There are many beautiful places in the world to stand-up paddle, but StandUp Panama holds a very special place in my heart. Not only because of its spectacular location and incredible paddling opportunities, but because it is owned by my childhood friend, Arturo del Busto, and operated with the support of his SUP caddy, Adolfo, El Cholo.
Every time I go home to Panama, I make it a point to paddle at StandUp Panama. It has become one of those places where the paddling experience goes far beyond getting on a board. It is about the location, attention, the people, the community, and the exceptional attention you receive from the moment you arrive. Arturo is a one of a kind waterman and host that will welcome you and show you around the facilities, help you pick the right board for you and show you the beautiful different routes you can paddle around the location.
A One-of-a-Kind SUP Experience in Panama City
StandUp Panama is located at the Amador Causeway, at The Beach House Hotel, right in the middle of Panama City. The location alone makes it special, but what really sets this club apart is its private beach access and the incredible SUP caddy service.
If you are a paddle boarder, you know that carrying your SUP board, paddle, and equipment from the car to the water can sometimes be half the workout!
At StandUp Panama, you don't have to worry about that.
Adolfo and his crew take care of your board for you. They get the board ready, puts it on the water, picks it up when you finish, and cleans it for you. It is truly a full white-glove service experience.
I have traveled to many places around the world to paddle, and honestly, I have never experienced this level of attention at another paddling facility.
That kind of service allows you to focus on what you came there to do: paddle.
If you are a member of StandUp Panama SUP Club, you can safely store your board at the facility, making it even more convenient, your equipment is simply there waiting for you.
Paddle With Panama City Skyline as Your Backdrop
One of my favorite things about paddling from StandUp Panama is the incredible variety of scenery you can experience during a single session.
You can paddle with the Panama City skyline behind you, head toward Peñón de San José, or paddle along the entrance to the Panama Canal, where you can watch enormous ships making their way through one of the world's most important waterways.
It is spectacular.
There aren't many places where you can have a workout on your SUP while watching ships enter and leave the Panama Canal.
Paddle to Peñón de San José
One of my favorite adventures is paddling toward Peñón de San José.
This historical landmark is beautiful to see from the water, but the trip also makes for a fantastic workout. The route can turn into a great 3-mile paddle, making it the perfect combination of sightseeing and exercise.
For me, this is what makes SUP so special. You aren't simply exercising. You are exploring.
My Favorite Time to Paddle: Dawn
If I had to choose one time of day to paddle at StandUp Panama, it would be dawn.
Watching the sun rise over the Panama City skyline and the Canal while sitting on a paddleboard is one of my favorite ways to start the day.
The water is peaceful, the city is just beginning to wake up, and the scenery changes every few minutes as the sun comes up.
There is something very special about being on the water at that time of day.
And when you are lucky enough to see the first light reflecting off the skyline while you are paddling, you realize just how unique this place is.
A Club for Paddlers of All Levels
StandUp Panama is a private, members-only club with a diverse SUP community.
You will find experienced SUP athletes, weekend warriors, triathletes who come to swim, and paddlers who simply enjoy spending time on the water.
The club offers high-performance race boards for experienced paddlers, as well as very stable all-around boards for recreational paddlers.
The protected marina also makes StandUp Panama an excellent location for SUP lessons and for people who are still developing their confidence on a paddleboard. Arturo is a certified SUP instructor with many years of experience and will get you going on the water at no time.
Whether you want to take a SUP lesson, training for a race, or simply looking for a beautiful place to get on the water, StandUp Panama paddling club is the place for you.
The People Are What Make It Special
As beautiful as the location is, the people are what keep me coming back.
The club members of StandUp Panama are a special group. They come together to paddle, swim, train, explore and simply have a good time.
Over the years, I have found myself making lifetime friendships with people I originally met through the club.
And of course, having my childhood friend Arturo there makes the experience even more meaningful.
Arturo has created more than a paddling facility. He has created a community.
And Adolfo deserves a special mention because his dedication to the members and the boards is a huge part of what makes the experience so enjoyable.
More Than Just Paddling
One of the great benefits of being a member is that StandUp Panama members also have access to the hotel's pool and facilities.
After a good paddle, you can take a shower, relax by the pool, and enjoy a healthy meal.
For me, that is the perfect post-paddle routine.
Paddle. Eat. Relax. Repeat.
And Then There Are the Local Characters...
No StandUp Panama story would be complete without mentioning some of the local residents.
The center has its own little cast of characters, including cats, raccoons and sloths.
Yes, sloths!
They add another fun and unexpected element to the experience and are a reminder that even though StandUp Panama is located right in the middle of Panama City, you are still surrounded by nature.
Why I Keep Coming Back
I have paddled in many beautiful places around the world, but StandUp Panama is different.
It combines everything I love about SUP:
- A beautiful and unique location
- A protected area for paddling and lessons
- Private beach access
- A state-of-the-art facility
- High-performance and recreational boards
- A welcoming SUP community
- Access to the Panama City skyline
- Views of Peñón de San José
- The incredible experience of paddling alongside the Panama Canal
- Hotel pool and facilities
- Showers and post-paddle amenities
- And, of course, the exceptional SUP caddy service
- But most importantly, it is a place where people come together.
Every time I paddle there, I am reminded that stand-up paddleboarding is about much more than the sport itself. It is about exploring new places, challenging yourself, spending time outdoors, and connecting with people.
For me, StandUp Panama represents all of that.
It is one of my favorite places to paddle in the world, and whenever I go home to Panama, you can almost guarantee that you will find me on a board there at dawn, watching the sun rise over Panama City.
If you are a SUP paddler traveling to Panama City, I highly recommend putting StandUp Panama on your list.
You might come for the paddling.
You will probably come back for the people.







































