Tag Archives: surfsup adventures

Standup Paddle Into Fall with Surfsup Adventures

I know it is not officially the last day of summer, but labor day sure feels like the last day of summer. I’ve spent the past week trying to check a few more items off my annual summer bucket list.

One of my personal favorite outdoor activities in Western Pennsylvania is stand-up paddleboarding. If you have been wanting to try out this sport, and trust me – it is beginner friendly, this weekend is the perfect weekend.

The weather forecast for labor day weekend is PERFECT – sunny and hot, but not too hot. My favorite paddle boarding outfitter, Surfsup Adventures, is offering a great end of summer discount too – $40 off the normal rate.

Surfsup Adventures & First Waves

When he is not guiding trips at Moraine State Park, Ian Smith is also the founder of the non-profit First Waves that partners with organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters to get more kids out on the water to try paddle boarding, learn about conservation and filmmaking. I have volunteered with First Waves in the past and it is an impressive operation. Check out FirstWaves.org for more.

Paddleboard classes focus on fitness (triblive.com)

Race on Water – Standup Paddleboard Race at the Lake Arthur Regatta

Ian Smith of SurfSUP Adventures & Micalla Mikus of Freeport Paddleboarding getting ready to race (Photo Credit: Mike Briggs)

A few years ago when my sister was in law school, she spent a summer working in Hawaii. She returned to the east coast with some legal knowledge, a tan and a love of surfboard sports.

I have become a huge fan of kayaking around Pittsburgh – if you haven’t seen Downtown Pittsburgh from a kayak, you are missing out. And I am now an even bigger fan of standup paddleboarding on the three rivers.

Fortunately for me, there are some great people in Pittsburgh who are helping to get more people on the river and I am no longer the only person who drives around town with a surfboard on their car. Over the past year, I’ve spent a bunch of time paddling on the river and lakes of Western PA with Ian Smith of SurfSUP Adventures.

Last summer I was talking with Micalla Mikus, who is the owner of Freeport Paddleboarding Company. Micalla had just returned from competing in a SUP race in Maryland. I’m not a huge fan of running 5ks, but a paddle board race peaked my interest.

Two weeks ago – I participated in my first race at the Brady’s Run Gear and Cheer Festival. Thanks to Micalla and Ian my first race was a success and a ton of fun.

It was a 1 mile race and it took me 16 minutes to paddle the mile, the winner finishing in 9 minutes. If I can paddle a mile, I promise you pretty much anyone can do this. I would love to see more people try paddle boarding and I think this race will be a ton of fun. If you have questions about standup paddleboarding or the race this weekend. Please leave a comment below.

First Annual SUP Race at the Lake Arthur Regatta at Moraine State Park

This weekend is the annual Lake Arthur Regatta – Surfsup Adventures and Freeport Paddleboard Company are hosting a Stand Up Paddleboard race that promises to be a fun time. You don’t need to have a board or any experience to compete.

Lake Arthur SUP Race

Saturday, August 2, 2014
Registration – 3pm
Location: Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road
Entry: $20 – Register online here

If you need a board – register online and send an email to info@surfsupadventures.com. I know there will be plenty of boards available.

Organizers seek to make Lake Arthur Regatta a showcase for Moraine State Park (triblive.com)
How to enjoy Pittsburgh’s three rivers: count the ways (post-gazette.com)
There’s plenty of wet and wild fun in the area (triblive.com)

Paddling Film Festival & Try Paddleboarding – This Saturday

One of THE BEST ways to see Pittsburgh is from the rivers. If you have been a regular reader of IheartPGH, you know how much we love kayaking around town with Kayak Pittsburgh. Last summer, thanks to the REI and my sister who spent a summer in Hawaii, I spent most of the time on a standup paddleboard. (If you saw some crazy lady driving down Penn ave with a large surfboard on the car – that was probably me). Whether your sitting in a kayak or standing on a board – Western PA offers lots of great places to paddle.

SurfSUP Adventures, a paddle board tour company located here Western PA, is bringing the Reel Paddling Film Festival to town this Saturday.

SurfSUP Adventures is hosting the 2013 Reel Paddling Film Festival for the Pittsburgh area on Saturday, May 11.

3pm SUP Instruction and paddling activities
5pm Film Screenings begin –
Time is subject to change due to weather so please stay posted for updates the SurfSUP facebook page prior to the show.
Vegan Food Truck An amazing array of organic and vegan friendly food options will be offered by Randitas Grill!
Tickets are $12.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door. You can purchase tickets at: Ticket Sales
Where: 229 Howes Run Road, Sarver PA 16055
Facebook event – https://www.facebook.com/events/320731168044100/

Here is the trailer for the Film Festival: