Have you thought of trying a new sport? Perhaps gliding or riding waves on a paddle board? If this sounds intriguing to you, there’s a father and son team who can help you. Craig Lieder and his son, both owners of Sunset Surf Shack and Sunset Saloon in Montauk offer surf and paddle board lessons, rentals and tours.

Paddle boarding is going to be the biggest thing to touch the water. Anyone can do it right here in Montauk! Craig has been offering lessons for years to people as young as three years to ripened retirees.

There are hundreds of benefits from staying active. Paddle boarding alone is relaxing, healing and gives the body a total core workout. Craig Leider claims, “30 days of paddle boarding will have you looking and feeling great.” Craig has witnessed people’s bodies and lives improve from the sport.  “If you want the body that you have always dreamed of go paddle boarding. Paddle boarding will give you a V-shape back, trim your tummy, reduce your derriere and shape your legs while connecting with the elements.”

Many of Leider’s students describe paddle boarding as Zen like. I am an actress and model in New York.  Being a regular Montauk surfer, I’ve decided that this will be my new pastime when the waves are not ripe for surfing. I took my first paddle board lesson with Craig two weeks ago at the pristine, remote location on the bay beach at the Sunset Saloon. There are other instructors in Montauk, but Craig is a master surfer and is at the top of his game at instructing both surfing and paddle boarding. 
 

Sunset Saloon provides the most remarkable setting for a paddle board lesson.  It is private, serene and affords breathtaking views of the sunset. Each session begins with a yoga/pilates combination warm up. These exercises promote flexibility and stretching while strengthening muscles to achieve maximum paddle control and body alignment. Being able to physically manipulate the paddle is key to effective “paddle control”.

Paddle boarding is not about counterbalance, fighting the waters, muscle spasms and depleting your muscles. Craig’s philosophy when riding the waters is “go with it, rather than against it… relax and settle into the water’s movement.” It is about connecting with the natural elements of the ocean, driving you “down the line” and utilizing the positive energy in your mind and body. You need to “feel” more than think…this is the beauty of the sport.  As Craig puts it, “I feel more secure riding the waves on the paddle than I do on my own two feet on land.

To learn more about paddle boarding and lessons, contact the Sunset Surf Shack at 631-668-2495 or www.SunsetSurfShack.com.