we could see the smiles on everybody’s faces at the end of the day and it felt insanely good. It felt right!

This was the first time in a long time that happiness and recklessness were entirely part of a day … But it will definitely not be the last! Pinel Island is well known to bring that kind of feeling to its visitors and Pinel Island is back!

From now on, Pinel Island and its restaurants are waiting for you everyday. On the other side, Caribbean Padding team will be there as well with our colourful fleet of kayaks and paddle boards from 9:30am. It will only add some fun & peace to your day to paddle your way to Paradise!

See you soon guys! Pinel Island, its restaurants and our kayaks missed you!

☀️��️��‍♂️��‍♀️��️

Need more information about the Yellow Beach ? Visit their website here !

A Yummy and Sunny Day

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 23:53:33 GMT

The New Year generally comes with new ideas!

For 2018, we have decided to improve again our service and give it some good tastes. We now offer a wonderful picnic box for your day at Pinel Island to take on board your kayak or your paddle board! And you want to know what's the best part of it? This is:

French
Fresh
Homemade …and…….
Eco-friendly !!!

A pretty good combo, right? We put it together for you in the morning of your rental and give it to you directly at the shop, right before you paddle out to Pinel Island for the day. The bamboo style looking of the cooler and the packaging of all the surprises inside will make you want to eat it before “it’s time”. You will see ;-)

And just to be sure to make your mouth watering about it, let us describe the menu:

We truly think it will change your experience of your day on Pinel Island! If you are a nature lover, you appreciate a simple but fresh food and prefer to enjoy it away from the crowd, this is the right package for you! You will be able to paddle to the other side of the island at your own pace, snorkel for a while, walk around Pinel Island… Discover… And find the perfect spot to enjoy this tasty lunch box.

Either directly on the main beach or on one of the others
on the grass
on the rocks
on your paddle board
on your kayak
your feet in the water - or out
on Pinel Island…
Or on Little Key and its sand bar…

You have an endless number of options according to your mood or tastes! This is the definition of freedom… And flavours! At a very reasonable price (15 dollars per person)!

So, what do you think ? See you soon !!

Saint-Martin, une destination de rêve pour les vacances

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:41:11 GMT

Qui n'a jamais rêvé de s'envoler vers les Caraïbes ? Cette destination abonde d'archipel et d'îles tropicales propices aux vacances. À l'instar de Saint-Martin, une île caribéenne dont une partie est un territoire français et l'autre néerlandais. L'avantage de se rendre dans ce genre d'endroit est que vous serez à plus de 6000 kilomètres de la métropole, pourtant vous serez toujours en territoire français. Et en plus, ce ne sont pas les activités qui y manquent. En ce sens, n'hésitez pas à passer quelque temps à Saint-Martin pour vous évader et passer de bons moments de détente.

Se prélasser sur les magnifiques plages:

Lorsque l'on se trouve dans un endroit insulaire, il est normal de passer du temps sur la plage. Et si vous optez pour un voyage sur mesure dans les Caraïbes, ce ne sont pas les destinations qui manquent (Bahamas, Martinique, Cuba, etc.). Aussi, pourquoi ne pas profiter de vos vacances dans la mer des Caraïbes pour partir à Saint-Martin et prendre du bon temps sous le soleil ? Les amateurs de destination balnéaire pourront trouver leur bonheur.

Par ailleurs, voici quelques unes des plages sur lesquelles vous pourrez vous rendre lorsque vous serez à Saint-Martin. Par exemple, il y a la plage de Baie Longue qui est réputée pour être la plus longue plage de l'île. Elle est calme et idéale pour ceux qui recherchent un endroit paisible. Il y a aussi la plage des Amoureux, qui est assez petite et très intime. Elle est parfaite pour accueillir les jeunes couples.

Faire des Activités Nautiques:

Les loisirs nautiques, voilà une bonne idée d'activités à faire quand on se trouve à Saint-Martin. Vous pouvez, par exemple, faire une petite expédition en bateau pour contempler les magnifiques paysages autour de l'île. D'autre part, si vous aimez le ski nautique ou le jet ski, sachez que vous aurez l'occasion d'en faire. Et même si vous n'êtes pas encore un expert en la matière, ce sera le moment de vous initier. Le Nord de l'île est un paradis pour le standup paddle board, notamment à l'îlet Pinel .

Par ailleurs, sachez que vous pourrez aussi faire de la plongée sous-marine à Saint-Martin. D'autant que l'île possède de très bons spots. Rendez-vous notamment à Dawn Beach ou à Friar’s Bay afin de faire du snorkeling. En outre, vous pouvez aussi vous rendre au large de la baie de Philipsburg pour découvrir des épaves de navires.

S'attarder dans la Ville de Marigot:

Il serait vraiment dommage de ne pas passer du temps à Marigot. En effet, sachez que cette charmante cité située dans la partie française de Saint-Martin abrite des endroits très intéressants. Aussi, prenez le temps de vous y aventurer. En plus, ce sera l'occasion d'observer la vie des habitants locaux. Aussi, une fois sur place, n'hésitez pas à vous promener à travers la ville.

Par exemple, dirigez-vous vers le marché de Marigot pour admirer les couleurs des produits locaux (fruits, légumes, épices...) et humer leurs senteurs ; ou tout simplement pour vous imprégner de la joie de vivre des habitants. D'autre part, ce sera aussi l'occasion de goûter aux diverses spécialités culinaires locales dans les divers restaurants de la cité, dont le délicieux Locri.

Kayaks Versus Standup Paddle Boards

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:13:29 GMT

There is a debate about which is more fun to use. A standup paddleboard or a sit-on kayak. Each brings their own benefits, yet there are times when a sit-on kayak edges in front of a paddle board. Here are five reasons why it does just that.

Long Distance Paddling:

It is true that some people have paddled their paddle boards for a long distance, yet they are not geared up for long distances. There is a significant number of people who take their kayaks the sole aim of making a holiday of it and paddling their kayak down a river.

Many are the larger kayaks have compartments which are watertight so you can get all your camping gear inside and transport it quickly to the next campsite along your route.

Kayaks are also geared up more for this long distance with their double ended paddles. These cause less fatigue, and if you do get tired, you can sit back and relax for a while. Overall, a kayak uses your body’s energy more efficiently than a paddle board.

Cold Weather:

This is where kayaks come into their own. Get on a river where water levels are highest, and you can hit those rapids. Although shorter kayaks are built for this sort of sport, it shows they are a blast on smooth or rough waters without them ever feeling out of place.

You also have the advantage of stability in a sit-on kayak, so if you are daring the colder weather on a paddleboard, the chances of you becoming colder quicker are much higher.

Speed:

You can paddle much faster in a kayak than a paddle board. Much of this has to do with the fact you have two paddles, and you are closer to the water. This shortens your stroke length and means you are able to get your paddles in and out of the water faster. Kayaks are also more fun and stable when you are in choppy waters or surf.

Paddle boards can be used as a surfboard yet a kayak is more stable, and they are self-bailing as water drains from the holes that are strategically placed around them. They are also much better when you are in a swift current, and you wish to paddle against the flow.

For some real thrills, you can also take your Kayak down a runoff drainage ditch that has shallow water, and you do not need to paddle. This can be full of thrills and is something that you would not be able to do on a paddle board.

Fishing:

As you can carry luggage and sit in a Kayak, many people use this to do a spot of lake fishing or some close to shore sea fishing. It is much easier than taking out a large boat, and you can keep your rod on the top of your kayak.

It is easy to paddle to the location and bob there for an hour or two. It is also easy when you land a fish or two and much more stable. Once you get the hang of it, you will find you can use the paddle in one hand and your rod in the other and drifting. It might be hard to do, but it teams up to of the most popular pastimes into one.

Sightseeing:

This has to be an advantage to a kayak by far. You might be able to see further from a paddleboard, yet it is much more difficult to take out a camera and take some shots while trying to keep steady. Apart from that, with a kayak, you can opt for an action camera and fasten it to your helmet. The choice of videos you can make is endless.

Paddling down a fast moving river and hitting the whitewater. It might not be the same as being in a sit-in kayak yet you will get the impression you have roughed it with the best nature has to offer from the scenes you have shot.

The choice of scenery you have available is also much broader. Any time of the year and you can make the best of the views around you. With a paddle board, you are mainly restricted to the warmer climate and the calmer waters.

