Kayaking in Laguna Hills

Pirate Coast teaches aspiring sea cruisers to put plank to water and glide across the ocean's surface on a surfboard powered by a long paddle. Learn the basics of paddleboard through land and water instruction while simultaneously strengthening the core, the part of the body the rest of the anatomy looks up to. During lessons, students will practice newly acquired skills on Newport Back Bay, where calm waters relax inexperienced paddlers and rock merbabies to sleep. When the learning is complete, a tour of Newport Harbor will display views of windblown bluffs, sandy beaches, and yachts glimmering in golden sunlight. Each student is equipped with a stand-up paddleboard, paddle, and personal floatation device (upon request).

Located at a private patio and dock upon the 880-acre Newport Harbor, Newport Fun Tours launches self-guided or escorted jaunts that allow customers to explore the harbor’s sandy beaches, gentle surf, and varied marine life. Guests ride down the beachfront boardwalk on bicycles, tandem bikes, and surreys, taking in the sights of moored yachts and million-dollar mansions with moored yachts on their roofs. Knowledgeable Newport natives lead Segway tours on land, while kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours explore the surrounding waters.

The aquatic experts at Huntington Boat Rentals send mariners of all stripes into the scenic waters of Sunset Harbor on electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards. They rent out watercrafts for temporary jaunts, which allow beginners to experience the freedom of paddling while standing up and entire families to collectively swear off land while aboard a 21-foot electric boat. For those more committed to their water sport, they sell standup paddleboards and surfboards. The professionals also invite explorers to get a new perspective on bending and balance with Yoga on Water.

Carlsbad Lagoon's on-water adventures take place at a private beach area lined by palm trees. Here, wakeboards, waverunners, and water skis speed across the water’s surface, bouncing into the air with each wave. The fleet also boasts more leisurely watercraft, such as kayaks and aqua cycles—oversized, buoyant tricycles that fulfill the dream of every child who drove his big wheel into the bathtub.

Of course, Carlsbad Lagoon doesn’t leave its customers to paddle hopelessly in circles. The staff includes instructors, who teach the basics of the various on-water activities. The aquatic educators also run a children's camp.

The team at Paddle Planet enables aquatic exploration with its shiny fleet of watersport vessels from brands by the likes of Naish, Starboard, Amundson, and Ocean Kayak. Patrons can purchase or rent their desired mode of transportation before they embark on muscle-powered paddleboard voyages, master the tides on a soft-top surfboard, or glide across flat-water lagoons in a tandem kayak. Paddle Planet's aquatic experts also teach first-time paddlers the basics, and lead yoga lessons atop standup paddleboards. While enjoying the tranquil lagoon waters of Agua Hedionda, yoga students hop on floating mats and practice poses that give them the balance and focus needed to tightrope walk across power lines.

At its prime waterfront location in Marina Del Rey, Marina Paddle introduces students to standup paddleboarding, a hybrid sport where one stands on a modified surfboard and steers through the water using an elongated paddle. The aquatic environment and steady pace make for a fun and safe workout on the glassy surface of a river, lake, or ocean. The school's lessons match participants up with the proper equipment and shed light on proper handling technique, including turning, maintaining balance, and avoiding the wake from motorized boogie boards. Once paddlers have a grasp on the basics, instructors point them to prime spots for showing off their new skills. Courses require zero prior experience and take place on calm, protected waters, meaning beginning paddlers need not fear losing balance due to unexpected waves.