Stand Up Paddle Gökova - Akyaka TURKEY

Entry point for paddling the Azmak river in Gökova- great place to unload the boards

Azmak means "running wild" in Turkish and is used to describe the river that runs into the sea in Akyaka. This river is formed by springs that extend about two miles east to west.

On this day the river current was not too strong, we paddled with 3 adults and two children. We found some tubers along the way:)

The Azmak has some shallow areas but can get very deep as well. It has rich underwater fauna and is a popular spot for daily boat trips and diving.

The water is cold and salty, watercress and celery thrive here and fish and sea turtles can be found easily.

We passed many boats going down the river as well as riverside restaurants. However, the river is not overly crowed and can easily be navigated by paddle board.

Akyaka town is located at the gulf of Gökova, a common place to kite surf because of its almost constant wind, and a great place to paraglide due to the surrounding high peaks.

In the background you can make out the kites of kite surfers who are surfing in the gulf of Gökova. Gökova is really Turkey's kite surfing hot spot with 3 schools operating here.

We ended our paddle at a riverside restaurant where the river boats park. We played in the water awhile with the kids then had a beer:) We parked a car at the end of the river so that we could drive the boards back instead of paddling back up the river. The current is a bit too strong to navigate against the current. If you don't have two cars you can easily taxi back to your parked car.

Akyaka and Gökova have ancient histories which make then even more interesting. Gökova is the inland town from Akyaka and was the ancient city of Idyma. Idyma's remains are still visible here and date back to the 4th century BC. This region has natural beauty and history tucked into a quaint village. I would recommend a visit to anyone.

For more information about Stand Up Paddling in Gökova or Turkey contact me at naomi@hauteboards.com / www.hauteboards.com

Paddle for peace of mind:)

Paddle and find peace...

 Although, I love paddle boarding as a workout sometimes I just need to get out and paddle for peace of mind. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is much like running in that respect, it allows your mind to wander and relax and meditate. Plus being on the water is the ultimate mood booster.

I completely agree with this mantra:) You will never see anybody frown while on a paddle board. These photos were shared by Caribbeanpaddling.com. A great blog, especially if you are looking to paddle the Caribbean!
www.caribbeanpaddling.com

Sunset in Gumusluk,Turkey

My favorite time of the day, calm seas and calm spirit.

Paddle boarding the Caribbean

My husband and I recently went to the Caribbean for paddle boarding and some family fun. We began our winter holiday in Cozumel, Mexico. Fabulous January weather in Mexico.

This beach club offered great amenities and use of water sports equipment for just $12 a person! Plus we ate amazing conche and shrimp ceviche here.

Notice the parasailers in the background. Lot's of parasailing action in Cozumel!

Now we've made it to an island of Honduras called Roatan. I could literally move here tomorrow. So laid back and beautiful!

Laid back me:)

My brother enjoying the turquoise waters.

In Grand Cayman we played with the stingrays at the Stingray Sand Bar in the middle of the sea. This is as close as I wanted to get. I was a little timid...but they are really gentle and beautiful animals. We got to see some dolphins here as well.

More Sup'ing with my love!

Heading home....