Before the paddles and boards, water adventurers had to stand on the backs of the least-aggressive hippopotami and hope for the best. Enjoy a safer water sport with today's Groupon. For $30, you'll get a two-hour stand-up paddle-boarding lesson from North Beach Windsurfing at a soon-to-be-determined location in St. Pete Beach.

Owner Britt Viehman, certified by the U.S. Sailing Association of America, brings more than 12 years of sea-sport experience to his oceanic operation. Stand-up paddle boarding, his newest program, is open to people of all fitness levels. Small class sizes (three to six students per lesson) ensure that everyone receives ample attention and a wicked aquatic nickname. You can also rally up to five of your friends to form your own class. Groups will wade out in the pleasant waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for one hour of instruction followed by one hour of nature-defying athletic adventure. All equipment is included.

Like Pop-Tarts in a broken toaster, some people just can't be kept down. Seated water sports (canoe, paddleboat, kayak) just aren't vertical enough for eternally antsy and more aggressively active individuals. Combining the best parts of surfing, rowing, and broom sweeping, paddle boarding is the true maritime crossbreed and an excellent core workout. Call ahead to book an appointment.