About us?

The Paddle Center - The Best Kayak, SUP and Surfboard Store in Panama, Costa Rica and Central America

Discover the best selection of kayaks , stand up paddle boards (SUP) , surfboards , and more at The Paddle Center , your number one destination for water sports in Panama, Costa Rica, and all of Central America! Founded in 2012 by Hennie Marais, with the collaboration of Diego Márquez and Mike Young, we are the reference in the region, representing the best American brands and offering an incomparable experience for lovers of kayaking , SUP , and other water sports.

Our history

The Paddle Center , originally known as Panama Paddle Center and Paddle Panama, has specialized since 2012 in water sports . We focus on recreational kayaks , fishing kayaks , touring kayaks , and the representation of industry-leading brands. From the beginning, we have been committed to offering the best selection of equipment and services to ensure an exceptional aquatic experience.

Hennie Marais, passionate about water sports, arrived in Panama in 1999. His love for the ocean was forged in Africa, where as a diving instructor he explored its coasts and surfed in emblematic places. His connection with sport fishing took him to Panama's Darién, where he guided clients on exciting kayak trips along the Jaque and Pinas rivers. Since 1999, he has managed world-renowned sport fishing resorts in Darién and Veraguas.

In 2012, Hennie made his vision a reality by founding The Paddle Center , setting a quality standard in the water sports industry in Panama. Recognizing the region's potential to develop world-class athletes, Hennie sees in Panama and other Central American countries the ability to excel in international events such as the Olympic Games.

Brands We Represent

At The Paddle Center, we represent the most recognized American brands in the industry, ensuring that you will only find the highest quality products in our store. Some of the brands we represent include: Hobie , Native Watercraft , Bonafide , Perception Kayaks , Liquid Logic , Torqeedo , Newport Vessels , Wilderness Systems , Boardworks , Yakattack , NRS , MSR , Geckobrands , Kialoa , Werner Paddles , Stealth Kayaks . We are also authorized sellers for Thule , Tahe, SIC, Scarfinni, Shelta and Icetek .

Expansion in Central America

With our recent expansion across Central America, we are bringing The Paddle Center 's excellence to more kayaking and water sports enthusiasts in the region. With plans to open more stores in other countries in late 2024 and early 2025, we are committed to being your number one destination for kayaks , SUPs , surfboards , kayak accessories , and more throughout Central America .

Join Our Community

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in water sports, at The Paddle Center you will find everything you need to fully enjoy your adventures on the water. Join our community of kayaking , SUP , and water sports enthusiasts today and discover why we are the best store in Panama, Costa Rica , and Central America !

Kayak Fishing, Panama Bay

Discover the Thrill of Kayak Fishing in Panama with The Paddle Center

Live the unique experience of kayak fishing in the Bay of Panama with The Paddle Center . Our tours take you to the best fishing spots without leaving Panama City, giving you the opportunity to catch species such as Snook, Corvina, Grouper and, with a little luck, the coveted Tarpon.

Each tour includes the use of a top-of-the-line fishing kayak , such as the Hobie Outback or the Bonafide P127 , both equipped with pedals to facilitate your experience on the water. In addition, we provide all the necessary equipment and you will have the expert guidance of our highly trained instructors.

Our tours are designed to suit tidal, swell and weather conditions, ensuring a safe and exciting kayak fishing experience in Panama .

Don't miss your chance to enjoy the best kayak fishing in Panama ! Contact us today to book your fishing trip. Prices per person start at $150.

Each tour includes the use of a top-of-the-line pedal kayak, such as the Hobie Outback or Bonafide P127, as well as all necessary fishing equipment and expert guidance. Our tours are designed to suit tidal, swell and weather conditions, ensuring a safe and exciting experience.

Contact us today to book your fishing trip! Prices per person start at $150.

Booking

Darien Kayak Fishing Expedition

Discover Authentic Kayak Fishing in Panama: Adventure and Expedition in Darien

Embark on a kayak fishing expedition in Darien, one of the wildest and most unspoiled regions of Panama , with more than 20 years of experience in the Pacific waters. This incredible adventure takes you to explore one of the most important and renowned sport fishing areas in the world, with more than 300 IFGA records.

We begin by flying from Panama City to the small settlement of Jaque, where the adventure really begins. This expedition offers you the opportunity to disconnect from the technology and rush of big cities, connecting with nature and with yourself. During the tour, you will learn about the rich culture of the Embera-Wounaan, the conservation of sea turtles and jaguars, camp on totally pristine beaches, and enjoy kayak fishing for desired species such as Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Blue Trevally, Amberjacks, Snook, Groupers, and many more.

Lasting 5 to 7 days, our Panama kayak fishing expeditions are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Prices start at $2400 per person.

If you are ready to experience this exciting fishing adventure in one of the most exclusive destinations in the world, contact us today for more information and to book your week of sport fishing in Panama .

Booking

Kayak fishing Costa Rica

Experience an unforgettable kayak fishing adventure in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica , with our exclusive 5-hour excursions. We provide you with a high-quality Hobie kayak , complete fishing equipment, and an expert guide to ensure a personalized and unique experience.

We limit each group to a maximum of 4 anglers per day, ensuring exclusive and personalized attention. On this kayak fishing expedition in Costa Rica , you will enjoy a special sport fishing season, with opportunities to catch Rooster from November to January, Sailfish, Wahoo and Tuna in May, June and July, and the ideal season for jigging from February to April. Throughout the year, you can also find other species such as Cuberas and Groupers.

The price of this sport fishing expedition in Costa Rica is $450 per person per day, not including lodging. Out of respect for the privacy of our fishing spots, we only receive foreign tourists.

Join us on an exciting fishing adventure in the crystal-clear waters of Playas del Coco and discover why Costa Rica is a top destination for kayak fishing !

Booking