About Pacific Paddle Co.

A family-run paddle sports business sharing our love of the La Jolla coastline since 2018.

Founders kayaking together

Started with two kayaks and a love of the ocean

Pacific Paddle Co. was founded in 2018 by Marcus and Elena Rivera, two lifelong San Diegans who grew up surfing and paddling in La Jolla. After years of working as marine biology researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, they decided to turn their passion for the ocean into something the whole community could enjoy.

What started with two kayaks and weekend tours for friends has grown into one of San Diego's most trusted paddle sports outfitters — but the spirit is the same. We're here to get people on the water, share the incredible marine life and scenery of La Jolla, and make sure everyone has an amazing time doing it.

Today, our team of 12 guides and staff serves thousands of visitors and locals every year. We're proud to be a small business that does things the right way — premium gear, small groups, and guides who genuinely love what they do.

8+

Years in operation

35,000+

Happy customers

4.9

Average rating

12

Team members

Our values guide everything we do

Safety first

Every piece of gear is inspected daily. Every guide is CPR and water rescue certified. We never cut corners.

Respect the ocean

We follow Leave No Trace principles, support local marine conservation, and educate guests about the ecosystem.

Make it memorable

We want every person who paddles with us to walk away with a story worth telling. That's the goal, every single day.

Meet the crew

Marine biologists, surfers, and ocean lovers who can't wait to show you what La Jolla has to offer.

MR

Marcus Rivera

Co-Founder & Lead Guide

Former marine biologist at Scripps. Has paddled every inch of the La Jolla coast. Knows where to find the sharks.

ER

Elena Rivera

Co-Founder & Operations

Runs the business side so the rest of the team can focus on the water. Also a certified paddle instructor.

JN

Jake Nakamura

Senior Guide

Competitive SUP racer and certified ocean lifeguard. With Pacific Paddle since 2020. The guests' favorite storyteller.

Protecting the waters we love

We donate 1% of every booking to the San Diego Coastkeeper and participate in monthly beach cleanups with our staff and guests.

We're also a certified ocean-friendly business through the Surfrider Foundation, committed to reducing single-use plastics in our operations and educating visitors about the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

Team doing a beach cleanup

Come paddle with us

Book a rental or tour and see why thousands of people choose Pacific Paddle Co. every year.