The company was derived from the old time saying: “Surf’s UP!”

Straight up, 'Surf’s UP’ means “Now is the time to hit the surf! The conditions are perfect. Lets go!” Now with SurfSUP all conditions are great for Stand Up Paddle boarding. SUP is the perfect way to get out on the water for everyone!

Two brothers saw a chance to bring beach culture to the Comox Valley and share their stoke on life and surf. These local Watermen have gained titles for themselves around North America including: Competing in three Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle events, securing them as the fastest paddlers in Canada; placing 1st in the Vancouver Island SUP series 2 years running; and they have created a company that is the first of its kind in the Comox Valley.

When did you first try SUP?

Andrew Robinson

Stu: I started stand up in 2004 as an alternate to wind surfing when there was no wind. Stand up paddle quickly became my go to sport for all kinds of new adventures, from flat water training to river adventures, to taking stand up into the waves and learning a whole new way of surfing.

Andrew: It was at Nitahnat lake in 2004. I tried the first generation of stand up paddle boards made by starboard. Tried it and immediately thought it was a great new sport to dive into and wanted to help it spread.

Where did SurfSUP spring from for you?

Stu: I wanted to have a place for like minded people to come together and enjoy the water and a great sport. Stand up paddle is easy to learn, and your fun is not conditions-specific. Fortunately SUP became the means to creating the company SurfSUP.

Andrew: When we found out that we could surf 5 minutes away and not have to drive to Tofino we lost it! we had to do something about it.

What are your thoughts on SUP now?

Stu: Now I can’t decide what I like more, racing and competing at events like the Battle of the Paddle or being with my friends surfing stand up paddle boards. This sport has so many great things, thank you laird.

Andrew: Every dude out there wants to be a part of the surf culture, and now you can. You can legitimately own your own piece of the surfing world and use is whenever and wherever you want, even now, at home in the Comox Valley in the lakes, rivers & beaches; SUP can happen anywhere you want.

I used to prone surf. I froze, I wasted money on rentals, I got worked, weʼve all been there. SUP has allowed me to experience the feeling of being a part of the surf culture.

What has SUP done for you?

Stuart Robinson

Stu: It has provided me with an outlet to help people push their boundaries and appreciate the ocean.

Andrew: The sport of SUP has given back to me more than I could ever imagine; learning about the changing environment around us, meeting new like minded people and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

What’s your view on SUP vs. SURF?

Stu: Their are lots of different ways to get stoked on the ocean, can’t we all just respect each other? The beauty of stand up is that the surf doesnʼt necessarily have to be perfect, I get just as much stoke from a flat water paddle as I do from riding an epic wave.

Andrew: SUP & surf are essentially the same, you’re out there enjoying the experience and environment regardless the size or shape of equipment your on. Either way the end result is the same, we are all striving to ride that perfect wave and experience the raw feeling of nature.

What are some of your accomplishments in paddling?

Stu:

• 3rd place 2009 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle: Long Distance
• 2nd Place 2010 Califorina Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle: Long Distance Category
• 2nd place 2010 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii: Open Category
• 6th place 2010 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii: Long Distance Category
• 1st Vancouver Island SUP Series 2009 & 2010

Andrew:

• 3rd in the Rainbow Sandles Battle of the Paddle California: Open Category
• 1st in the Vancouver Island SUP Series: 14 foot Category
• 4th in the 2009 Battle of the Paddle California: Open Category
• 2nd in Vancouver Island Series: 12.6 Category

Finally, what are the benefits of SurfSUP?

Both: Through SurfSUP you can belong to the beach culture without living in a surf town.

‘Live now, its happening, so get on board!ʼ