With warm weather and sunny skies in the forecast, surely you are thinking the same thing as us - time for paddleboarding season! Whether you’re looking to plan a fun family outing, a safe, socially-distanced group activity, or just escape for some time on the water in and around Pittsburgh, we are ready to provide you with the standup paddleboarding experience you’ve been dreaming of all winter!
SurfSUP Adventure’s founder and lead guide, Ian Smith, was recently awarded the title of “Master Trainer” by the Professional Standup Paddle Association (PSUPA). With this designation, Ian becomes one of only four Master Trainers internationally. He teaches instructor certifications in the disciplines of Flat Water, SUP Camps, and Whitewater SUP / River Surfing. Here’s an excerpt from the PSUPA press release:
Though Halloween was approaching, the eerie warnings flashing across the TV, Internet and from friends and family were real. Hurricane Sandy was moving in from the Atlantic and threatening devastation throughout the North East. As the weather turned grim, most people were staying indoors and watching the “Frankenstorm’s” progress on the news. For whitewater enthusiasts, however, it was like getting week-long private admission to an amusement park. The creeks and rivers that had been dry from the summer’s drought were finally open for exploration.
The official launch of “A Quiet Excitement,” a film by Wild Excellence Films in conjunction with Butler County Tourism and SurfSUP Adventures. The film explores a multitude of ways to explore Butler County’s array of stand up paddling. Everything from fly fishing float trips, sunken forests, standing river waves and nighttime adventures are featured.
Attention Pittsburgh surfers, paddlers, water enthusiasts and adventurers - First Waves and SurfSUP Adventures will be partnering with Patagonia Pittsburgh as they host a Never Town Film Screening with professional surfer, Dan Ross, on Tuesday, October 23! There will be refreshments, food, raffles and more that will all benefit the First Waves program to engage underserved youth in river surfing, watershed conservation and filmmaking! We hope to see you all there!
SurfSUP Adventures has been working with Envision Blind Sports for a little over 3-years now, but this year marks a milestone of accomplishment. Thanks mostly to executive director, Wendy Fagan, and the incredible volunteer network from Slippery Rock University’s, Adaptive Sports program, Envision has become the largest blind sports camp in the country. In total, 70 visually impaired youth ages 6 to 18 participated in 20 sports over the course of the week-long program in June of 2018.
We are heading into our 8th season of providing standup paddle boarding experiences in Pittsburgh! In that time, we’ve been honored to introduce thousands of people to standup paddleboarding (SUP), river surfing, watershed conservation, and whitewater SUP. Our love for paddling got us started, but it’s been the people we’ve met on this journey that have truly inspired us. You are the ones we have to thank as we celebrate being named Pittsburgh’s “Best Outdoor Experience” in 2018 by the Manual Awards!
Nestled in the urban sprawl of Pittsburgh’s East End, The Mount Ararat Community Activity Center provides innovative programs and experiential learning to the area’s families and youth. Earlier this summer, the Center debuted a new program for a select group of students, part of which involved teaching them to surf in whitewater rivers.
WPXI’s, "Proud to be from Pittsburgh," is a program designed to highlight people who are doing good in our communities.” SurfSUP Adventures and First Waves founder, Ian Smith, worked with Channel-11 News Anchor, Peggy Finnegan, to document a First Waves event on the Pittsburgh Riverfront for the segment earlier this year.
As the racers make the first turn in the PA SUP Championships at Moraine State Park, they are met with the sound of live music from the main stage of the Regatta at Lake Arthur. Thousands of people are sprawled out listening to the music, sifting through food trucks, and watching the sailboats, paddleboards and windsurfers jetting by. A backdrop of thick conifers gives way to blue skies above the horizon of the lake and this is only the beginning.
T: 724.989.7259
E: info@surfsupadventures.com
