SUP – Stand Up Paddle – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stand Up Paddle?
Stand Up Paddle boarding, also known as Stand Up Paddle surfing or SUP, is a water sport in which the participant stands, with feet pointed forward and parallel, on a board resembling a surf board. The SUP boards are longer, thicker, and wider than a typical surf board, giving it more volume, buoyancy, and stability. The sport can be enjoyed in the ocean, surfing, or in any calm body of water. The participant also utilizes a lightweight, single-blade paddle to propel, turn, and glide over the surface of the water.
If I have never SUP’d before, is this for me?
About 90% of our students have never SUP’d before, let alone held a Stand Up Paddle board. Our SUP lessons are tailored to beginners. The only prerequisites are that you are able to swim, and ready to explore the amazing waters of Wrightsville Beach!
Do you have a valid permit from the Town of Wrightsville Beach to operate on the Beach Front?
We do have a valid permit. This ensures that we have current liability insurance and workman’s comp insurance. All of our instructors carry a copy of this permit at all times. It is the law in Wrightsville Beach!
Why should I select your SUP school over any other?
We are a division of WB Surf Camp so our reputation for high quality instruction precedes us. Our founder has been involved in water sports instruction for over 15 years and our team of instructors is second to none, we have a full time reservation staff that is available 7 days a week, and we use the highest quality equipment.
After your lesson you will be emailed a survey asking for your feedback and a receipt reflecting your payment. We want to continue improving our customer service, because every client’s opinion is important to us! We enter every season well-prepared and with the highest degree of professionalism. We also give back to our planet and those who are less fortunate through our “Giving Back One Wave at a Time” initiative. When you support Cape Fear Paddleboarding, you support all the good things we do and all the lives we change for the better.
Do you have references that I can contact?
Absolutely! We have many clients that would love to talk with you. Our greatest compliments are our many returning clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
Who are our instructors/coaches?
We certify through our partner WB Surf Camp and this season, we invested over 2,000 hours of training into our team. After combing through hundreds of applications each year, we select, interview, and hire only the best. Prior to the start of each season, every employee is certified in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross, certified as Level 1 Surf/SUP Instructor through our in-house training, and must pass a 500yd open ocean swim test.
One of the other traits that we look for in potential employees is a background education in marine and environmental science. In fact, many of our instructors are teachers, outdoor educators, or currently studying one of these fields. All of our employees are professionals who are highly trained, dependable, and are here to help your SUP progression in an accommodating friendly manner.
Where will my lesson/tour take place?
We offer SUP lessons at all area beaches and waterways in southeastern North Carolina.
What time are lessons offered?
Lesson times are from 9:00am – 11:00am the morning and our sunset tour is from 5:30pm – 7:30pm in the evening. For private groups we do try to cater to your schedule as much as possible. Call for exact times once you have dates in mind.
What types of lessons do you offer?
We offer 2 hour long private and private group lessons.
What age range are your students?
We have students of all ages! We offer private lessons for ages 5 and up. Semi-private and group lessons are available for ages 10 and up.
Do you provide all the equipment?
All equipment is provided. The Stand Up Paddle boards and paddles that we use are of the highest quality and are most conducive to safe learning and productive SUP’ing. We also provide each student with a 50 SPF paddle jersey to prevent chafing and sunburn.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend bringing a small beach bag with the essentials; sunscreen, water bottle, and a towel. Other than that, you can just wear your bathing suit/ board shorts.
What will the water temp be?
The water temperature in Wrightsville Beach during the summer months will hover around 80 degrees. These perfect temperatures mean wetsuits are not necessary.
What happens if conditions are unfavorable for SUP’ing on a particular day?
Should weather or wave conditions cause us to cancel a lesson, we will make every effort to reschedule. We average a 97% SUPability factor during our summer season, so days are rarely missed. Your safety and enjoyment is our concern so we will reschedule your lesson if conditions are unsafe or unfavorable.
We are traveling to North Carolina from out of town. Are there hotels, rental properties, or campsites nearby that you can recommend?
We maintain a list of recommended campsites, hotels, and real estate companies in the area. Please call us at 910.686.9787 or e-mail us at info@lovetosup.com and we’ll be happy to send you a copy!
Should I tip my instructor?
Our team works hard to exceed your expectations and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience. If at the end of your lesson/tour you are pleased with the performance of your instructor, a gratuity is never expected but would be greatly appreciated.
What sort of payment do you accept?
We accept VISA/MC/AMEX credit cards or cash. Your credit card will not be run until the lesson is completed.
What is your Reservation/Cancellation Policy?
This policy can be read by clicking here—> Cancellation Policy
