Summer is on the horizon—and around here, that means it’s almost time to get back on the water! As the days get longer and the weather warms up, we’re deep into preparation mode at Aqueous SUP, making sure everything is ready for an incredible season ahead.
We believe that a great SUP experience starts long before you hit the water. It’s built through thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s a look behind the scenes at how we’re gearing up for summer—and why it matters to us (and to you).
Fine-Tuning Our Gear and Equipment
Every board, paddle, leash, and lifejacket is carefully inspected, cleaned, and tuned before the season begins. We want every piece of equipment you touch to feel reliable, comfortable, and ready for adventure.
From verifying leash attachments and checking paddle components to refreshing safety tags and adjusting fin setups, we go beyond the basics to make sure everything meets our standards for quality and performance. Whether you’re joining us for a SUP Basics course, an intermediate skills session, or a guided paddle, you can trust that we’ve gone over every detail to help ensure a smooth and safe experience. After all, confidence starts with the right gear—and the peace of mind that it’s been prepared with care.
Staying Committed to Professional Growth
Behind every great paddling experience is an instructor who never stops learning. This spring, we completed another round of instructor re-certification through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association (PSUPA), ensuring we’re aligned with the latest safety protocols, teaching practices, and instructional standards.
Ongoing education is something we take seriously—which is why last fall, we traveled to Florida for intensive training with world-class paddlers Seychelle SUP and Michael Booth. That experience helped deepen our knowledge, refine our technique, and bring back new insights to share with our paddling community here at home.
Honoring Water Conservation and Stewardship
As we geared up for summer, we didn’t forget the importance of protecting the places we paddle. April was all about water conservation and access—and we were proud to kick off the season with our first shoreline cleanup event of the year.
Caring for our waterways isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live by. Whether it’s teaching responsible practices on the board or helping clean up the shoreline, stewardship is woven into everything we do.
Updating Courses and Resources
At Aqueous SUP, we believe learning is a journey, not a destination—and that goes for us, too! Each year, we refresh our course offerings, refine our curriculum, and incorporate the latest safety standards and best practices.
This season, we’ve fine-tuned how we teach paddling around boat wakes and changing conditions—helping paddlers feel more confident and in control on dynamic waterways. We’re also introducing post-session electronic reference materials and visual lesson plans to reinforce key takeaways and help you continue learning even after class ends.
From paddle strokes to rescue techniques, we’re committed to bringing you up-to-date knowledge delivered in a supportive, easy-to-follow way.
Planning the Season’s Calendar
Behind every event, class, and tour you see on our website is a whole lot of thoughtful planning. We build our calendar around conditions, safety, and community needs to offer a variety of opportunities—from core skills courses to fun guided experiences—all designed to help you paddle with purpose and confidence.
This year, we’re adding something new for those looking to take their technique to the next level—a special clinic focused on building more efficient, powerful, and sustainable paddling form. We’ll explore stroke mechanics on land, run targeted drills on the water, and share key strategies for improving performance while minimizing injury.
And there’s more happening behind the scenes—a brand-new website is on the way! It’s being thoughtfully redesigned to make it easier than ever to explore our offerings, review helpful resources and guides, and stay connected with what’s happening on and off the water. We can’t wait to share it with you soon!
Getting Inspired for the Adventures Ahead
Spring isn’t just a season for prepping gear and schedules—it’s a season for rekindling our love for the water. Every time we watch the sunrise glint off the Columbia or feel that first warm breeze hinting at summer, we’re reminded why we do what we do. Paddleboarding isn’t just a sport. It’s a way to connect—with nature, with ourselves, and with each other.
And it’s not just the water that inspires us—it’s the people we paddle with. Whether it’s seeing a first-time paddler stand up with confidence or watching a returning client discover a new skill, these are the moments that fuel our passion and keep us coming back to the water.
Our community is at the heart of every paddle we plan. We’re not just building skills; we’re building trust, support, and memories that last long after the season ends.
The countdown is on—and we’re so excited for everything this summer will bring.
Ready to join us on the water? What are you most excited to paddle toward this season? Let us know—we’d love to hear!