On the Water

Surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking on the coast

By Shane Jozitis

Want to get your feet wet in the world of water sports? If activities like surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding sound intimidating, these Seacoast surf shops can show you the ropes.

Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co.

Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co. was originally founded in Orleans, Mass., in 1980 by Todd Walker. Now in Hampton and owned by Dave Cropper, the surf shop has seen a significant boom in business.

This year, because of Covid-19, beginner boards and paddleboards are selling really well,” said Griffin Brunette, an employee at the shop. “People are really getting into it, they’re looking for something to do outdoors. Since people aren’t vacationing this summer, I think they’re spending their money on new hobbies.”

Brunette has seen this recent uptake in water sports firsthand, when he’s out on the water himself.

“There’s a lot of new people out there,” Brunette said. “I’ve noticed it even when I’m surfing. I see a lot of brand new boards out there that came from our shop so that’s pretty cool.”

The big waves and bumpy waters of the coast can be an intimidating thing to conquer as a beginner, but Brunette says water sports are something that almost anyone can manage.

“People think it’s tough to get into but anyone of all ages can do it,” Brunette said. “I’ve taught kids who were only 6 years old and I’ve taught people upwards of 65 years old. It’s a lifelong sport.”

Cinnamon Rainbows offers lessons to those who need help diving into the world of water sports. Group lessons are currently limited to six people at a time, and children under the age of 12 require one-on-one instruction. Lessons are available from 8 a.m to 6 p.m daily, weather permitting. With many people eager to get outside this summer, Brunette says surf lessons have been a hit.

“Our lessons have been packed up this year since a lot of people are trying it for the first time,” Brunette said.

Cinnamon Rainbows also offers paddleboard tours of the coast for those who just want to cruise along the water.

“A guide takes a group out to the cove right across the street,” Brunette said. “We provide boards and paddles, wet suits, and life jackets. We usually cruise around for about an hour and a half. If the weather doesn’t hold up we postpone the tours, and customers can come back another day free of charge.”

People who wish to take lessons or experience a paddleboard tour are encouraged to sign up on the shop’s website or call in. Brunette recommends scheduling a couple of days in advance.

Wetsuits and rentals are sanitized and quarantined for 48 hours after use to keep patrons safe, and visitors can only try on a maximum of six items per day.

“It’s been one of our busiest summers but we’ve handled it really well,” Brunette said.

The high volume of foot traffic in the shop has been met with a positive response as well.

“People have been pretty cool this summer. I guess they know we’re all pretty laid back, considering it’s a surf shop,” he said.

Cinnamon Rainbows annual surf camps have been canceled this year to limit large gatherings, but the shop plans to bring them back in 2021.

“It was a bit of a bummer having to cancel our surf camp this year, but hopefully next summer we’ll have it,” Brunette said. “We usually have groups of up to 25 kids and a bunch of instructors. It’s a party.”

The best part about the shop, Brunette said, is the laid back environment.

“I’ve been here for a long time, and it’s the best job ever,” he said. “Everybody that works here is so laid back, and we really pride ourselves on our customer service. It’s a great environment, and everybody is stoked all the time.”

Plum Island Kayak

If you want to float along the water but don’t want to get too wet, Plum Island Kayak in Newburyport, Mass., has you covered.

Plum Island has been providing kayak rentals and tours since 2003, but the shop has modified its operations due to Covid-19.

“This year is totally different,” said Ken Taylor, the owner of Plum Island Kayak. “In the past we mostly did guided tours, but this year we’re really only doing rentals, and we chose to do that because of Covid-19. We keep everything separate and we try not to have anything bunched up.”

Even though guided tours have been cut out of the equation, Taylor says business is better than ever.

“A lot of people seem to have cabin fever and they want to get outside,” Taylor said. “People recognize that kayaking is perfect for social distancing. You can’t be on top of each other when you’re on the water.”

Rentals include kayaks and paddleboards, along with the appropriate paddles and lifejackets, all of which are sanitized regularly.

“We clean the life jackets after every use, just as we’ve always done,” Taylor said. “The whole shop gets sanitized every day.” Shuttle vans that transport patrons to the water are sanitized after each trip, and the kayaks and paddleboards get sprayed down multiple times a day.

The shop is currently stocked with many kayaks and boards, with paddles to suit any person who wants to get on the water. Taylor says he has yet to run out of stock, partly because he’s not selling his inventory at the moment.

“We’re not selling anything at the moment because it’s hard for us to restock,” Taylor said.

“People knock on my door all day long looking to buy a kayak but sadly I just can’t sell them.”

In Taylor’s eyes, kayaking is a hobby that anyone can pick up.

“I think it’s good for all ages and abilities,” Taylor said. “It’s kind of like bike riding — you can push like crazy and ride like you’re in a marathon, or you can ride nice and easy at your own pace.”

With all of the different types of people Taylor interacts with on a daily basis, the response is all the same.

“I see all kinds of people come in with nervous faces and they go home with big smiles,” Taylor said. “I love that.”

Portsmouth Paddle Co.

Though Portsmouth Paddle Co. has only been established in New Hampshire for a few years, it’s proven to be a popular place for people who want to spend time on the water on a paddleboard.

Portsmouth Paddle offers a wide array of tours throughout the day, including sunset and moonlight tours, and provides rentals for patrons who have yet to purchase a board of their own.

Portsmouth Paddle also hosts private gatherings for companies and families who want to give it a shot.

“Typically our sunset tours are the most popular,” said Ian Troost, manager at Portsmouth Paddle. “But company outings, bachelorette parties, and other private events like that have become increasingly more popular.”

Those looking for a workout on the water are encouraged to try Seavasana, a floating yoga class for all levels of experience.

“Paddleboarding is kind of a confusing realm, especially because it’s so new, but for the most part we keep it simple,” Troost said. The shop carries a large selection of different boards, but Toost recommends an “all-arounder” board for its good performance in different conditions and ease of use.

“Water is so adaptive,” Troost said. “You could go between rivers, lakes and oceans all within 40 minutes in New Hampshire, so you want a board that can handle all three.”

Troost says paddleboarding is a good outdoor activity that most people can pick up easily.

“It’s super easy to get into,” Troost said. “It keeps you active, gets you out on the water, which can be really beautiful, and you can go at your own pace. Whether you want to go out and listen to some Jimmy Buffet on your board, or get out for a morning paddle, we find that it’s adaptable.”

Portsmouth Paddle previously held public tours but has switched to private tours for single groups because of Covid-19. Booking for tours is available on the company’s website.

Above all, Troost says, paddleboarding is a great summer activity for families.

“The most rewarding part is getting families out on the water,” Troost said. “It’s such an easy way for people to enjoy time together, plus we live in such a gorgeous area.”

Featured Photo: Photo courtesy of Ian Troost at Portsmouth Paddle.