A watersports startup founded by three Key Biscayne friends is expanding its outdoor recreation platform across Biscayne Bay with a new waterfront location, a broader membership program and a summer adventure camp for children.
PADL, launched in 2019 by Key Biscayne residents Andres Avello, Khalil Khouri and Felipe Jauregui, began with self-service paddleboard stations that allowed users to unlock equipment through a mobile app and head directly onto the water. The original PDAL concept works much like bike-sharing systems, designed to remove the hassle of storing and transporting bulky boards while making paddling accessible to both residents and visitors.
Now the company is expanding that original idea into a broader outdoor recreation network across South Florida.
“PADL is built around fun, safety, and excellence,” said Avello, founder and CEO. “We’re creating the most complete outdoor recreation platform in South Florida so the community can get outside more often, try more activities and enjoy better experiences across multiple locations.”
Adventure pass expands options
Driving the expansion is the new PADL Adventure Pass, a membership that bundles access to multiple activities across the various locations.
The pass includes paddleboarding and kayaking at several launch points, sailing, windsurfing and wing foiling at PADL’s Sail Club at Hobie Beach, mountain biking at Virginia Key trails and beach chair and umbrella service at the PADL Beach Club.
The goal, Avello said, is to give users flexibility when weather or schedules change.
“Outdoor recreation shouldn’t be complicated or limited to one spot,” he said. “The Adventure Pass is the best value because it gives you variety, flexibility and real access across multiple sports and locations.”
Avello added that they are considering adding additional experiences, like kayak fishing and kiteboarding, in the near future.
New Pelican Harbor location
This month, PADL will also open a new full-service location at Pelican Harbor, expanding access to Biscayne Bay for residents of North Bay Village, Miami Beach and North Miami.
The hub will offer paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing, along with guided outings such as night paddles and full-moon tours on the bay.
“Pelican Harbor helps us serve the northern side of the bay in a bigger way,” Avello said. “It unlocks new experiences people have been asking for, from kayak fishing to full moon tours.”
Crandon Park recommendation
Pleased with PADL’s service and performance, Miami-Dade County has recommended the company for the watersports concession at Crandon Park, a contract that would run for five years with an option to renew.
If finalized, the company said it will maintain Crandon’s strong kiteboarding culture while integrating the site into its multi-location recreation network.
“Crandon has a strong legacy, and the community is what made it special,” Avello said. “We respect what the previous operators have done well, and we intend to build on that legacy.”
Summer camp for young adventurers
The company also announced early registration for PADL Adventure Camp, a summer program for children ages 4 to 12 running weekly from June 15 through Aug. 7.
Campers will take part in activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, hiking and mountain biking at Virginia Key and Pelican Harbor.
“PADL Adventure Camp is the summer kids remember,” Avello said. “It’s high-energy fun built on safety, great instruction and outdoor days that help kids grow more confident each week.”
Visit padl.co for more.