Padddle boarding is a year round option for water sports lovers in Indian Rocks Beach and other great local beaches. With Tropical Storm Isaac passing through the area recently, the wave action has been better than usual. 

"Paddle boarding is easy for this area because we don’t have a lot of waves. We only have waves when there’s a hurricane or when there’s a good cold front coming through," said Laura Whittle, of Nekton Surfshop.

"Standup is something you can do pretty much all the time around here, if it is wavy out there you can take it to the intracoastal and it is usually pretty calm," Whittle said.

Even with calm conditions paddle boarders need to stay alert.

"You have to pay attention to what the waves are doing; you can’t just stop looking at what’s going on, because that’s when you are going to fall," Whittle said.

Standup offers an exercise option on the Gulf Coast.

"It is a great work out, I like being out in the sun. You're not constantly in the water, but if you want to be in the water, all you have to do is fall!" Whittle said.

Are you headed to the beach this Labor Day weekend? What is your favorite water sport? Let us know in the comments.

Related stories:

• Great Escape: Stand-up Paddle Boarding
• Water Sports Adventures Growing Strong