There are four boat ramps available to the public on Anna Maria Island:
Holmes Beach City
Kingfish
Coquina North
Coquina south
Holmes Beach Memorial Park Boat Ramp
63rd Street East
1 lane, 9 trailer spaces
Kingfish Boat Ramp
752 Manatee Ave
46 parking spaces, 3 lanes
Coquina North
2652 Gulf Drive S
28 trailer, 12 parking spaces, 2 lanes
Coquina South
Gulf Drive S
50 trailer spaces, 2 lanes
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1l3IqJv5UojggHUqVCAjZC_Lj6ITQAdtH&usp=sharing
Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is a great alternative board sport for the conditions we have on Anna Maria Island. Introduced to the mainland United States from Hawaii less than ten years ago, this form of surfing involves standing on a long board, ranging from seven to twelve feet, and using a long paddle.
The reason this increasingly popular sport makes sense for Anna Maria Island is that it doesn’t require waves for surfing or wind for sailboards and kite-boarding. It can be done on still waters, or it can be done in the surf. There are plenty of protected areas around the island where standup paddle boarding can be learned and practiced in relatively easy, safe conditions.
On flat water, touring or just poking around the waterways, longer boards in the 10 to 14 foot range have more glide than shorter boards from 9 down to 7 feet, that are better for turning in surf. Either way SUP is a great core workout and an excellent means of maintaining balance skills. A friend tells me it is not hard on his bad back. This makes it a good alternative to kayaking for people who have back problems when they sit for long periods in a kayak. Standup paddle boarding has the added advantage of offering an aerobic workout when aiming for speed. Serious athletes are taking it up for that reason and competitive events are becoming more popular.
Longtime local Shawn Duytschaver, known for the kayak rentals he has offered on the island for years, now offers standup paddleboard rentals and instruction at Palma Sola Causeway. He also sells the equipment. For more information he can be reached at 941-527-6355.
The local store in Holmes Beach, adjacent to the West Coast Surf Shop has been serving surfers’ needs since 1964, and stocks the best selection of surf wear and gear.
