Paddle boarding had been making waves across the United States for years before professional surfer Cullen O’Hara decided to offer it here.The water sport, which is a mix of surfing and paddling, has found a growing cliental of brave locals and curious cruise ship visitors ever since.“We are an island. We have so much space for water activities, it was only a matter of time before it got to us. I figured I might as well be on the front tug of it,” Mr O’Hara said.The 28-year-old formed his company, Isolated Surfboards, two years ago but has been paddle boarding on his own for six years and surfing since aged 11. He doesn’t advertise his business much and said most of his clientele find him through word-of-mouth.“I sell the boards and build them but the lessons and tours I do more of with people coming off the ships who find me on my website or maybe they heard about paddle boarding in their country and want to give it a go.”According to first-time paddle boarder Lindsay Kelly, who decided to try it with her husband for their wedding anniversary, it’s the perfect watersport for the Island.“It was amazing. It was relaxing and yet had you still felt like you were doing a little bit of exercise and you get to see parts of Bermuda you wouldn’t have normally seen,” she said.“I would hope that everyone gets to try it. Bermuda has got the perfect weather, water and views for it. Even if you have lived here for years you can find out something new [about the Island].”Before moving back to Bermuda, Mr O’Hara worked at resorts in places like Fiji, Australia and Hawaii that catered to that sort of water sport market.He also lived in California for a while where he saw stand up paddle boarding “spread like wildfire” everything from ocean to flat water paddle boarding in calm lakes.He said the season doesn’t typically have a start or finish date and can be done year round depending on the person’s skill level.Beginners tend to start out on flat water in the Island’s harbours, while more experienced boarders can test the waves on the South Shore.“The difference is like trying to balance on a sidewalk versus trying to balance on a trampoline that everyone is bouncing on.“Some people want to start out in flat water and slowly work themselves up to something that will be more challenging.”According to Mr O’Hara, who has been on paddling trips that cover nearly 38 miles of water, the intensity of the work out can be as light or challenging as you want.“It can also be a fun workout activity because it never really gets boring,” he added.“I have never really been to a gym, but I can imagine if I was sitting on an exercise bike or treadmill the monotony would really get to me, but seeing the beauty of the Island and getting a workout where you can continue to push the limits is really fun.”He said paddle boarding allowed people to work their core, quads and feet muscles, which are not typically used very often.“You could go out on a sunny day and have a casual hour on the water and not break a sweat and unwind the entire time.“It’s very easy if you have the right conditions. I had some lessons with people the other day and they called me and said their in-laws were in town and asked if it was it all right if I take them out.“They were upwards of 68 years old, but they did fantastic and we had a really good day with them. But keep in mind they were a very fit couple for their age.”He wouldn’t recommend going out on a rough day for beginners, but said “it’s progressive”.“Most people say they enjoy it and I have had a lot of repeat clients. A lot of people just want to go in and buy their own board after they have gone out with me once or twice.”Private lessons cost $65 an hour, while group lessons cost $50 per person/ per hour. For more information phone 236-3123 or visit www.isolatedsurfboards.com.