ROWING THE STREETS: New type of land paddleboard turns a few heads

As David Box paddles his way down the sidewalk, he says it’s not unusual for those passing by to stop and stare as he glides by on his skateboard land paddle.

“I used to be a skateboarder in my youth, and I have also done some surfing and paddleboarding,” said Box, the founder of Beach Mountain Land Paddles.

Land paddles bring the “surfy” feel of paddleboarding out of the water and onto the streets with a longboard skateboard design and unique bobble-ball grips and paddle ends. 

Riders propel themselves along using a paddle. The motion helps develop muscles in the back, arms, shoulders, core and abdominal area, Box says. 

“Our ball grips, matched with our paddle ends, allow for multiple ways of hand placement for different paddling techniques and terrain adjustment,” said Box, a Santa Rosa Beach resident.

Beach Mountain Land Paddles are locally made and assembled on the Gulf Coast, but they are sold throughout the nation, and Box says he’s had inquiries about his boards from as far as Finland.

The land paddles come in various sizes for riders of all ages. Board lengths range from four to six feet. They are made of either hardwood or carbon fiber shafts and the paddle end (blade) is a round rubber ball that is abrasion tolerant. The paddle is finished off with a spherical ball grip.

“It’s a fun way to stay fit and exercise. I have small children and they can ride their bikes or skateboard with me, but Dad’s getting some exercise,” he said. “It can be something you just play around with or you can ride 10 miles a day and really feel the burn.”

Beach Mountain Land Paddles are sold online or can be found in Blue Mountain Beach at SK8 30A Skate Shop located at 2282 West County Road 30A. For more information, visit beachmountainlandpaddles.com or call 877-239-BEMO.