Santa Rosa Beach business creates local craze

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - You Only Live Once. Meet two guys who believe that philosophy so much that they named their business after the acronym made by the statement - Yolo Board.

Five years ago, Jeff Archer and Tom Losee were neighboring business owners at a warehouse in Santa Rosa Beach. Archer was distributing furniture and Losee contracted landscaping services, as they formed a friendship over their common interest.

"We were always brainstorming on business ideas," Archer said.

Both men embrace the seaside lifestyle and found a way to turn it into a profitable venture after Losee read a magazine article about stand up paddle boarding.

"I saw pictures of people paddling in exotic places," Losee said. "We've always been looking for something new for the area."

Losee knew that paddle boarding is a popular water sport along the Emerald Coast, and that the area offers the perfect set-up with all of the inlets, canals, bays, harbors and other sites with calmer waters.

But there needed to be an outlet for the sport to grow into more of a family event and fitness activity. This is how they promote their version of stand up paddle boarding - or as they call it, Yoloing.

Yolo just paddled past its second birthday and is growing stronger as people are discovering stand up paddle boards as a way to work out and have a good time with the family.

"It's real fulfilling on a lot of levels," Archer said.

Archer explained that stand up paddling got off to more of a functional start. In the 1950s, photographers used the boards for photographing surfers and getting close to nature. The concept goes back even further with the Native Americans that used stand up dugouts and a pole or paddle for navigating shallow waterways, trade and fishing.

Of course, the board models manufactured today mean more speed and stability and are designed for recreation.

In Destin, Losee said that ideal paddle boarding locations are in the Pass around Crab Island and any other area with calmer water. Waterways that are free of high boat traffic are the best, and it is always advised that paddlers wear a life jacket or a Bungee connection. Check with the local Coast Guard regulations for requirements.

Stand up paddle boarding utilizes a single blade paddle, which Losee said should ideally be eight inches taller than the paddler. Yolo sells an adjustable paddle that will accommodate everyone in a group.

The fitness component happens as paddlers use various stroking techniques that can be felt in just about every muscle group in the body, particularly the core.

"Your body is engaged in the entire process," Archer said.

Yoloing, and paddle boarding in general, promotes a more active lifestyle. People who own smaller cars may need to purchase a surf rack to transport their board, but the Yolo guys swear it is worth it.

"I think our take on the sport is a little different," Archer said.

In our area, stand up paddle boarding allows people to get off the shore and away from the crowds to experience the coastal waters up close.

"You'll have a whole new relationship with this place when you get out on one of these," Archer said.