Tales from the Road: Yolo Boarding and Kayaking I Will Go
I’m somewhat of an outdoorsy-type person. When I say “somewhat”, I mean that never pass up an opportunity to go walking, hiking or just exploring the outdoors – especially when I’m on vacation. When I was at Redfish Village on Blue Mountain Beach (Beaches of South Walton/30-A in the Florida Panhandle), I had it planned out to go for a walk early morning and late evening. I also wanted to go bike riding if possible. S
o, when I heard about Yolo boarding – I knew it was something I just had to try.
Perhaps I should’ve mention that I’m quite the klutz and when I heard that Yolo boarding was stand up paddle board, I thought to myself, “Maybe the water won’t be too cold.” However, everyone who had done it before assured me that I wouldn’t fall in. In fact, I was told that if I had walking around sense, I wouldn’t fall off. Out loud, I agreed with them, but silently I was preparing myself that I might get wet.
The outdoor adventure was taking place on Western Lake, a 200-acre 
coastal dune lake. If you aren’t familiar with coastal dune lakes, these are very rare. In fact, there are only four other places around the world that have them. The Beaches of South Walton claims 15 – the most in one location.
Back at the dock, I got my quick instruction on Yolo boarding, and of course, those who have done it before had no problem pushing off, crouching and paddling, and then standing and paddling. I still did not trust myself and decided I would go kayaking first. To me, sitting down in the kayak posed less of a threat of falling into the water.
This is the time I need to be honest – I never kayaked before. I’ve always been interested, but never have had the opportunity. Until now.
After going in around in circles a few time, and running into the brush on both sides of the expansive lake, I finally got the hang of it. I was soaked, but didn’t care. I was actually moving in the right direction. Even better, since the lake was so smooth I could rest for a little while and let the current take me. 
The best part was going under the bridge.
There was a actual destination that I was heading to, which was to a coastal dune 
that you could actually hike on. It may just be one of the best kept secrets on 30-A. The landscape and views are incredible. When you are walking along the trail, it’s very easy to forget 
that 30-A is behind you.
But what about Yolo boarding (and exactly what does Yolo mean?) Well, I’ll answer the second question first. Yolo stands for “You Only Live Once,” and yes, I did try it. And no, I didn’t fall off.
Now, I admit that I was somewhat of a chicken and couldn’t fully stand up on the board. 
My arms were sore from kayaking and I didn’t want to chance it. Once I got the hang of it (yes, I went around in circles again), I could see how Yolo boarding can become addictive.
For those who know what they are doing (and once I get the hang of it), many take the boards out to the Gulf from Western Lake. Who knows, this spring/summer, I just might be telling you about my adventure paddling into the Gulf.
photo credit: personal photos
2 Comments
This looks awesome! You’ve convinced me to go Yolo boarding. I’ll take it to the Gulf!
[...] outdoors and rediscover nature: The outdoor options in the region are endless. You can go YOLO boarding or kayaking on Western Lake (and other places) in the Beaches of South [...]