At the end of the day, both paddle boards and sit on top kayaks have their following, yet the kayak is more versatile and can be used all year round in new places. No two trips will be the same in a kayak that’s for sure.

About the Author: Chris Cole writes for Nature Sport Central and is an outdoor activity specialist having spent the majority of his years either hiking on the land or kayaking and fishing on the water.

Chris can be found on social media – Twitter , Facebook , and Pinterest .

3 Great Paddling Spots In Barbados

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Barbados doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as one of the more diverse Caribbean islands, in terms of terrain and attractions. There are rocky and sandy coasts, small towns and resorts, and more remote areas for exploration. It’s a small island, but one that’s a real treat to visit, should you ever get the chance. Plus, as with most Caribbean islands, it’s full of excellent places to go paddling! We’ll highlight three of them below.

1 – Bath Beach:

Bath Beach is located on the island’s East Coast, just north of the Coach Hill area. While there are some beaches around the island that are known particularly for surfing, Bath is recommended to surfers and SUP enthusiasts alike, which is a somewhat unusual. There are certainly calmer waters along this beach however, such that much of the summer makes it a nice, relaxing place to try your hand at paddling. In fact, a guide to the area claims that the very name “Bath Beach” comes from the fact that this beach provides one of the safest places for swimming (and by extension SUP) on the East Coast . This is thanks to the waters closest to shore being protected by coral reefs.
It’s also a particularly easygoing area for a day of activity. The same guide that discussed the reason for the beach’s name pointed out that there’s a large car park by the beach, as well as that there are several drink and snack vendors right on the shore. This makes it easy to stop by the beach for a full day, paddling in the morning, stopping for lunch, and getting back out on the water for the afternoon.

2 – Rockley Beach:

“Rockley” is something of a misnomer, because this is one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in Barbados . In the Hastings area on the South Coast, it’s like a classic postcard image of the Caribbean, complete with transparent turquoise waters that you can paddle over to your heart’s content. The surf here is fairly tame, which makes it a relaxing experience.

The area is also known for perhaps the best beach bar in the Caribbean, which makes for a nice stop after paddling . When we hear the word “Tiki,” most of us think of Polynesian islands, or else silly island-themed gimmicks. Tiki torches have become popular products the world over, for instance, and Tiki masks are so representative of general island culture they’ve even been used to establish themes for everything from restaurants to video games. “Tiki Paradise” is one of the better-known slot arcades online , among other sites and putting forth a basic tropical beach theme. But the idea of a Tiki theme doesn’t have to be tacky or cheesy – at Rockley, this culture is embraced in a very genuine way at Tiki Bar, an open, awesome beach bar and restaurant complete with its own beach chairs. It’s about the best place you could imagine after a day on the water.

3 – Sandy Lane Beach:

Sandy Lane Beach is on the West Coast on the Caribbean Sea, which is also known as the Platinum Coast. This is generally a slightly more upscale area, where you’ll find some very nice resorts and local neighborhoods. It’s also where you’ll find perhaps the calmest waters on the island, however, which makes it excellent for paddling – particularly for beginners. As a matter of fact, the entirety of the Platinum Coast is generally viewed as a good location for SUP , but we’re singling out Sandy Lane as a nice, quiet beach.

Ultimately, this area might be best if you’re looking to have a more luxurious stay in Barbados and perhaps enjoy a few additional activities while you’re there. That’s not to say other beaches and areas don’t have plenty of things for you to do, but the Platinum Coast has it all. The area is full of glitz and glamor, as Tropical Sky put it, with beautiful resorts, sailing and catamaran opportunities, and fine restaurants. Given how generally relaxing SUP can be, it might be worth considering making it part of a trip that includes some of these high-end activities and attractions.

Top 5 Essential Paddle Boarding Tips for Beginners

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 16:10:31 GMT

So, you’ve taken up the sport of paddleboarding, and you're wondering how to optimize your experience on the water with the essential gear. You're ready to hit your local lake, beach or river, but what should you bring in your paddling excursion? Now, depending on how long you intend your paddle adventure to last, you can always slip into the water with just your board, paddle and bathing suit. It's common to have less gear with you for a quick paddle session, or when sharing a board with the family on a beach day. But if you plan on being out on the water for more than twenty minutes, here are five essential tips for beginner paddleboarders to keep in mind.

#1 Stay hydrated and stretch

before or during your paddle boarding session. It is essential to remain hydrated while exercising on the water. Whether you’re cruising the coastline or through the backwaters during an afternoon, you must have access to water or a beverage of your choice to keep your palate wet. The sport of paddle boarding takes a lot of energy out of you and with a full core workout, it doesn’t take long to sweat. Staying hydrated is easy with the proper equipment. Having a reusable water bottle is perfect for small trips, but if you’re planning a day-long paddle, a Camelback is a fantastic accessory to add to your list of gear. These backpacks have waterproof pouches that fit snugly into a wearable and lightweight pack that makes for a comfortable carry. Sip cold water through the mouth piece attached to a tube that snakes over the shoulder for easy access. This hydration option is ideal, and most Camelbacks have separate compartments for storing small item essentials. Staying hydrated is key. If you do not have access to a Camelback, carry a water bottle in a dry bag or a small cooler that you can strap to the bow or stern of your paddleboard.

#2 Wear a life vest or PFD belt

No matter how great of a swimmer you may think you are, having a personal flotation device (PFD) is essential when paddling to and from locations. In most areas, it is the law to have a PFD on your person, or on the board while underway. There are multiple variations and plenty of fashionable styles to choose, and they range across a spectrum of affordable pricing. They’re perfect for throwing to a friend in distress or keeping your head above the water if you should have a health issue while paddling and fall off your board in a secluded area. This topic leads to the next beginner paddle tip.

#3 Sport a Leash

because you never know when you may need it. As the traditional safety saying goes, 'It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.' A leash could save your life. Especially if you plan on paddleboard surfing or riding the flow of river rapids on your SUP. Staying connected to your board will save you from a long swim. Even if you're paddling the calm backwaters on one of the best iSUP boards on today's market, having a leash attached to your ankle, calf, or belt PFD allows for quicker and easier retrieval of your board should you find yourself separated or having to chase after it.

The leash allows paddlers to pull their board back in mere seconds, so riders can avoid walking on oysters or jagged rocks. The chances of falling off and becoming separated from your board increases when taking your paddle board experience to the extreme in the surf or rapids. Being tethered to your board is ideal, so you don’t have to tire yourself out swimming after your board.

#4 Sunscreen is

everyone’s best friend. No matter what color skin tone you have, our closest star, our sun, shows no mercy for any one on this planet. Sunscreen is designed to keep your skin from being scorched. If you spend anywhere from an hour paddleboarding to a half day or more, you could get scorched without the proper appliance of sunscreen. The most common sunscreen is 30 SPF to 50 SPF and come in a liquid, or solid stick form and is affordable and easy to apply.

There are small backpack-size or key chain bottle sunscreen variations that are perfect for day trips. Be sure to reapply every couple hours or so, and though having sunscreen is essential, wearing a hat, or long-sleeve shirt keeps the UV rays from hitting your skin. Skin cancer is more common than you think, and everyone who frequents the sunshine should have sunscreen on hand.

#5 A dry bag for storage

is always necessary if you don't want your food and technology to become soggy or ruined. Dry bags come in many forms and sizes, and you want to find one that floats in case it slides off your board into the water. Many paddle boards today have cross-bungee straps to secure your gear, but if you don’t have bungees on your board, sometimes things tend to float off if you’re not paying close attention. The key to picking a quality dry bag is finding one that has a reliable seal and is vibrant in color, so you can easily find if it does happen to fall into the water. There are smaller versions of the dry bag such as dry boxes or waterproof pouches. Compact and easy to fit into a Camelback or travel bag. They are large enough to hold your car keys phone, a few credit cards and a small tube of sunscreen. It is a fantastic piece of gear for your paddle board set up and keeps everything organized in one central location.

These five essential paddleboarding tips will prepare you for everything you need to maintain an optimized paddling experience. If you plan on hitting the water for the day, bring the essentials. You will remain comfortable, hydrated, and most of all, safe. All these items are more than affordable and are available in a variety of online resale websites. Find the essential paddleboard gear for your afternoon ride and share your new tips with fellow paddlers.

