Exploring the Islands, Mangroves & Hidden Gems with Bree.
There’s something magical about discovering the Florida Keys from the water. With crystal-clear shallows, endless mangrove trails, and marine life around every corner, paddle boarding offers a unique way to experience the islands — no engine required.
For Bree, better known as @breezeinthekeys, moving to the Florida Keys was the beginning of a new adventure centered around the ocean, the outdoors, and a slower pace of life. After relocating with her husband just over a year ago, she quickly found that the best way to experience the Keys was from the seat of a paddle board.
“I always find a new place to explore out on the water,” Bree shares. “For an ocean lover, this never gets old!”
From hidden mangrove trails to unforgettable wildlife encounters, Bree has embraced the Keys lifestyle one paddle at a time. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey, favorite places to explore, and her best advice for anyone looking to experience the Florida Keys from the water.
Follow Bree’s Keys adventures at @breezeinthekeys.
Finding a New Way to Connect with the Ocean
Bree first discovered paddle boarding after joining a local women’s paddle group — and it didn’t take long for her to fall in love.
“Although I love boating, there is something special about no motors, no big vessel — just me and my board,” she shares. “I feel very connected to the ocean when paddle boarding.”
For her, paddle boarding is more than just an activity. It’s a way to slow down, experience the environment up close, and discover parts of the Keys that can’t always be reached by boat.
The Perfect Florida Keys Day
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own Keys adventure, Bree's perfect day starts early.
A sunrise run across the Old Seven Mile Bridge kicks off the morning, followed by a day spent exploring the backcountry by boat and paddle board. One of her favorite parts of having an inflatable paddle board is how easy it is to bring along for a full day of exploring.
“I love being able to bring my paddle board on the boat and explore the mangroves and islands in the backcountry,” she says.
After a day on the water, she recommends ending with dinner and drinks in Key West.
How Often Bree is On the Water
Living in the Keys means there’s always another place to explore. On a good week, Bree spends more days on the water than not — around four days per week.
“Paddle boarding helps my love for the ocean continue to grow,” she says. “It’s so easy to get out on the water and get an up-close look at the beautiful habitats and ecosystems here in the Keys.”
From shallow flats to mangrove tunnels, paddle boarding allows you to experience the Keys’ unique ecosystem from a completely different perspective.
Why Bree Chose the BLACKFIN
For her adventures, reliability and versatility are key.
“The BLACKFIN is such a reliable and well-made board,” she says. “It’s lightweight and easy to transport by myself while also being very sturdy.”
One of her favorite features is the ability to customize the board with different attachments.
“I love being able to add attachments like the seat or fishing rack. It makes it such a dynamic board because of all the options.”
She also loves that her board features a sea turtle design — a perfect match for her Keys lifestyle.
Beginner Tips for Paddle Boarding in the Keys
Thinking about trying paddle boarding in the Florida Keys?
Her biggest advice: check the conditions first.
“Always check the wind and waves,” she says. “But don’t be afraid to get out there and explore.”
Wind direction can completely change your experience on the water. Depending on conditions, you may choose to paddle on the bay side, ocean side, or wait for a calmer day.
She also recommends checking weather radar before heading out, especially during storm season.
“Some days the wind is ripping at 20 knots, and that’s when we want to be safe and not go out.”
Best Conditions for Exploring
The Keys are beautiful year-round, but summer is one of her favorite times for clear water.
“Although it’s also sargassum season, the sargassum is not everywhere,” she explains. “Sometimes you just have to get out past it.”
For the best experience, pay attention to wind direction, tides, and weather patterns before launching.
The Wildlife You Might Encounter
One of the most unforgettable moments of her paddle boarding adventures was an encounter with a great hammerhead shark.
“It was about the same length as my board and cruised right by me — so close that I could have touched it — and went on its way.”
While surprising, encounters like these are part of what makes exploring the Keys from the water so special.
Favorite Places to Explore
When asked about her favorite launch spots, she admits it’s almost impossible to choose.
Some of her favorite places to visit include:
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Mac’s Place in Key West
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Kiki’s in Little Torch
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Conch Republic Seafood Company
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Geiger
But her favorite type of scenery? The mangroves.
“They are so peaceful,” she says. “You never know what you’ll see when paddle boarding.”
What People Don’t Realize About Keys Life
Life in the Keys is all about the water — but it also comes with a little extra maintenance.
“If you don’t absolutely love being in and on the water, some people may say there isn’t much to do here,” she says. “But for those of us who love the water, it is endless exploring.”
She also reminds fellow paddlers that saltwater requires extra care.
“The salt gets on everything, so rinsing off your gear is super important for keeping things nice.”
Her Biggest Summer Paddle Boarding Advice
Her advice for making the most out of your summer on the water?
“Explore! Try new spots and go with the flow. You never know what you’ll see when paddle boarding, and here in the Keys, you’ll see something different every time.”
Her final must-have? A good pair of polarized sunglasses.
“They’ll really help you see everything beneath the surface.”
Part of the iROCKER Community
Being part of the iROCKER community has connected Bree with people who share the same passion for adventure and the ocean.
“It feels amazing to be part of a community that feels the same,” she says. “While also caring for the ocean, which is super important to me.”
For Bree, paddle boarding is more than a hobby — it’s a way of life. And in the Florida Keys, there’s always another island to discover, another sunset to chase, and another adventure waiting just offshore.
