The iconic Paddle Diva brand is a success story centered around its founder, Gina Bradley. She is a total burst of the best kind of energy. As a mother of two, she has spent the last 22 years in the same home in Springs. She is very proud of the fact that she established Paddle Diva 10 years ago, calling it, “the very first stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Three Mile Harbor” in Springs.
Paddle Diva’s new location is in Vanderveer Three Mile Marina on 10 Boatyard Drive in Springs, no longer at Shagwong Marina Beach. The new location has some advantages, Gina says, “in all honesty first I am thrilled to be working with a female business owner (Karin Vanderveer) in the Springs area who has a similar vision as most of us Springs residents which is to preserve our community.”
She is delighted to now be working with ownership that really cares about the environment and that works so hard to make it an even better place. Gina describes the new location as, “like 75% better for paddleboarding in this location than my old location because it’s less exposed. It’s even safer and more accessible because conditions just don’t get that wild down there.”
Asked about her first experience paddleboarding, “I tried it and thought it was an amazing way to explore the bays and waterways of the Hamptons. It is a sport that is so easy and so accessible I just wanted to bring it to everybody.”
“The first time I was on a paddleboard was in Napeague Harbor where I was a windsurfing and a scuba diving instructor. I remember thinking, If I can figure out a way to market this to women, or to the masses, this is going to be the most home-run business on the planet. It was my husband’s board; he is a big extreme athlete, and he had the first two boards made on Long Island!”
For Gina, it’s never too late to learn how to paddleboard because, “if you can walk you can paddleboard and it is truly the most amazing way to refresh, gain a new perspective, and see a part of the Hamptons you could never see otherwise.”
She explains that she knew if she could figure out how to market paddleboarding she was going to have a great active outdoor business in the Hamptons.
When asked what the biggest mistake someone getting into paddleboarding can make she answers, “Buying a board and a paddle before coming to take a paddleboarding lesson with Paddle Diva.” Why? “Because most people buy what the surf shop has in stock from people who don’t intimately know the sport like we do.”
She explained it is so important to have, “… the right gear for your body weight, your height and your ability.”
The Paddle Diva shop has a totally new look and location but is still on the same, “bucolic body of water.” She stressed, “We have the same mission: to give everyone an unforgettably fun time paddle boarding.”
With their highly trained staff, Gina Bradley believes “Paddle Diva is both the best place to learn to SUP and the ideal place for experienced paddleboarders looking for an adventure or to learn new skills.”
“Paddle Diva” provides family fun, bridal showers, exclusive private paddles, beginner lessons, advanced clinics, kids’ programming, and more. “Paddle Diva prides itself on giving you the ultimate Hamptons experience. Life is always better on the water!” Find out more and book your SUP adventure with the original crew at www.paddlediva.com.
Gina Bradley and her husband Scott Bradley are real estate agents with Saunders and Associates.