Belles Destinations des Caraibes

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 15:37:05 GMT

Vacances dans les îles : séjour dans les belles destinations des Caraïbes

Si vous envisagez de partir en voyage dans les Caraïbes , de nombreuses îles sont alors toutes aussi intéressantes les unes que les autres comme destination de vacances. Quitte à en choisir, pourquoi ne pas opter pour l'une de celles qui sont considérées parmi les plus belles d'entre elles ? Vous aurez d'ailleurs l'embarras du choix, mais voici quelques-unes des îles parmi les plus prisées des voyageurs pour leur beauté et surtout de leurs atouts indéniables en tant que destinations balnéaires.

Les Bahamas:

L'archipel des Bahamas fait partie des destinations aux Caraïbes qui attirent les vacanciers provenant des quatre coins du monde pour la beauté des îles qui le compose. En effet, si vous comptez partir en voyage aux Bahamas , vous aurez l'occasion de séjourner sur une de ces îles exceptionnelles. D'autant plus que la grande majorité d'entre elles sont adaptées pour les voyageurs en couple, en famille, mais également si vous passez vos vacances avec un groupe d'amis.

Paradise Island est entre autres une île incontournable pour l'immense complexe hôtelier Atlantis Paradise Island qui s'y trouve. Avec ses nombreuses attractions (parcs aquatiques, piscines, parcours de golf, casino, etc.), vous aurez certainement de quoi vous occuper durant vos vacances. D'autre part, les Bahamas sont également particulièrement prisées par les amateurs et les passionnés de plongée sous-marine pour la richesse de ses fonds marins. Mais vous pouvez également vous adonner à d'autres activités nautiques telles que le snorkeling, le kayaking, le kitesurfing, la planche à voile...

Cuba:

Cuba est actuellement une destination de plus en plus prisée parmi les îles des Caraïbes . Non seulement pour la richesse du patrimoine culturel et historique cubain, mais aussi pour l'exceptionnel patrimoine naturel aussi bien dans les terres que sur le littoral de ce pays. En effet, les côtes cubaines qui sont bordées par la mer des Caraïbes attirent d'innombrables vacanciers souhaitant profiter de leur beauté, mais également de plusieurs sortes d'activités nautiques qu'il est possible d'y faire.

La station balnéaire de Varadero est justement le parfait exemple dans laquelle vous pouvez d'ailleurs trouver toutes sortes d'hébergements afin de vous loger durant vos vacances à Cuba. Ainsi, vous aurez l'occasion de tirer profit lors de votre séjour de sa très longue et magnifique plage de sable blanc qui est bordée par des eaux cristallines et turquoise. Sans oublier bien sûr les nombreuses activités nautiques que vous pouvez pratiquer sur cette plage cubaine comme la plongée sous-marine, le snorkeling, la planche à voile, et bien d'autres encore.

La Guadeloupe:

L'île papillon est aussi une destination de vacances balnéaires à privilégier dans les Caraïbes pour ses nombreux atouts. En effet, que ce soit sur la Basse-Terre ou la Grande-Terre, vous aurez la chance de trouver des plages toutes aussi magnifiques les unes que les autres. Ainsi, vous profiterez des joies de la mer sur les côtes de la Guadeloupe . Dans le cas où vous séjourneriez sur la Basse-Terre, ne ratez surtout pas la fameuse plage dorée de Grande Anse qui est bordée par la mer des Caraïbes . Cette grande plage en forme de demi-lune est notamment réputée pour sa beauté. C'est ce qui la place d'ailleurs sur la liste des plus belles plages incontournables de la Guadeloupe.

En outre, si vous effectuez des vacances en famille sur l'île papillon, en l'occurrence avec des enfants, il ne faut pas alors oublier de passer par la plage de Caravelle sur la Grande-Terre. Cette dernière est dotée d'une lagune peu profonde qui s'adapte parfaitement aux petits. De plus, de nombreuses activités nautiques sont faisables sur cette plage comme le jet-ski, la planche à voile, etc.

L'île de Saint-Martin:

Même si l'île Saint-Martin est partagée entre deux pays, notamment la France et le royaume des Pays-Bas, cela ne vous empêchera pas de profiter des remarquables attraits de cette île qui baigne dans les Caraïbes . D'autant plus que vous aurez la chance de trouver deux mondes qui possèdent leur propre charme selon la partie française ou la partie néerlandaise que vous auriez visitée. Aussi bien dans les terres que sur les côtes de l'île Saint-Martin.

D'ailleurs, lors de votre séjour sur cette dernière, il ne faut surtout pas rater la fameuse Maho Beach qui se trouve dans la partie néerlandaise de l'île. Ce n'est pas tellement sa beauté qui fait sa réputation, mais surtout du fait que les avions qui atterrissent ou qui décollent de l'aéroport Princess Juliana rasent presque cette plage offrant un spectacle inédit. Cependant, vous aurez tout de même l'occasion de vous adonner aux plaisirs balnéaires sur cette remarquable plage.

En outre, dans la partie française, de nombreuses plages vous attendent. C'est notamment le cas de la plage de l'îlet Pinel sur laquelle vous aurez l'opportunité de pratiquer différentes activités nautiques. Bénéficiant d'une mer calme, vous pouvez vous adonner au kayak ou au paddle board entre autres, mais aussi explorer les fonds marins en snorkeling ou bien en plongée sous-marine.

3 Best Snorkeling Spots at Pinel Island

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 18:46:39 GMT

A little guide for your next snorkel trip

Pinel Island is a well known destination for snorkeling but once you get there, it's not obvious to find the best spot. Whether you get there by kayak, paddle board or ferry, you need to take that opportunity to discover and explore the underwater world..! With its flat waters and its little to no current, the bay of Cul-de-Sac is one of the most accessible place for snorkeling, even for small kids and beginners.

So here are our top 3 recommendations:

Our number one spot is located at Little Key, which is the island before Pinel Island. Once on the tiny deserted beach, you can either start on the left or on the right of the beach. The left side will make you follow the shallow waters before the point of the island. That spot is interesting because of its easy access and its calm waters. All you have to do is to follow the underwater reef until the point, then you can come back (or try to find the numerous sea turtles) or keep snorkeling around the island.

The second option would be to start from the same beach but go on the right side. There lies a reef bar where waves are breaking on. There is absolutely no danger if you don't go on the ocean side. The water is very shallow over the reef so you could scratch yourself on the sharp coral if you intend play to the waves. However, the bay side is protected so you can gently snorkel along the reef. Within a few meters, you will discover the little wreck around which many fishes are staying. One of my favorite thing to do when I go there with a friend is to dive before he/she arrives and write his/her name on hull covered with sand. Much appreciated ;) Further out, you will snorkel among the gorgons and other plants of the sea.

One the very best spots is located behind Pinel Island. On the North side of the island lies the wild unprotected beach. That beach, surrounded by 2 reef bars is a top spot for adventurous snorkelers. The reefs host lobsters and (other) urchins and is still in a pretty good shape. The more adventurers of you may want to dive to locate the lobsters in small reef caves. So many species find their shelter in our Caribbean seas, waiting for you to visit!

BONUS:
While snorkeling is not always easy for kiddos, the main beach of Pinel island would be a perfect spot for them, thanks to our unique Reefboards. This gear is particularly easy for kids and can provide an awesome first experience.

Looking for the right snorkel equipment ? Caribbean Paddling got you covered and provides snorkel gear rental for the whole family! We offer 3 different way to discover the underwater world:

Classic set of snorkeling gear, including mask, adjustable fins and snorkel.
Our brand new facemasks for those who don't feel comfortable breathing in snorkel (package includes adjustable fins too)
ReekBoard for kids or bad swimmers.Lay on it peacefully, put your head in the collar and enjoy the underwater views using only your feet to move or drifting along the beach !

Everything is bookable under the "book now" tab located on the top right corner of your page.

A paddling getaway in St Barth..

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 22:11:36 GMT

Caribbean Paddling went away this week end, and the paddle boards were part of the trip!

Living in Saint-Martin has many assets to offer. And one of them is that we have Islands closed by to travel to in no time, either for a day trip or for the week end. An Island Hoping paradise for everybody: the locals and the visitors!

Anguilla is the British Island located at the North of Saint-Martin, less than 4 miles away. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and its crystal clear water. This is the perfect Island for a relaxing getaway (beach, snorkeling, water activities…) since besides the magnificent coast, there is not much to do over there.

