Mike's Paddle - Alameda

I've lived in Alameda for 10+ years, but have yet to go paddleboarding until now.

Took L1 lessons at Mike's Paddle with Lulu and got up to speed. I'm a tall guy with some balancing issues, but she was super helpful and supportive all the way. This is a perfect area, and the vibes are fantastic!

I came to Mike's Paddle a few weeks ago for my first time paddle boating. The staff was friendly, helpful, and gracious for our group when fitting us for life jackets, the paddle, and teaching us how to get off the dock and use the paddle board.

For locations, you can paddle within the docks, but most people will venture out towards the beach or even out into the ocean.

I recommend you book online and also do your waiver info online. That way you're checking and fitting is quick. You pay the full amount once your reservation is done and you're back in the shop.

I have already returned once and will continue to do so!

Love this place! Great staff, prefect place to dock with paddle board, they let us use there air pump, ours wasn't working. Also you can wash your boards after your done!
Rental is very reasonable as well.

This is my first time paddling so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I do know what makes a great experience versus a mediocre experience versus a poor experience.

It was also a surprise by my daughter who knew that I need to try new things. We arrived and there's plenty of parking in the area and it's a beautiful area of course near the water. We were immediately greeted at the desk as we had a reservation which I don't know if it's required but you might want to at least make one to secure your spot. We had a wonderful intern whose name I don't remember but this young man was so helpful, informative, and just had a real kind of personality.

There were plenty of boards for us to choose from everything was clean and ready to go.

You get to do a little bit of sightseeing at all of the vessels in the marina and then maybe you'll be greeted by some harbor seals out on the water.

It's a great experience, I highly recommend the shop and I would do it again.

Great summer camp for kids. My son loved being out on the water. My only concern is that the water there isn't very clean (lots of industrial stuff around that area). The camp was excellent and would recommend it hands down. What better way to spend your day than outside exercising!?

We just had our first paddling class for my 13 year old grandson, and the whole experience was FANTASTIC! Team member Josh greeted us warmly and helped get my grandson geared up, then instructor Kristine spent 2 hours giving great instruction and on-the-water training. Kristine was fun, enthusiastic and so supportive - my grandson had a blast! We plan to return as a family for more classes!

Long post--but one to read if you're researching boards and get caught up in the excitement...

As a newbie to SUP, I have totally gotten into it --at 55 years old and being a runner most of my life--this is my new sport. After only two months on my excellent Costco inflatables, I knew I wanted a hard board to get me into training for a race next year.

Well a whirlwind weekend included an impulsive purchase of a Flying Fish board. I tried it out at Natoma as well as out on Tomales Bay with my equally excited and all-in buddy Megan Gideon...
and thought it was what I wanted, so I forked over my cash...Turns out it wasn't what I really wanted.

I tried going back to the seller. No dice. And honestly, it was my decision, I could have waited to make it. But it was one of those things. (Heed this advice!) I had a serious case of buyers remorse.

Next up was I talking to the amazing, informative and friendly folks down in Alameda at Mike's Paddle. Specifically, Levi & Christina, then today talked to Mike. And I was in tears about making a bad decision as I told him my story...he made my F'ing day with how he handled my situation--not only did he remind me to be kind to myself and that it's a fixable situation--he went out of his way to help me.

This is from their website:
"We actively try to steer away from the board shop vibe. We encourage questions, demos sessions, and gear research to make sure what you get is 100% right for your needs. We strive to do right by every customer (local or online) and welcome all paddlers to the Mike's Paddle Tribe!"

In the end I was able to put the board on consignment, and left with a 2021 SIC RS All water race board...and I had met the previous owner at the shop on Sunday! She was proud to say that she won the 2 mile race in the "silver" age group at the PaddleSplash in July. So I've got a really good board that will last me awhile. And maybe even win me a race or two

This was my first time at Mikes paddle and I have my own iSUP. It's an hour from where so live and reviews were great so I thought I would try it and aim so glad I did! The staff is so friendly and helpful from the minute you walk up!!! They really employ genuinely nice people who seem to really enjoy helping people.

My dog and I spent two hours on the water and we'll definitely be back! Everyone who works here are great! We'll be back. It's our new favorite destination for paddle boarding

My five year old and I took a private family lesson and had such a good time!! Esteban made sure I was able to paddle with my daughter on my board, and showed me how to tow a board as well. Everyone was super nice and friendly. Everything you need is included in the lesson. Thanks to the great lesson, I fell in love and bought my own board!!

Thanks Mike's Paddle! We had a blast today. All of the employees were super nice and knowledgeable. Thanks for recommending a waterproof case for my phone, we took tons of pics.
Also, first time paddle boarding with my 12 year old pup and he loved it! They had clips on the board for him and different sized dog life vests (we brought our own).