A Slice of Tampa Life: Getting Outdoors In Tampa Bay
June 22, 2016
Whoever named Florida the “Sunshine State” probably didn’t do so from the couch. More than 300 days of sunshine and not a single flake of snow has to be celebrated whenever possible. Here are some ways to dust off from the workday and get moving outside in Tampa Bay.
Paddleboarding With Urban Kai
Sun and water are not spectator sports, they beg for participation! Urban Kai is a paddleboard shop and school run by California transplant Mike Conlee. Expanding into two locations – Sail Pavilion & Gandy Bridge – Urban Kai offers rentals and lessons to the beginner as well as fitness classes and adventure tours for the expert.
Yoga In the Park
In cooperation with the Tampa Downtown Partnership, Yoga Downtown Tampa has been offering a donations-only class in Curtis Hixon Park for the last five years. The sun setting in the west over 200 Florida yogis is a sight everyone in Tampa has to see.
Thursday Night Races At Davis Island Yacht Club
Between March and October, the private yacht club on Tampa’s own island paradise opens its doors. The weekly regattas need extra bodies to crew the boats, hoist sails, or simply act as a counterweight. Rides on the water and sailing instruction are completely free.
Ybor City Walking Tour
Ybor’s 7th Avenue or “La Septima Avenida” has earned the distinction as one of the American Planning Association’s Great Streets in America. Walking the smoky streets at dusk and smelling the cigars at La Faraona is a right of passage. The walking tour company started by marketing exec Lonnie Herman has earned a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for the last three years.
Tampa Bay Club Sports
One-off adventures are one thing, but residents have to look in different places in order to build a community in which to put their roots. One way to put down roots, make new friends, and break a sweat is at Tampa’s extensive network of club sports. The only question is how intense do you want to be? The Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club has sent crews of 20+ to world championships in Europe and the Kick Ball teams crack a beer every Friday at 7pm sharp.
