About Livin' Salty Paddle Sports
More than a shop – we’re a coastal crew with a passion for paddleboards, waves, and good vibes.
Our Story
A Clearwater Beach Story — How Livin' Salty Paddle Sports Began
Growing up on Clearwater Beach in the 1970s and 80s meant endless barefoot adventures, salty sea breezes, and life connected deeply to the water.
In 1972, Ron and Sara Henkel moved from the Chicago area to Clearwater Beach, raising their three young sons — Todd, Mike, and Ron Jr. — in a world of sun, surf, and sand.
The Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway were their playgrounds.
Back then, it was all about freedom, exploration, and a simple, beachside life — values that still define Livin' Salty today.
The family’s deep bond with the water eventually sparked something bigger — a passion for paddleboarding, surfing, and sharing the salt life with others.
Our Journey
From Garage Rentals to a Clearwater Paddleboarding Hub
In January 2015, what began as a mobile rental project in a garage in Dunedin, Florida, grew into something much bigger.
Driven by love for watersports and community, Livin' Salty SUP & Surf Shop was officially launched.
By 2017, Livin' Salty opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Tarpon Springs, offering rentals, lessons, and a welcoming beach lifestyle vibe.
Then, in August 2020, we found our forever home: Clearwater, FL, right in the heart of the Suncoast.
From a handful of paddleboards to a full-service shop — rentals, lessons, repairs, custom boards — Livin' Salty grew into Clearwater’s trusted spot for all things paddle and surf.
Our mission has always stayed the same:
To connect people with the water, one salty adventure at a time.
Inspired by the Intracoastal — Designing Clearwater's Signature Paddleboards
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a hidden treasure — stretching from New Jersey all the way to Texas, running behind Florida's barrier islands.
Locally, our part of the ICW winds through:
Boca Ciega Bay
The Narrows
Clearwater Harbor
St. Joseph Sound
Growing up paddling these waters inspired one of our proudest creations:
Intracoastal Paddleboards — our original line of paddleboards designed to celebrate Clearwater’s natural beauty.
Every board reflects the spirit of the water we love — a blend of exploration, adventure, and coastal heritage.
Our Philosophy
Livin' Salty — Our Philosophy for Life and Adventure
At Livin' Salty, we don’t just sell boards — we share a lifestyle.
We believe in living salty, staying adventurous, and embracing every wave life throws at you.
Paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking — these aren't just sports; they're ways to connect with nature, to unwind, and to rediscover yourself.
Stay Salty. Stay Adventurous. Stay You.
We’re proud to call Clearwater home, and even prouder to help locals and visitors experience the salt life every day.
— Todd Henkel, Owner
Got questions or want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you.
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