Instructors teach basic standing and paddling techniques and introduce ecosystem and wildlife of Mountain Island Lake during 90-minute tours

• Expires Sep 15, 2012
• Limit 3 per person, may buy 3 additional as gifts. Valid only for option purchased. Not valid for private sessions. 24hr cancellation notice required. Subject to weather. Basic fitness level required.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

• $34 for a standup-paddleboarding lesson and tour for one (a $69 value)
• $249 for a private group standup-paddleboarding lesson for up to eight (a $555 value)

Paddles churn the crystal waters as a rainbow of boards slips silently across the surface of Mountain Island Lake. The shoreline, dappled with trees that shiver with cavorting wildlife, falls away behind the board's passengers as they stand in the middle of the aquatic expanse. Though the view is much different from the rugged coastlines of California, where Ramsay Mead first encountered the sport on a surfing trip, the meditative calm and athletic challenge that immediately appealed to him are still present.

Today, Ramsay, the owner of Paddle Core Fitness, works with head instructor Jackie Sheridan to introduce others to the activity that has so enthralled them. With roots in Hawaiian culture, the unique method of riding a board takes advantage of the surfer's panoramic viewpoint and ability to avoid far-off swells and bossy tugboats. The act of constantly balancing and paddling, while simple, tones core muscles and enables participants to silently observe surrounding wildlife. Paddle Core Fitness keeps adventurers afloat on Riviera boards, which they sell and use in lessons to keep riders of all experience levels gliding more gracefully than swans looking for parking.