Saba is located at the South West of Sint-Marteen and belongs to the Dutch. It is actually the highest land of Netherland! The landscape is the opposite from Anguilla’s (which is absolutely flat) and the particularity of this island is… It is a beachless Caribbean Island. How incredible, right? But no worries, you still have a lot to do over there, mostly sportive activities! Basically, Saba is well known for its beautiful hikes in the mountain with thousands of different plants & amazing deep dives with colorful reefs. This is a great alternative from the “beach style” vacations that most of the Caribbean Islands usually offer.

And the last, but not the least: Saint-Barth . We are sure that you have already heard of it, isn’t it? ☺ Saint-Barth is located at the west of Saint-Martin, and is accessible either by ferry (30 minutes of ferry ride), by charter plane (12 minutes of flight), with a helicopter (10 minutes of flight) or by private boat. This island is a pure gem! Famous to be the destination for the famous and rich people, this French island has everything to satisfy everybody’s tastes (but still pricey)! Hilly landscapes with amazing point of views of the deep blue & turquoise Caribbean sea, white sand beaches, great shopping (!!), 5 stars resorts or charming casual ones, gastronomic restaurants, hikes on the wild side, natural pools… And of course, all the water activities you can think of!

This week end, we have decided that after this very busy season in Saint-Martin, we had well deserved a little getaway on our favorite sister island! We were lucky enough to stay at one of their most beautiful resort – Le Barthelemy – located on Grand Cul de Sac bay, where the turquoise and crystal clear lagoon is simply perfect for paddling and kite surfing. Good for us!

We took the ferry on Friday morning, and at 11:00am we were all settled in our beautiful room, overlooking the infinity pool… Ending up on the lagoon. Not too bad :) After sipping our welcome fresh fruit cocktail to shake our energy, we took our batting suits, put on some Sun Bum sunscreen, took our Crazy Fly kite equipment and went straight to the hotel watersport “ 7eme Ciel ”. There, we met the owner, Enguerrand , who gave us all the recommendations to enjoy our session to the fullest… which we did, even though the wind dropped at some point. But we still got to ride on this turquoise lagoon, with our dear sea turtles, and while short, this session was priceless. Why?

First, because it was different from what we know, and change is always good.
Second, because we were in vacations, and holidays give a better taste to everything.
Third, because we were on a Paradise spot, so there was nothing much we could complain about.
Fourth, because we were surrounded by friendly people, which directly turns a moment into a special one.
And finally, because since the wind completely dropped, we had a full week end of SUPing ahead of us! And nothing can please us more than that! ☺

So after a good lunch on the beach, we went venturing around with our convertible Mini Cooper under the Caribbean sun. And that is actually what we did during the whole week end, mixing off property excursions (hiking, driving, swimming, beaching, "cocktailing", lunching, dining…) with on property activities: paddle boarding on the bay thanks to the watersport’s Sroka gear (that we are planning to purchase at Caribbean Paddling, by the way ☺), enjoying the hotel’s pool & beach, and so much more…

In other words, we had the best time ever in Saint-Barth! We are so grateful for all we got to do and for all the welcoming people we’ve met during this 3 days getaway… And most of all, we can wait to go back there to paddle & kite some more!

More pictures here .

Life is better with a Paddle Board

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

HERE IN THE CARIBBEAN, WE LOVE PADDLE BOARDING. DO YOU?

What to do on a rainy day in St. Maarten

Fri, 26 May 2017 19:11:31 GMT

Rain won't stop you if you follow our local tips:

Rain is part of our life at St. Maarten, and we understand that it's not the first thing that come into your mind when you plan a week in the Caribbean.

No, the first that come up is warm sun, white sand and shimmering turquoise water. When you visit St. Maarten and its 37 beaches, the most important thing is to enjoy your day under the sun. But when it rains, getting wet on a beach chair is not really attracting!

Here is what to do to fully enjoy your time, despite a rainy day.

1. Looking for Food tour? Try Flavors of St. Martin

Their tours are a culinary discovery mix to an unforgettable tour of the French and the Dutch side around the main subject that everybody loves: the gastronomy! The main goal of their food tours is to feel the spirit of the island, its people, and its cuisine.

Flavors of St. Martin offers 3 different food tours around St. Maarten and like they say on their website: " The tours are held rain or shine . You should dress appropriately for the day’s weather conditions and bring an umbrella if necessary. Luckily the showers in the Caribbean are usually brief and light." They are totally right!

The Culinary road trip lasts 4 hours and starts at “ the parking lot of Carousel Gelateria Bar (very close to Simpson Bay Resort and Marina). ” and let you discover 4 restaurants of the both sides of the island. Because of their van, you will be completely protected from the tropical rain.

The Philipsburg Foodie Walking Tour is a 2.5 hour walking tour of Philipsburg, which will let you discover 4 restaurants of the city as well as learning about St. Maarten architecture and history.

The last tour is a private tour which can be tailored to suit your needs.

2. The best french breakfast is at l'Express (Hope Estate or Marigot)

Open from 7AM to 7PM, l'Express by Bacchus is a new venue located at Hope Estate. The folks at the famous Bacchus created a typical french restaurant where you can taste delicious french baguette (tell me you don't like that), yummy pastries like their signature cake, Le Caraïbe : a passion-mango mousse with candied pineapple on a coconut dacquoise. If you drive by on a rainy morning, don't hesitate to stop to enjoy a true french breakfast.

3. Lunch at the new Télégraphe at Orient Bay:

Looking for a french restaurant located at Orient Beach, nestled between the beach (with a view) and la Place d'Orient? Look no further, Alex and Max, the two owners of Le Télégraphe welcome you everyday from 10AM until... well, you'll see!

Even the rain won't stop the restaurant to open, as its conception allows you to on two distinctive sides of the restaurant. The huge terrasse in front of the beach will accomodate big parties, in a terrific industrial atmosphere! Opt for the quiet Place d'Orient, and the other terrasse will make you think of a french brasserie.

Don't forget their amazing cocktails, and you'll forget about the rain ;)

4. Taste the real local beer at the Lagoonies

What about drinking a tasty local beer instead of traditional Presidente, Carib and other Heineken? What about mixing that with a french bistro with laid back atmosphere on the Dutch SideReal beer lovers, we have your back! A new local beer (like really local) is available in all the good bars and restaurants of St. Maarten, like Le Télégraphe on the French side, or the Lagoonies on the Dutch side.

SHOPPING IN MARIGOT OR PHILIPSBURG

Shopping is always the first thing that comes to our mind in case of bad weather. This is the occasion for you to go visit Marigot (French capital) and/or Philipsburg (Dutch Capital).

In Marigot (local creole town), you can visit the market, the West Indies mall (covered, so perfect to avoid the rain!) and if the showers stop for a while, walk up to the Fort Louis at the top of the hill and enjoy the magnificent view of the bay.

Philipsburg is better known for its international boutiques and its numerous jewelry stores. This is also where all the cruise ships dock for the day!

ISLAND TOUR WITH TAXI OR RENTAL CAR

What better than driving around, either by yourself or with a local taxi, to discover the island?

The tour of Saint-Martin will take you about one hour and a half, without any traffic or stops on the way. But the idea is actually to stop on the way, enjoy the different sightseeing spots. Here would be our schedule for you: Stop in Marigot in the morning and walk around (see highlighted spots to visit above). Then head to the North of Saint-Martin and go visit Anse Marcel, the point of views on the way are breathtaking! Take a few pictures, get back in your car and drive towards Orient Beach and Galion Beach, where you can stop to watch the beauty of the storm on the ocean. Right after, you will end up in Dutch quarter. Keep going and follow the sign to Oyster-Pond in order to reach Philipsburg on a nice wild road, by the sea.

After 20 minutes of driving, you arrive in Philipsburg (the Dutch Capital), park your car and walk around on Back Street, Front Street and the boardwalk, where you will find plenty of nice boutiques, bars, and local restaurants.

To finish your complete island tour, take the road back to Juliana International airport and stop at the Sunset Beach Bar, have a bite or a drink and enjoy the planes landing and taking off right above you: fun and impressive!!

