Episode 111: Why Are Hundreds of People Paddleboarding in St. Pete? | William Martin & Patterson Carrol of St. Pete SUP
What would make hundreds of people grab a paddleboard and head out onto the water together?
For some, it's the music. For others, it's a chance to meet new friends. And for many, it's simply a fun way to enjoy St. Pete.
In Episode 111 of Talkin' St. Pete, Ryan Bogden sits down with William Martin and Patterson Carrol, co-founders of St. Pete SUP, to talk about how a few friends paddleboarding on weekends turned into a community attracting hundreds of people.
How Did St. Pete SUP Get So Big?
It started with three friends looking for a way to stay active and enjoy their weekends.
They began sharing videos of their paddleboarding trips and created a Strava group in late 2024. Soon, more people started showing up.
Some were new to St. Pete and looking for friends. Others just wanted to get outside and try something different.
Today, some of their larger gatherings bring together 300 to 500 people.
And the best part? Their events are free.
A DJ, Paddleboards, and Hundreds of People on the Water
Imagine paddling out near Shell Key and finding a DJ playing music from a floating platform.
That's Float the Beat, one of the events St. Pete SUP has become known for.
They also organize sunset paddles and weekend gatherings around Pass-a-Grille, Fort De Soto, and other Tampa Bay spots.
You don't need your own paddleboard to participate, either. St. Pete SUP offers rentals, making it easier for newcomers to give it a try.
It's a different way to explore St. Pete, stay active, and meet people.
How Paddleboarding Helped Raise $30,000 for Manatees
The group has also found a way to turn these gatherings into something bigger.
Will and Patterson helped organize an event supporting Save the Manatee Club, bringing around 1,000 people together for a 5K run, paddleboarding, music, and other activities.
Together, they raised over $30,000 for manatee conservation.
They've also taken part in beach cleanups and efforts to protect the waterways that make these events possible.
What's Next for St. Pete SUP?
With hundreds of people showing up, you might expect Will and Patterson to be planning a massive expansion.
But they're not in a rush.
They want to keep their events fun, welcoming, and focused on the friendships that brought everyone together in the first place.
And that's what makes their story interesting. A simple weekend activity has given people a new way to connect and enjoy St. Pete.
Looking for something different to do in St. Pete? Check out St. Pete SUP on Strava or SweatPals for event announcements. Events are free, with paddleboard rentals available separately.
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