Celebrating 12 Years on the Water with Rincón Paddleboards

For the past 12 years, Rincón Paddleboards has been helping locals and visitors experience Rincón from the water. 

Located at Black Eagle Beach, the business offers paddleboard rentals, lessons, tours, kayak rentals, surfboard rentals, snorkeling gear, and other equipment for those looking to enjoy the ocean in a different way.

How It All Began 

Behind Rincón Paddleboards are Chikako and Damiano, two people whose paths to Puerto Rico came from very different places.

Chikako was born and raised in Japan and moved to New York City. Then, during a visit to Puerto Rico, she discovered surfing and the island lifestyle that would eventually become such an important part of her life.

Damiano grew up in Lido di Ostia, Italy, a coastal town near Rome, where he spent years working as a lifeguard. His love for the ocean eventually brought him to Puerto Rico. While visiting Rincón to surf, he met Chikako, who was working at a local surf shop. 

They married 14 years ago, and two years later, they turned their shared love for the ocean into Rincón Paddleboards.

When Damiano came up with the idea of starting a paddleboard rental business right on the beach, by the marina and Tres Palmas Marine Preserve, Chikako was convinced. She thought it was a brilliant idea given his years of lifeguard experience.

Over the past 12 years, that idea has grown into much more than a rental business.

More Than Paddleboard Rentals 

Rincón Paddleboards offers something for everyone, from beginners trying paddleboarding to experienced ocean lovers looking for equipment, lessons, or guided experiences.

Guests can explore the coastline on guided tours while learning more about the surrounding waters. Lessons help newcomers get started or give paddlers the chance to improve their skills. Rentals make it easy for visitors and locals to enjoy paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, snorkeling gear, and other beach equipment. They also offer the only SUP surf lessons in Rincón.

It has become a place where visitors try paddleboarding for the first time, where families create vacation memories, where experienced surfers find local knowledge, and where people who arrive unsure of themselves leave surprised by what they were able to do.

Behind the Business 

Like every small business in Puerto Rico, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Over the years, Chikako and Damiano have navigated changing seasons, hurricanes, and the challenges that come with running a business on an island.

Reaching more than a decade in business takes more than just a good idea. It takes consistency, dedication, and attention to detail. 

Chikako credits some of what she learned growing up in Japan as an influence on how she approaches running a business. She says the values she learned have helped shape the way she works. 

That same commitment can be seen in their daily operations. One of the things that has remained a priority throughout the years is safety. 

Operating an ocean-based business means paying close attention to weather and sea conditions every day. Rincón Paddleboards is open daily when conditions allow, and they post updates whenever weather requires a closure or change in services.

Damiano also brings decades of experience in the water. He holds ISA certifications in surf and paddleboard instruction, along with USLA Open Water Lifeguard and Jet Ski Rescue certifications. His experience helps everyone from beginners to experienced water enthusiasts feel more confident. 

And there’s another member of the team who many people at Black Eagle Beach already know: Francesco Totti, their dog named after the legendary Italian soccer player. 

Totti is part of the daily routine, coming to work with Chikako and Damiano and enjoying beach life or joining the crew on a paddleboard.  Every September 1st, friends gather at the beach to celebrate Totti’s birthday. 

Twelve Years and Counting 

After 12 years, Chikako and Damiano continue to do what they set out to do: share their passion for the ocean and help people experience one of the most beautiful parts of Rincón.

At What’s Up Rincón, we love celebrating the local businesses, people, and stories that make our community special. Congratulations to Chikako and Damiano on 12 years of Rincón Paddleboards, and here’s to many more years on the water. 

Rincón Paddleboards

787-546-9545

Black Eagle Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico

Website: rinconpaddleboards.com

Instagram: @rinconpaddleboards

Facebook: @RinconPaddleBoards