Price of a rental car (small car) for the day: about 60 dollars

Price of a taxi for an island tour: 150 dollars for 3 hours (for 2 people)

SPA DAY

For those who do not want to stay outside and wish to be pampered all day, what about visiting one of the spas on the island, and get a massage or any treatment of your wishing?

On the Dutch side, the Spa Dior located at the Cliff resort (in Cupecoy Beach) provides luxurious hydrotherapy and aromatherapy treatments, deep tissue massages, facials and body scrubs… And a full access to the pool on site, sauna (to warm up!!) and steam room.

If you are looking for a unique and relaxing experience, book a treatment at the Spa located at Belmond La Samanna resort, located on Baie Longue (on the French side). This small and intimate spa will make you forget about the rain thanks to its cuteness ☺

Plus, you will be able to have a drink, a nice breakfast, lunch or dinner before or after your treatment: a luxury pause in your vacation that you can not forget!

CARIBBEAN CINEMA

What about popcorns, hot dog, and a good movie? The Caribbean Cinema (St. Maarten Megaplex 7), located in Simpson Bay offers movie time from the early afternoon until 9:00 pm, in its seven theaters.

After or before your movie, you can then walk around Simpson Bay, have a drink on the dock of one of the bar & restaurants overlooking Simpson Bay lagoon or grab a yummy homemade ice cream at the Carrousel!

HOPE ESTATE CENTER

This area is located right in front the little airport of Grand-Case.

We love it for three main reasons:

Bacchus , a fantastic spot for foodie people (like us!): over there, you will be able to enjoy a fine lunch experience in their indoor restaurant, where you have the feeling to eat in a middle of a wine cellar with an open kitchen at the corner. For those of you who do not feel to sit for a while, just grab the perfect products for your next meal (from the best bottles of wine to the best quality products – cheese, French and Spanish Charcuterie, the “French baguette” and the yummiest pastries). As you enter this shop, you will automatically feel hungry and will want to take it all – this is at your own risk ;-)

But Hope Estate is not just about eating! Time after time, there are a lot of boutiques that are opening and are worth the try. Here are our two favorite ones:

Le Bazar du Majestic , with its incredible selection of French brands for clothes, shoes, and accessories. The selection is great, for everybody’s tastes, and the price is gentle too. And most of all, the manager Benny will be able to give you the best advice as soon as he sees you entering the shop. Visit it; it is a must!

Another great drone video of St Maarten

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A drone flight over St Martin:

Hey guys, while surfing the web lastly, I've found this great footage of St Maarten. That video was shot from a DJI Phantom drone over our beautiful landscapes. I let you watch the short movie and I hope you will enjoy it.

Video credit: Drone Club

Do you love drone videos? We have another terrific view from above Pinel Island. Check that link .

Pinel Island from above

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I frequently do some research on the web, trying to find the best content over the billion pages of Internet. Sometimes you find interesting content like this video below. It is quite amazing how a different perspective can definitely change the look of the place you live or work every day.

January Paddle Surf in the Caribbean

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Need some surf?

This week, Mother Nature sent us a gift by providing us with a strong swell coming from storm Alex located in the Atlantic. That was the opportunity for us to test our brand new F-One Madeiro paddle boards in real conditions. My good friend Johann was in the party, and Likka was on the beach for the pictures.

After checking the swell at Baie aux Prunes, we finally ended at Anse des Pères for some nice take-off.

St Maarten from above

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Take an helicopter ride!

In St Maarten, you have the choice of (too) many activities! From snorkeling to paddle boarding, sailing to surfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, deep sea fishing you have a vast amount of things to do during your stay. I just discovered one this week: helicopter tours!

I met Jean-Charles last week when he showed up to talk about his business and left flyers at our shop. He's the captain of an helicopter and offers tours above the french side of St Maarten, the Marine Reserve but also transfer to Anguilla and St Barth.

We set an appointment few days for a ride above Pinel Island and Tintamarre. Jean Charles is very professional and kind, he took some time to explain us what's gonna happen while he started his engine. We took the smallest helicopter that day (the blue one) and started to fly over the airport before heading to Oyster Pond. The view was gorgeous as we discovered our island with a new perspective. We flew over Orient Bay, get towards Tintamarre island with a view on Pinel, then followed the shoreline of the Marine Reserve (that part of the island is the latest unspoiled area of St Maarten with absolutely no building nor trace of civilization) and finally we flew over to Grand Case and landed safe and sound.

That helicopter tour was amazing and I can't wait to go back! The flight was smooth and comfortable, captain has a strong knowledge and the ride is not very expensive. I invite you to take a look at the images below to discover that fantastic experience:

Why St Maarten is the best in the Caribbean

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

St. Maarten is one of those special places where the fun factor revolves around the clock. Powered by a lively tourism industry with seaside activities like paddle boarding and kayaking , as well as nightlife scenes concentrated on clubs and casinos, this beautiful island country is a definite place-to-be in the Caribbean. To tell the truth, it holds the number eight spot in the top ten best Caribbean islands for the 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards of TripAdvisor.

This high level of recognition is given to popular tourist destinations, such as St. Maarten, based on actual reviews and opinions of travelers. In addition, it reflects how the island nation mirrors exemplary service, quality, and customer satisfaction across the board. Now, to further prove St. Maarten’s status as a bona fide traveler’s paradise, let’s direct our attention to the ideal mix of fun daytime pursuits and exciting events nightly.

SEASIDE ACTIVITIES:

For us, St. Maarten is really “the best way to discover the coastline.” There’s nothing quite like the glorious feeling of being at one with the sea while on a kayak or a windsurf board. The island’s generally flat and placid water bay makes it easy for beginners to learn this sport. On the flipside, its scenic surroundings give justice to a distinct view while on a standup paddleboard.

There are two notable paddleboard locations in St. Maarten. One is in Pinel Island, which presents a gorgeous coastline of turquoise and tranquil waters. Tourists also enjoy a sandbar by the beach where they can hangout and recover all afternoon. Furthermore, Pinel Island has a marine life complete with picturesque reefs and a variety of sea creatures.

Grand Case, on the other hand, is another fantastic place for paddle boarding. Here, travelers can paddleboard and look for stingrays and sea turtles at the right end of the beach. They can even head on over to Creole Rock, which is a top-rated snorkel spot in St. Maarten.

NIGHTLIFE SCENES IN ST MAARTEN:

Nighttime at St. Maarten highlights a perfect way to cap off an eventful day. With the plethora of discos on the island, tourists will have plenty of avenues to party with friends and meet equally fun people along the way. Aside from dancing to latest club hits and live music acts, St. Maarten also features some of the best casinos in the Caribbean.

Nowadays, with the emergence of modern technology, online casinos have sort of captivated players with a convenient mode of enjoying their favorite games on an easy-to-navigate platform. Some, like Gala Casino, have even incorporated famous television shows such as Deal or No Deal to entice fans and provide them a one-of-a-kind experience. However, in St. Maarten, land-based casinos still make a strong case in terms of offering viable places for huge winnings and, of course, nightlife enjoyment.

There’s Philipsburg’s well-known Front Street, where the likes of futuristic gaming monoliths, Coliseum Casino and Rouge et Noir, call St. Maarten’s capital home. Casino Royale (not to be mistaken with the James Bond film) at the Maho Beach Hotel is the biggest of its kind on the island. Just a couple of minutes away from it is Atlantis Casino, which is a fitting, ancient nautical-themed place. Speaking of themed, Lightning Casino caters primarily to sports fans with its round-the-clock showing of different athletic events.

CONCLUSION:

In hindsight, St. Maarten may be a small, not to mention unfamiliar island to some, but it has the makings of a true tourist haven. With a bevy of activities, spanning daytime pursuits and nighttime endeavors, this lovely Caribbean nation makes a strong statement as to why it’s up there with the “best of the best.”

Kayaking to Pinel, from a bird vision

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

LOOK AT OUR PARADISE FROM ABOVE

A few weeks ago, my friend Thierry Dehove visited us in St Maarten as he always does; a phone call the day he is on the island, and then quick meeting (that guy is even busier than President Obama) finally he leaves the island as he comes, like a ninja. Until the next time!

This time, he brought something interesting: his drone. So today I'm going to share another drone video (and I know you like those Caribbean views from above) except our kayaks are starred today.

I would like to thank you, Thierry, for your video and I hope you reader you will like it.

You can follow Thierry's adventures around the world by visiting his website .

