Intro to SUP Class

In this introductory class you will learn the basics of Stand Up Paddling [SUP], get that “check me out” photo for social media, and become a paddler! Includes all equipment and a spring wetsuit (if desired) as well as an extensive pre-launch safety, equipment and technique overview. You will experience approximately 90 minutes of on-the-water time with instruction throughout the class to perfect your newly acquired skills. We will also check out the seals, sea lions, otters and – if we’re lucky – dolphins and whales.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $95

Includes Board, Paddle, PFD and wetsuit if desired. We also take photos & videos of you so you can have an amazing memento!

Classes meet at the hand launch ramp in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Directions and all info you need for your day is here: CLASS FAQs

PACKAGE — Learn to SUP Series

This 4-part private class is perfect if you want to learn the basics of Stand Up Paddling [SUP] and be confident to do it on your own. You will go from newbie to confident paddler — able to paddle out and around the Santa Cruz wharf. Learn the top strokes needed to turn, stop and navigate any situation. We also teach you basic safety procedures including checking the weather and identifying hazards. Plus, we take lots of photos and videos, to help you perfect your stroke and keep as a souvenir. Includes all equipment and a spring wetsuit (if desired). Each class is 2 hrs long and tailored to your skill level.

Duration: 4 classes each 2 hours

Price: $300 ($400 Value)

Includes Board, Paddle, PFD and wetsuit if desired. We also take photos & videos of you so you can have an amazing memento!

Classes meet at the hand launch ramp in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Directions and all info you need for your day is here: CLASS FAQs

Dr. Helen’s Eco Tours

Come paddle with a local Ph.D. marine scientist! Ever wondered how to tell the difference between a harbor seal and a sea lion, or the importance of the kelp forest? Now is your chance!

Open to intermediate and above paddlers, Dr. Helen’s conservation education tours provide an amazing opportunity to perfect your Stand Up Paddle skills while learning all about the Monterey Bay marine ecosystem.

Includes all equipment and a spring wetsuit (if desired), as well as an extensive pre-launch safety, equipment and technique overview.

Provides for approximately 90 minutes of on-the-water time with continued instruction throughout to perfect your newly acquired skills and we will check out the seals, sea lions, otters and – if we’re lucky – dolphins and whales. And yes, you can bring your equipment if you prefer (subject to safety inspection by instructor).

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $95

Includes Board, Paddle, PFD and wetsuit if desired. We also take photos & videos of you so you can have an amazing memento!

Classes meet at the small boat ramp in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Directions and all info you need for your day is here: CLASS FAQs

You must take an Intro or Private class with Portside before booking an Eco-Tour. Contact us with any questions!

Family & Friends SUP Class

Grab 4 of your friends and learn to SUP together in a private class. Plus you paddle for free when you book a group of 5.

We can tailor the class to your skill level. 5 people for the price of 4, if booked together in the same class.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $380 ($475 Value)

Includes Board, Paddle, PFD and wetsuit if desired. We also take photos & videos of you so you can have an amazing memento!

Classes meet at the small boat ramp in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Directions and all info you need for your day is here: CLASS FAQs

Contact us with any questions!

Youth Programs

We offer group and private lessons for kids. We teach paddling skills, water safety and marine ecology.

Coming Soon: Youth Summer Camps and Group Classes. Join our Newsletter to hear when they launch!

Custom Tours & Instruction

Do you want a private family, work or group tour in the Santa Cruz Harbor or elsewhere in northern California?

Congratulations, you found the right paddle company! Watching people bond over the shared experience of Stand Up Paddling and marine education is one of the great joys in life here at PPC, and we’re happy to accommodate a wide range of requests.

Give us a call and let us create the perfect SUP experience for you and your team!

Private Lessons or Race Training

Are you a beginner who prefers one-on-one instruction? Are you an experienced paddler who wants to hone existing skills for an upcoming distance event? Recovering from an injury and looking for a low impact activity to get back into shape? No matter your paddling goal, we will work with you to achieve it – including accommodating your busy schedule by offering early morning and late evening time slots.

For the distance training lessons, we’ll make you more efficient, situationally aware (a key in racing and distance disciplines), and teach you the tricks to faster paddling including hydration, energy management and taking advantage of prevailing and micro conditions.

Whether you bring your own gear or not, we offer a fleet of carbon race boards (28” through 24” wide) and paddles for you to experience in your pursuit of efficiency.

Duration: 2 hour minimum

Price: $50/hr per person with discounts for repeat/program paddlers.