The fun of exploring the uncharted waters is unmatched. Even if you are not exploring some mysterious hidden location – just the thrill of being out in the open on your own is enough to get your adrenaline pumping. One of the most popular ways people are heading out in waters is with an inflatable paddleboard. Like the name suggests – stand-up paddleboards look much like surfboards. You stand on top of them and use a canoe paddle to propel yourself ahead. Despite the name – you can even sit or kneel down on them.

Inflatable Paddleboards Are Safe and Sturdy

It might blow your mind to know that Inflatable paddleboards really work. Unlike inflatable kayaks – which are cheap and flimsy, inflatable paddleboards are just as sturdy as the regular ones. And while it costed a fortune once upon a time – prices since then have come down. You can now get the inflatable paddleboards along with the pump for as low as $200.

Here’s the Catch

What makes inflatable paddleboards as sturdy as the regular ones, unlike inflatable kayaks, is that they are inflated at a higher pressure. When it comes to pumping kayaks – it’s good to go as soon as the touch feels firm. Pumping kayak is just a few minutes’ works with the hand up – so easy even a 5-year-old can do it. But when it comes to inflating paddleboards – the process is a bit more complicated. Firstly, it comes with a pressure gauge. You need to to a minimum of 10 PSI, with a warning not to go above 15 – the numbers may vary from one brand to another. The paddleboard starts filling firm around 0.5 PSL. So if you look at it – paddleboards need 20 times as much air as a kayak. Basically, trying to fill the paddle with your hands can be exhausting, and it’s probably the reason why you need an electric pump for your paddleboard.

Mexico is a popular tourist destination for many vacationers as they seek warm weather, beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and more. However, tourists often overlook the towns of Ihapa and Zihuatanejo. They are both a short drive from one another and are on the Pacific coast of Guerrero State. Most importantly, they offer just what every vacationer is looking for on their travels.

The Little Towns of Mexico That Have It All

In both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, tourists will find stunning white-sand beaches, picturesque sunsets, five-star hospitality, crystal clear waters for surfing, diving, and snorkeling, along with a taste of the small-town Mexican life.

Zihuatanejo, or Zihua as it is most often called, used to be a small fishing village with a minimal amount of tourist traffic for hundreds of years.

Ixtapa, on the other hand, was created in the 1970s when the coconut plantation that was once there was cleared by Mexico’s National Fund for Tourism Development.

Both towns are laid-back and have since attracted a lot of attention. Although Ixtapa is a pleasant town, the only attractions here are a few golf courses and a lovely marina with upscale seafood restaurants. Other than that, Ixtapa only has a long line of beachfront resorts.

These resorts are like mini-islands as they are equipped with restaurants, beaches, pools, and activities to keep families and tourists in general occupied without having to leave the property. Those who do decide to leave often venture out to the rock coves for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, or horseback riding along with beaches.

Everything You Need While on Vacation

In Zihua, you get to experience a more authentic feel of the Mexican lifestyle. There are different beaches and each one has its own feel. There are hotels, resorts, and restaurants that range from casual to super luxurious.

You can also find pedestrian-only streets that are full of restaurants, nightclubs, souvenir shops, and more. It’s the small-town-charm you need when on vacation in Mexico.