Paddleboarding in May in St Maarten

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This month, we have been blessed with the weather! After a pretty windy winter, we finally have decent conditions for paddleboarding in St Maarten. Winter was also super busy for us, and as we could finish late, it's not easy to go for a paddle board ride after a day at work.

Thankfully, my friend and neighbor Scud pushed me by starting paddleboarding after his day at the famous Yellow Beach in Pinel Island. We alternate with my Bic Inflatable Air 10'6 and his favorite one for downwind, the Bic Wing 12'6 which works really great!

I was first really amazed by the inflatable 10'6 which is really stable, and finally rigid for an "air" board. Bic made a great work on that one, and I think I'll go forward on it a buy touring boards for the next season. This is great way to involve locals because we only need to load the trunk of my truck and drive around St Maarten, inflate the board and go for a tour! I still to think about it..

I also have a great pleasure riding the 12'6, and thanks to my good friend Jeni, I have now sound on my board via the Ecoxgear speaker!

2015 Painkiller CUP (BVI) - SUP Race

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The date of the 2015 Painkiller Cup in the British Virgin Islands has just been announced. January 17th, 2015. It is a 15 mile downwind team race from Beef Island, Tortola to Soggy Dollar Bar Jost van Dyke . There will be a pre-race party at The Last Resort on Friday night.

The sponsors are Soggy Dollar Bar , HIHO & The Moorings. The prize money will be at least 10.000$ with the winning team receiving a whopping 5.000$.

The full event details are here .

HIHO Paddle Board Race 2014

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

HIHO Adventure Race, $10.000 Painkiller Cup, BVI:

The 2014 HIHO Adventure Race takes place in British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. BVI are a group of over 50 islands in the Northern Caribbean (about 15 of them are inhabited). They are a perfect destination for Stand Up Paddling: the temperature is 25-30°C year round, the water is equally warm and turquoise, the scenery is spectacular. Most islands are within paddling distance of each other and it’s a great place for downwinders, too.

Once of the best ways to see everything of interest in a short time and get to paddle the most awesome routes is to participate in the HIHO Race.

WHAT IS THE HIHO?

The weeklong event offers a wonderful combination of adventure, racing and island discovery. Your home will be a luxury captained catamaran supplied by The Moorings. In the company of participants from around the World you will begin an odyssey through the beautiful British Virgin Islands. The HIHO fleet will visit Virgin Gorda, Anegada, The Baths, Beef Island, Sandy Cay, Jost Van Dyke, and more.

HOW DOES THE HIHO WORK?

There are 2 different race classes, the Fanatic Ray one design class for novice and intermediate paddlers and the Open Class on 14’ Race boards. Typically, there is a race every morning (shorter distance for one design, longer distance for the open class) with the finish on some stunning location where lunch is served (last year this included on stop Sir Richard Branson’s famous Neckar island). Then the afternoon is free to explore the scenery, embark on a downwind paddle or relax. Shortly before sunset it is time to head back to the Yachts, which will take the Riders to yet another stunning location for dinner.

WHAT IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF SUP RACES?

Highlight is the Painkiller Cup on Friday, a 12-16 mile downwind race team race from Tortola to Jost van Dyke with a whopping US$10.000 prize money. The report from 2012 HIHO painkiller cup is here.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

It’s no secret that one of the best parts of the annual HIHO Race is the luxurious Moorings yacht accommodation. The bulk of the fleet will be domiciled aboard 46ft air-conditioned catamarans. Spacious and fast under sail, catamarans are ideal for watersports vacations in that they offer plenty of room for boards and other gear. The yachts include an experienced captain who will sail the boat while you race from island-to-island. The yachts include a complete kitchen, 4-cabins with adjoining bathrooms (called heads) plus stereo systems and a flat screen TV. There is also a dinghy and required safety gear.

I WANT TO BRING BY FRIEND/FAMILY BUT THEY DON’T PADDLE?

Aside from Stand Up Paddle, there are also Kite and Windsurf Races. If they want to give Stand Up Paddle a go, the British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to learn and the Open Class races are suitable for beginners. But even without participating in the races, they will never get bored, there is so much to see and do, swimming, snorkeling, exploring the islands, pirate parties….

WHAT WILL THE 2014 HIHO ITINERARY LOOK LIKE? WILL IT BE THE SAME AS 2012?

The beauty of this race is that it will take you to different places every year. This year it will stop at Anegada for example. Here is a first draft of the 2013 itinerary:

January 17th, 2014:

Container open - competitors can collect equipment

January 19th, 2014:

Registration at The Moorings - Board yachts - Afternoon departure for North Sound, Virgin Gorda

January 20th, 2014:

Racing in Eustatia Sound - Dinner in the North Sound

January 21st, 2014:

Anegada race - Dinner and dancing at Anegada Reef Hotel

Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands which form part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. It lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Virgin Gorda. Anegada is formed from coral and limestone, rather than being of volcanic origin. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low. Anegada is known for miles of white sand beaches and the 18-mile (29 km)-long Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean, and the fourth largest on earth. It is also famous for it’s lobster.

January 22nd, 2014:

Morning racing & kitesurfing - Afternoon yachts race to The Baths - Dinner at the stunning beach club setting of CocoMaya

The Baths are a sublime jumbled collection of sky-high granite boulders by the sea. The rocks are made of volcanic java from about 70million years ago and form a series of grottoes that fill with water and shafts of kaleidoscopic sunlight and look truly otherworldly.

January 23rd, 2014:

Race to Beef Island - Pirate party at The Last Resort

January 24th, 2014:

10.000 US$ Painkiller Cup - lunch at Soggy Dollar Bar - Dinner and dancing on Jost Van Dyke

On Friday the painkiller Cup will take place. A 12-15 mile downwind race with an awesome finish at Jost van Dyke’s infamous “Soggy Dollar” bar, which takes it’s name from the sailor’s swimming ashore to spend wet bills. It’s also the bar that invented the painkiller, the BVI’s delicious, yet lethal cocktail of rum, coconut, pineapple orange juice and nutmeg.

January 25th, 2014:

Racing at Little Thatch - Awards ceremony at The Moorings

HOW TO GET TO THE BVI?

You will have to find a flight to Beef Island. From Europe, you can fly with KLM or Air France to Saint Martin and then connect to Beef island via Liat, or you can fly in via Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), typically with American Airlines.

Paddle in the Park 2014

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

On November 2nd , an amazing SUP Race will take place on St.John in the US Virgin Islands. There will be 3 different courses:

Short Course: 1 miles
Open Course: 3 miles
Elite Course: 5.5 miles

The Elite Course is a triangular course out into the ocean around a little Cay and back in, sounds easy but with wind speeds of often 20-30 knots, it can be challenging.

More event details are here .

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN

5 Great Ways to enjoy the Caribbean Sea

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Can you guess our favorite?

As we all know, being on the Caribbean waters is like a dream come true. With a slight breeze in the air and a perfect stillness, the Caribbean Sea can at times feel like a lake. It is for this reason that cruising through it on a variety of different vessels, from a paddle board to a luxury yacht charter is so satisfying. In this article we will discuss five great ways to enjoy the the warm, clear Caribbean waters, whether you are here on holiday or planning on staying for the long run.

Paddle Boarding : Unsurprisingly, this is a big favourite for us here at Caribbean Paddling. There are not many finer feelings in the world than paddling your way through the water at your own pace, choosing how fast you would like to go. Paddle boarding is one for anyone looking to match some time in the sun with a spot of exercise and the island of St Maarten has conditions which lends it to being a great spot for paddling! The white sand beaches of St Maarten are a great place to relax after a long session.

Kitesurfing : One that requires a certain amount of skill, but can also see you reach great heights and enjoy using a natural force to lift yourself metres above the water. A sport which ties in two activities (kiting and surfing) it has become very popular in the Caribbean and is a great activity on those windy days. As with paddle boarding there is a certain satisfaction felt after a long period out on the water, as kitesurfing is another one on our list which will help you keep fit!

Sailing : Islands such as St Maarten are begging to be explored, especially beaches such as Galion Bay, which is a veritable paradise for surfers. With shallow waters between the Caribbean islands and small coves and private beaches to be discovered, a catamaran charter may be one of the best ways to cruise through the sea. With a shallow hull, a catamaran can manoeuvre easily through small gaps and in even in the shallower waters.

