Fort Lauderdale: Paddle board rental with lesson & gear

Summary

Paddle through Fort Lauderdale’s quiet canals & see Millionaire Row up close

You’ll start with an easy paddle boarding lesson right by Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, then glide through peaceful canals past yachts and mansions. With new boards and all safety gear included, you can take your time exploring or just float awhile — it’s a calm escape you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how still the water felt in the Las Olas canals — just a few ripples, nothing like the busy ocean. The guy at the rental shack (I think his name was Mike?) handed me a board that looked almost too new to use. He gave this quick intro on how to stand up without falling in — I definitely wobbled at first, but he just grinned and said everyone does. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and salt in the air, mixed with something sweet from a nearby bakery, which honestly made me hungry before we even started paddling.

Once I got going, it was quieter than I expected. No loud boats, just the sound of my paddle dipping into the water and some birds arguing overhead. We drifted past these huge yachts lined up along Millionaire Row — one had a little dog barking at us from the deck, which cracked me up. The mansions are wild here; you can’t help but stare at the gardens and try to guess who lives there (I’m still convinced I saw someone famous behind tinted glass). Our guide pointed out a few spots where manatees sometimes show up, though no luck for us that day.

I liked that you could go at your own pace — no rush, nobody yelling instructions after that first bit. At one point I just sat down on the board and let my feet dangle in the water for a minute. It felt good to slow down and watch sunlight flicker off all those windows along the canal. If you’re looking for a day trip paddle board rental in Fort Lauderdale that’s easy to get to (and not crowded), this is it. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there — maybe it’s just something about floating quietly between all those fancy houses.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paddle Board Rental and Instruction

• Paddle board rental with instruction
• Glide across Las Olas Paddle Canals
• View Millionaire Row yachts and mansions

Top questions

How long does the paddle board rental last?

The rental is for 1.5 hours total.

Is instruction included with the paddle board rental?

Yes, an introductory paddle boarding lesson is included.

Where is the paddle board location in Fort Lauderdale?

It’s near Las Olas, about five minutes’ paddle from the main canals.

Are children allowed on the paddle boards?

Infants and small children can ride with an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What equipment is provided for paddle boarding?

You get a paddle board, paddle, safety leash, and life jacket included.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, flat water and low boat traffic make it beginner-friendly; instruction is provided.

Can service animals join?

Yes, service animals are allowed on site.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the location.

What’s included

Your time includes an introductory paddle boarding lesson right at Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale plus use of a new stand-up paddle board, paddle, safety leash, and life jacket for 1.5 hours on calm canal waters before heading back whenever you’re ready.