Photo: Dana Point Harbor with a view of Baby Beach in the foreground.
Located along the scenic Southern California coast in South Orange County, Dana Point sits approximately halfway between the urban metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego. Accessible to visitors by land and sea, the iconic coastal community offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in pristine ocean beaches and inspiring romantic overlooks.
Steeped in history, the first Southern California retail surf shop, Hobie, was founded by legendary craftsman Hobie Alter along the Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point in 1954. Modern day water sports enthusiasts and ocean lovers can visit the Hobie shop at its location at: 34174 Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Dana Point. Following in the footsteps of Hobie Alter, the Boehne family’s Infinity Surfboard Co. has been family owned since 1970. Led by Hall of Fame shaper Steve Boehne and his enigmatic son Dave, Infinity has been the driving force behind the evolution of many of surfing and stand up paddling’s most innovative shapes.
Modern day Dana Point still retains its renowned relaxed beach culture vibe. The seaside town is widely known throughout the stand up paddling community as the home of Doheny State Beach, the site of numerous stand up paddling competitions, and tranquil Baby Beach inside Dana Point Harbor. A trip to either location will not disappoint and first time visitors will undoubtedly quickly recognize the surrounding area as the backdrop for countless photographs and videos promoting the sport of stand up paddling.
Dana Point Harbor serves as the home for more than 2,500 boats and yachts and hosts the southernmost station of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Operations Bureau. Inside the harbor one can find three yacht clubs, stand-up paddle (SUP) and kayaking rental companies, whale watching excursions, deep-sea fishing and sunset cruises, as well as the Ocean Institute and its range of informative educational opportunities.
Dana Point is also the location of coastal resort hotels and a wide selection of accommodation options for every lifestyle. Similarly, the range of dining options runs the gamut from exquisite waterfront locations to family restaurants and local favorites.
Map of Dana Point
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Dana Point: The Mecca of Stand Up Paddling
There is no substitute for group training and perhaps no better place to partake in a group SUP training session than Dana Point, California. The quintessential Southern California beach town gave birth to the modern-day stand up paddling industry and remains the proving ground for an endless number of up and coming paddle sports athletes. Numerous SUP events are held throughout town each year, from the local Thirsty Thursday events in Dana Point Harbor to the internationally acclaimed Pacific Paddle Games in the fall at Doheny State Beach.
If you are a local resident or an out-of-town visitor, you will not want to pass up on the opportunity to join in a fun and rewarding group training session during your time in the area.
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