Jet ski : The engine can sometimes be king and with many jet skis reaching top speeds of over 65 miles per hour, you may not be able to spend much time admiring the scenery. However a jet ski gives a great adrenaline rush and is not something for the faint of heart.

JetLev Flyer : It may look like something out of a James Bond movie, but one of the most exciting water sports toys that has come out over the past few years has to be the JetLev Flyer, which looks remarkably like a jet pack from the famous film. It lets users reach dizzying heights of up to 30 feet and hover above the beautiful Caribbean waters.

The Caribbean is a great place to come and experience some of the world’s most interesting and varied water sports, in addition to enjoying the spectacular white sand beaches of islands such as Barbados and St Maarten. Navis Yacht Charter can help you enjoy the waters in style on a sailing yacht charter, from which you can try the above water sports from a comfortable, luxurious base.

Snorkelfest 2014 in St Maarten

Sat, 08 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

FIRST EDITION OF SNORKELFEST:

Last Saturday stood the first SnorkelFest on Pinel Island in the Natural Park of St Martin . The association Les Fruits de Mer was the organizer, helped by many volunteers. The SnorkelFest was divided into several stands. The reception shack was at the Yellow Beach restaurant, a drawing workshop for children at the Karibuni restaurant, snorkeling portion with society Ecosnorkeling , walks on the environment theme around the island with the team of the Marine Park and a discovery of SUP and transparent kayak in front of Karibuni restaurant, all in a great atmosphere!

I do not tell you in detail the course of the day, but I wanted to post some pictures of people came to our booth to try stand up paddling and kayaking.

More pictures here .

Ze Caribbean Race 2014

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ze Caribbean Race 2014 is coming soon:

On March 1, 2014 took place in Guadeloupe the longest running Standup Paddle race, 60 miles downwind in the blue waters of the Caribbean !

Ze Caribbean Race, for those who do not know, is a Standup Paddle race between the island of Guadeloupe and Marie- Galante . This 60km downwind race is open to 2 categories, Standup Paddle and Surf Ski . Best paddlers coming from the whole world respond to this race become legendary !

Ze Caribbean Race is tropical premier event on the international calendar of Standup Paddle 2014 to be missed under any circumstances!

The course:

Starting range clear in St. Francis at 8am Check beach hotel strong flower sword down the fort Gosier To participate in Ze Caribbean Race 2014 , the organizing committee has scheduled a qualifier session on Sunday, February 2nd.

The organising committee Ze Caribbean Race ensures optimum safety of competitors : a boat paddle by coach or team is included in the registration fee but be careful , some items are the responsibility of each:

a lifejacket
a leash in good connecting to the float
a towing rope 5 meters
a whistle and a reflective marking means
a flare
drink and enough food to cover the route given refueling points (approximately 1 liter of water per hour of travel)
identification bibs provided by the organization

Volunteers, if you are available for a few hours between February 26 2014 and March 1, 2014 , you are welcome !

Information and registration www.zerace. fr

Introducing Aaron Pilon, Blu Wave SUP

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Here is Blu Wave Paddle Board's boss; Aaron Pilon:

Let me introduce you to my friend Aaron Pilon, an avid traveler, paddler and surfer. He founded Blu Wave paddleboards after travelling around the Pacific Coast of Mexico. He became passionate about standup paddle boarding as it's an activity which offers a good compromise between kayaking and surfing, and you can do it on numerous lakes in Canada. Aaron lives in Toronto, by lake Ontario.

Blu Wave paddleboards was established in 2010. Blu Wave's mission is to provide optimal paddling gear for a specific variety of conditions over lakes area in Canada. From Wave Series, to surfing small waves of the Great Lakes, to Touring Series, to perfect standup paddleboards for exploring flat water, Blu Wave offers durable Canadian boards for Canadian waters. Aaron's goal is to bring standup paddle boarding to Canadians from coast to coast.

We met Aaron and his wife Maria this week. They came to St Martin to take a break from the Canadian winter. After several emails, they visited us at Caribbean Paddling's shop. As you can in the picture above, they tried our Bic standup paddleboards! They rode our Soft SUP 10'6" and Ace Tec 10'4". They first explored Pinel Island and then Grand Case (Aaron tried to surf my home spot, but the wave was not consistent that day) and we finally delivered our boards to them in Oyster Pond, next to their vacation rental. He told me that next time he will come back and bring his own standup paddleboards! He truly discovered a great, new place to test out his favorite sport.

I bet we'll see again Aaron with his Blu Wave standup paddleboards in St Martin!

If you go to Toronto, do not forget to visit Aaron and cruise around the Great Lakes. I'm sure he will share his passion about stand up paddleboarding with you.

SUP Circumnavigation of St. John, USVI

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

SUP around St. John, US Virgin Islands:

In July 2013, Lucy from SUP-Stjohn circumnavigated St. John in the US Virgin Islands on her 14’x25“ Fanatic Falcon, solo and unassisted in 32°C heat. Here she tells her story:

"Ever since first coming first to St. John, I have been wanting to do that. The island extends only 8 miles from West to East and about 5 from North to South (about 19square miles / 50 square km). I figured the circumnavigation would be about 20-30 miles. The distance is not really a problem, but it is usually very windy and there are strong currents and waves, especially around the tips (Mary Point in the North and Ram’s head in the South, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean).

The prevailing wind direction is from North East to South West. I had done a few upwind paddles to Maho / Mary Point and a few downwinders from Reef Bay and Fish Bay back into Cruz Bay, but I had never been further East than Mary Point in the North and Reef Bay in the South and thus had no idea which conditions to expect. I had consulted a few locals and they told me that the channel after Mary point can be rough and that the area around Ram’s head is a fierce “washing machine”. Plus there are tiger sharks….

The average wind speed around St. John is about 20knots, often times it’s 35 knots and more, making it impossible to even paddle the 5 miles to Hawk’s nest . So I waited for a really calm day. The forecast for the weekend looked good, wind was only 7-12 knots, the lowest I have ever seen in my time over here, but it would be hot, 32°C / 90°F.

I packed my Garmin GPS, 1 gallon of Gatorade, 10 cereal and energy bars, 5 energy gels, 2 phones, a hammock with mosquito net, a change of clothes and 2 peanut butter jelly sandwiches and made my way down to Cruz Bay with my 14’ Falcon. I took the smaller Kia Loa Methane Paddle, which I had used for the 220km Eleven City Tour and the 62km Ultramarathon in Podersdorf.

The plan was leave from Cruz Bay, North-East into the upwind, continue through the upwind along the Northern coast of the island and then take a walking shortcut at Haulover Bay, to avoid paddling around East End tip. My boyfriend, who is a boat captain, had advised me to then go straight to Ledduck Island (avoiding the Ram’s head area) and from there it should be almost a straight open ocean downwinder back into Cruz Bay.

This route was the best in terms of wind and current, but in terms of stops and sustenance it was not ideal. On the first leg there are plenty of beaches, Honeymoon, Cinamon, Maho, Trunk Bay where you can stop and get water or food, but after Mary Point there is nothing. Also, doing the hard open ocean paddle around Ledduck and Ram’s head washing machine with big waves and currents of 2 oceans meeting towards the end, when being tired, did not seem ideal.

I left Cruz bay at about 10.00AM, yes, that was a bit late, but the packing / getting the stuff down to Cruz Bay took a while and I am not a morning person at all. The wind was calm and I took the outside line straight towards Mary Point, without stopping at any of the beaches to get more water. It was a really calm day and up to there the paddle was not too bad, a constant upwind of about 10 knots, but no mean gusts. The heat however was burning on my head and wearing me out. My first stop was Whisling Cay, a tiny island off Mary’s Point. I sat in the shade for a few minutes and had 2 energy bars and refilled my Camelback from the half gallon of Gatorade that I was carrying.

Unfortunately, when taking the board out, one of the handles from the glued on deck rigging kit came of , so from that point on my gear kept moving around on the board, which was annoying.

I continued my journey passing Mary point in the North into the open channel between Little Thatch Island / Tortola and St. John, the upwind was getting stronger and I also had to paddle against the current. That part was a bit of a drag, so after Mary Point I could not resist going downstream into Mary Creek, until I was in less then 1 foot shallow water with rocky reef bottom. Ok, this was not the smartest detour. Just when I was paddling upstream out of the Creek again, I saw my boyfriend passing by on a rescue mission to get a boat that had broken down. That was good luck as it got me 2 additional water bottles when I paddled to meet him.

