whitewater

Surfing the Frankenstorm

Surfing the Frankenstorm

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.

First Waves at 5Point Film Festival Pittsburgh

First Waves at 5Point Film Festival Pittsburgh

There’s something about outdoor film festivals that makes you question what you’re capable of.  The combination of immaculately captured places, harrowing adventures, and a cast of characters only conjured by sports involving leaps from cliffs, vertical climbs, or skate boards hurdling down mountain roads at 70-mph.  But why are these festivals so moving?

NEW RIVER GORGE SUP RACE

NEW RIVER GORGE SUP RACE

The New River Gorge SUP Race has become the epicenter of whitewater paddleboard racing in the Eastern US, but not because of a cash purse (there isn’t one!) or fantastical prizes. Instead, this race has ingrained itself in the hearts of a community that it has helped to grow since its inception in 2011. The setting itself could be attributed to the race’s popularity. The New River Gorge and Fayetteville, the adjoining mountain town, is a quintessential hub for adventure and natural beauty. Still, the underlying values and genuine love that race founder, Melanie Hames, puts into this event is the defining ingredient. The West Virginia SUP scene is filled with passionate people like her, and this event has drawn competitors from around the world that all want a piece of it.

FREE SUP and RIVER SURF EVENT

FREE SUP and RIVER SURF EVENT

The 2016 Stonycreek Rendezvous is coming soon (May 20 - 22nd)!  This is Pennsylvania's premiere adventure and whitewater festival with fun for everyone.  SurfSUP will be hosting a FREE river surfing and standup paddleboarding demo on Saturday, May 21rst.  Come enjoy the fun!!

AN UNEXPECTED MATCH PARTNER OF THE YEAR

AN UNEXPECTED MATCH PARTNER OF THE YEAR

“IT’S SAFE, THE KIDS WILL BE FINE!” I yelled into my cell phone, trying to overcome a howling wind off the Gulf of Mexico.  In spite of the ambient roar, I could hear doubt on the other end spinning like a turbine.  Intuition, however, has a way of prevailing under duress, when communication is done on an instinctual level rather than through the confusion of words and reason.