After a few days of record-breaking heat, finding something fun, water-related and cooling might have been more of a challenge before this summer. But Kostal Paddle has come to Port Washington, bringing with it “Positive Vibes” for “Positive Lives,” and offering residents and nonresidents opportunities to rent paddleboards or take stand-up paddle boarding lessons from expert instructors, according to company owner John Michael “J.M.” Kostallas.
With anywhere between 150 and 200 patrons a week, according to Kostallas, Kostal Paddle has become Port’s newest water sport activity that could definitely save residents from the blazing temperatures.
On a typical weekend, Kostallas said a crowd of 40 to 50 patrons could be expected to try one of the company’s introductory stand-up paddleboarding classes, or one of their stand-up paddleboard yoga classes.
“Manhasset Bay is an awesome place to be, and I really wanted to share this passion of mine with everyone,” Kostallas said. He described stand-up paddleboarding as fun, different and like you’re walking on water.
Kostallas said he started Kostal Paddle about five years ago after he graduated from college, and, because of the poor job market, he decided to create a job as his own boss, doing something he is truly passionate about. His business started with six locations in one store, and has since expanded to three stores with several other locations, including the one in Port Washington, Kostallas said.
“I like to say that really anyone can do it,” Kostallas said, with regard to paddleboarding, and he said that’s why he thinks everyone should try it.
The introduction to stand-up paddleboarding lesson is one hour long for those who are beginners to intermediates every Saturday and Sunday from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., according to the Manorhaven Beach Park 2015 Summer Program.
One can expect to learn more about the equipment used in paddleboarding, an overview of safety and awareness while using the equipment out on the water, proper stances, balancing, standing, paddling efficiency, steering and turning during an introduction session, according to the program. After mastering the basics, there is still time for a tour of the coastline with the Kostal Paddle instructor before the lesson is over.
The cost for the one-hour paddleboarding experience is $65 for residents and $78 for nonresidents, according to the program. Packages are also available for $165 for residents and $198 for nonresidents, which includes five sessions with a board to take into the bay and an instructor to answer questions and to adhere to safety rules. Boards can be rented for $30 an hour, and private lessons are also available.
Manhasset Bay attracts very little traffic compared to other open water places, Kostallas said, which makes it a relatively safe place to paddleboard. The minimum age requirement is 18, or 12 years old if accompanied by an adult to ensure a safe experience out on the water. Those under the age of 16 are required to wear life jackets, and a basic swim test is given to all participants in the pool, scheduled by appointment before the day of the class.