After that came another 6 mile upstream paddle in an area with no civilisation at all. I was looking for what I was told “really flat area of land” which would allow me cross by foot to the South coast, Haulover Bay. I kept paddling and paddling until I finally saw what looked like the flat area of the island. (after having taken a few detours into the bays that had no flat areas….). The “footpath” from there was more like a jungle trek/hike through bushes and mud, climbing over fallen trees with my 14’ Falcon and heavy bag. I cursed myself for not having brought any shoes but thank god did not have any animal encounters, except for hundreds of colourful butterflies.

Finally, I saw the turquoise water at the end of the path and arrived at a beautiful tiny beach. There was an elderly couple sitting on the beach. They kindly gave me their remaining ice cubes from the coolbox. By then it was already about 4:30PM and I had the choice to either paddle into the civilization of Coral Bay to the right or head straight into the ocean to cross over to Ledduck Island.

Paddling into Coral Bay would have been a safe place for the night, but a big detour, so I started to paddle towards Ledduck . The wind was picking up and now blowing from the side. I wasn’t sure I would make it back before darkness and I did not feel like spending the night alone on (uninhabited) Ledduck Island as it did not look like it had trees suitable to hang a hammock. So I paddled towards the South-East Coast of St. John, which has 3 beaches with a few houses, Johnson Bay, Frits Bay and John’s Folly bay . I decided to paddle into the last one. By that time I had paddled 26km in upwind and sidewind, against the current in 5:25 hours. The next 18km would be mostly downwind except for a tough paddle around Ram’s Head with strange whirls from waves and currents from 2 different sides. I decided it would not be smart to embark on that paddle so late in the day, the sun would be setting soon and there would not be a chance to stop or spend the night for at least 10km. So I put up my Hammock right in front of the ocean in John’s Folly. There was house right up the hill and the kind owners invited my to take a shower in one of the guest rooms and even brought me a bowl of pasta out to my hammock. What a delicious treat after all the energy bars!

So I spent a windy night in my hammock. Unfortunately, I had changed into my only long sleeve to avoid sunburn and had fallen in right before pulling into the bay, so that was wet now. I covered up in a tiny, moist, sandy beach blanked instead.

I watched a beautiful sunrise and continued my journey at 7.00 AM. The wind had picked up after night and getting around Ram’s head was no fun at all. I fell in a few times and was swearing a lot. Maybe I should have taken my boyfriend’s advice and paddled to Ledduck , but there I would not have had cell phone reception to let him know I would not be home for the night….

After that rough part finally came the nice part. I had an awesome paddle with wind and current , riding nice waves right into Reef Bay. I got a few dings and reef cuts when getting out of the shallow water, sent a text that I would be home for breakfast and was off again into a bit of upwind to get out of Reef Bay, followed by another awesome 10km downwinder back into Cruz Bay, where I arrived at 9:30 AM, after 44km and 7:56 hours of paddling and not spending a single dollar on the way.

Big thanks to Fanatic for the Falcon 14’ which works great in the ocean and all the locals for the advice, water and food. “

Fancy Paddling in this beautiful setting yourself? Check out www.sup-stjohn.com and www.rockhoppin.com

Discover the BIC Wing 12'6

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Our Latest BIC Paddle Board

We are proud to announce our newest paddle board: the Bic Wing 12'6". This board was just named Gear of the Year 2013 by Outside Magazine! We are the first to introduce standup paddle touring boards to Sint Maarten!

REVIEW OF THE BIC WING 12'6 BY PADDLE BOARD DIRECT:

The 2013 Bic 12'6 WING is a Touring SUP designed for fitness paddling, riding on flat water or open ocean touring, and recreational racing. It's aimed at riders looking for a board with excellent glide that is versatile and easy to ride. With 285 liters volume, the Bic 12'6'' Wing is ideal for beginners up to 260lbs, with plenty of floatation for larger, intermediate riders.

A maximum width of 30 combined with a flat hull under the paddling position, assures good lateral stability, even in rough conditions. The bow section Vee shape enables the WING to cut easily through chop, with no slapping and no loss of forward speed. The standing area is recessed which allows the feet to be braced for perfect control and balance, and also includes a premium diamond grooved deck pad for comfort.

The hull and deck profiles are the direct result of the latest tests run by the design team of Patrice Remoiville and Eric Terrien in France, and Jimmy Blakeney in the U.S. "On the race prototypes we tested various different hull and deck possibilities, which gave us the feedback we needed to make the ideal shape for the new WING, where we've achieved a fantastic combination of easy accessibility and great gliding feeling in an incredibly wide range of water conditions." Eric Terrien - International BIC SUP team rider.

Would you like to ride one in Sint Maarten?

Paddle Boarding at Maho Beach

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I enjoyed paddle boarding under the planes at Maho:

Today , I met my new friend Barry and his girlfriend for another trip to St Martin! The meeting point: Maho Beach at the end of the runway of the airport Juliana !

There are 2 years , Barry had hired me 2 paddle boards had been already photographed at Maho Beach . His picture was even selected as picture of the year by the magazine SUPconnect.com ! That was in 2011. This year, he returns by St Martin with his friends, and gave me a call about doing another photo shoot. There was just to bring 3 standup paddle boards before heading to the beach . After drinking a beer together at the legendary Sunset Cafe , it was time to get to the water.

After a beach start , we paddled 50m and we are aligned with the runway , we had only to wait for the aircrafts, hoping to see big ones! I 've been here several times with friends to Maho to watch planes from the beach , but never ON the water .. Barry gave me the opportunity this year and it was amaaazing !

The gallery below is my own selection with my GoPro . I expect pictures of Barry to complete this super afternoon stand up paddle in Maho !

You can find more pictures of this extraordinary day here :)

Suzie Cooney Paddle Board Training Video

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New paddle board strength training video by Suzie Cooney:

This video was made to help all levels of stand up paddlers learn how to strengthen muscles specifically used when doing SUP or stand up paddling, paddle surfing or downwind paddling.

These exercises are designed to incorporate the entire core, create shoulder and upper body endurance and strength for paddling, increase leg strength and also really challenge your balance with and without weights.

White Shark versus Kayak

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When a giant shark follows a tiny kayak..

Photographer: Thomas P. Peschak

When this photograph was first published in Africa Geographic, BBC Wildlife, later in Paris Match and the Daily Mail, it resulted in a flurry of e-mails, phone calls and letters from around the world asking if the image was a fake. The image became the most talked about of shark photograph ever.

Thomas said: To capture this image I tied myself to the tower of the research boat Lamnidae and leaned into the void, precariously hanging over the ocean while waiting patiently for a white shark to come along. I wanted to shot a photograph that would tell the story of our research efforts to track white sharks using kayaks. When the first shark of the day came across our sea kayak it dove to the seabed and inspected it from below. I quickly trained my camera on the dark shadow which slowly transformed from diffuse shape into the sleek outline of a large great white. When the shark’s dorsal fin broke the surface I thought I had the shot, but hesitated a fraction of a second and was rewarded with marine biologist Trey Snow in the kayak turning around to look behind him. I pressed the shutter and the rest was history. Throughout the day I shot many more images, most showing the kayak following the shark, but all lacked the power of that first image of the great white tracking the kayak.

The photograph is real, no photoshop, no digital manipulation, nothing. In fact, it was shot on Fuji Provia 100 slide film using a Nikon F5 Camera and 17-35 mm lens.

We are on the new Google Plus social

agence@bonjoursuccess.com (Fanny Hamel) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caribbean Paddling is on Google Plus:

Hi guys, today is a great day for social networking! Google Plus just released their official pages for businesses! Here, we're totally in love with this way of communicating. Google Plus already has a thriving paddling community. Now, we're part of the scene, too. Come discover our photos, news, special offers and much more. Click here to visit us on Google Plus .

Fishing in Cul-de-Sac

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Feel like kayak fishing? Like Dan (on the photo), grab a kayak, your fishing gear and go catch beautiful fish in our cove! Ridiculously low rental prices for so much pleasure!!! As Cul de Sac's bay in not in St. Martin's Marine Reserve , you are allowed to fish here without any problem. And, kayaking is the best way to move quietly between the keys without disturbing the wildlife.