Ian is incredible @ SurfSUP Adventures. My husband and I drove from Wisconsin to meet Ian and surf and SUP on a river in Johnstown, PA. Yes, you read that correctly, we surfed on a river in Pennsylvania. Ian's skills in surfing, SUP and teaching produce an experience you will never forget. We were on surf boards "catching a wave" and SUPs navigating the river and when we tired from that we let the river current and eddy take us on a relaxing ride. Ian had everything we needed from booties to helmets. He made all of us comfortable from the moment we met him and assured us we would be safe, we'd catch a wave and have fun doing so; he was right on. A few days later we signed up for the SUPing on the Allegheny River with Ian. Paddling around the Allegheny islands all the way to a large dam. Pretty darn thrilling. Ian's knowledge of the area made the trip educational as well, who knew there was so much to learn about the Allegheny Islands. Thank you Ian for an adventure we will never forget, and all the photos you captured of us as well. read more

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Ian has best business ever with Surfsup! It is so much fun. He offers paddle boarding tours by Oakmont and at moraine state park. He is so helpful to those who are newbies at the sport. At first it might seem intimidating but Ian makes you want to come back for more. He's very knowledgeable about the area and will give you a bunch of fun facts along the way. By the end of the tour, you'll be a pro too! read more

What an incredible first time Stand Up Paddleboard experience! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddle boarder, Ian Smith with SurfSUP Adventures is for you! Ian is super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. His love and passion for this sport exudes in his words and actions. He is so patient with every participant, from the youngest who was 8 or 9 to this 60 year old guy! He shared so much about the Alleghany river and Pennsylvania. The 2 hours flew by and absolutely left you wanting more. The photographs Ian captured were also amazing. There were candid short I didn't even know he was taking to some posed shots with perfect scenic background. I will absolutely be booking again, numerous times this summer! Thanks Ian! read more

Surfsup Adventures - In the river cove - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me

We had an absolute blast paddleboarding with Ian. Most of us had never done it, and some of our group couldn't even swim, but Ian was able to make everyone feel comfortable enough to be moving across the lake in no time at all. He has an enthusiastic yet easy-going demeanor that made the adventure perfect for our group. He took a bunch of cool photos for us too (and just sent them to us, no charge). Believe the reviews, if you think you'll like it, you'll actually love it. (future paddleboard owner) read more

Surfsup Adventures - Duck! It's a goose! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me

Loved it. This was our first Stand Up Paddle-board experience. We're in our late 50's and good health, but I was a little nervous about this 'bucket list' activity making us kick the bucket! Ian, our guide, was wonderful. Positive and up-beat, he gave us the quick instruction at the start and it proved to be pitch perfect. We scheduled weeks in advance and our day just happened to be the 2nd hottest day of the year. I was so proud that I didn't fall in the lake, but in hindsight, it would've been good to get wet and stay cool (just as Ian had suggested). We plan to go again, but I will do some balance/core exercises first--just to be more confident. Highly recommend. read more

Surfsup Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me

Came for a fun afternoon with my best friend and the tour was so much more than just paddleboarding. Ian discusses birds, the rock formations, lake, and the history of the area! Would love to go on other tours too. Highly recommend. read more

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I signed up for the Glow SUP at Moraine State Park on 6/30/20. Ian was a great guide - he and his assistant guide were personable, and very knowledgeable about the sport and the outdoors in general! The equipment was in excellent shape. Registration and check-in were super easy. Can't wait to SUP with SurfSUP again soon! read more

Surfsup Adventures - Glow SUP at Moraine State Park - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me

We had an awesome day with Ian at Moraine St Park today!! Been trying to SUP all summer with a other company here in town and could never get him to call me back. Ian was responsive and emailed within a few hours. Although heading into cooler weather it was a beautiful day on the lake. Went into the drink once and it was a bit more than refreshing. None the less we had a wonderful time! Can't wait for the next adventure. read more

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I did this with my sister last year and it was so much fun. We paddle boarded in Harmar and it gave me so much pride for my town. My town looked so beautiful. And IanWas just a really nice and fun guy. read more

We took our team of four paddleboarding on the Islands of Oakmont / Allegheny Islands Eco Tour trip and had a great time! Ian is a very knowledgeable guide - he knows a lot about the river and tailored the trip based on our experience level. He also fit us in last minute and was very responsive in setting up the time. We received an email shortly after the trip with a link to a bunch of photos, too! This is the only paddleboarding I've done around Pittsburgh, but I don't see any reason to go with anyone else! read more

This is such a unique activity to do in the burgh! We first did the Morraine Glo Tour and we got rained out so Ian invited us back with a discount for another tour. We did the eco tour in Oakmont in October and it was so beautiful and peaceful! Ian is so thoughtful as an instructor and tour guide- I can't imagine anyone not having a great time at any of the tours! read more

Attended the SUP 101 and Eco Tour at Moraine State Park. Had a fabulous time! Instructor (Ian) was personable and gave clear, easy instructions. The group vibe was chill, and it seemed everyone had fun. Will definitely try SUPing again. read more

My daughter and I had a wonderful time on the Oakmont launch/Allegheny River Islands tour (called the Oakmont Eco Paddle). Ian is a wonderful guide and instructor. I really cannot recommend this enough. While on the tour we not only saw the beauty of the river, but we were also treated to seeing a king fisher, an osprey, and a bald eagle. read more

What a unique experience. My friends and I booked the GLOW SUP Tour for a Girls' Night Out and we do not regret it. Some of us had experience and some of us did not. I am happy to report that none of us fell in - thanks to our wonderful instructor - Ian. He made the whole experience relaxed and fun for everyone. His smile never left his face - it was fun to see someone love what they do :) We cannot wait to book another tour with him. read more

Ian of SurfSup Adventures is an amazing teacher! He is supportive, knowledgeable and friendly. His Flatwater Level 1 SUP Training was presented with clarity so it was easy to understand and follow directions when learning hands-on technique on the water as well as when covering how to prepare for a tour even before showing up on site. He was well organized and prepared and yet was flexible when the weather had us "going with the flow". I felt safe while in training and am confident with with tools and knowledge shared with me to move forward in my own paddling journey. read more

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I came into the tour as a first time SUP'r and can't wait to do it again! Ian was a great guide! His knowledge of SUP techniques and the surrounding area coupled with his eagerness to make sure everyone was successful and challenged at whatever skill level they were comfortable with really made the tour top notch! read more

My 2 kids and I did the Eco SUP tour with SurfSUP Adventures and had a magnificent day. Ian is a wonderful tour guide and instructor. He is patient, encouraging, and has a delightful personality. He is kind to the kids and has a great sense of humor. Ian was very knowledgeable about Lake Arthur and the wildlife in the area. The weather was glorious and the water was refreshing. I can't wait to do this again and recommend it enthusiastically. read more

Two of my friends and I tried out paddle boarding for the first time today at moraine state park...Ian was a wonderful instructor! We had so much fun that we are considering another tour in October and maybe purchasing our own paddle boards after that. Ian was very nice to take pictures to document the memory free of charge. Highly recommend!!!!!! read more

We had an amazing day on the Allegheny River with Surf's Up adventures. Ian was the commensurate river tour guide, and we had a great time!

Our second time for the Eco Tour with Ian and we had an incredible time on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Ian is great at explaining skills on the board and showing the beauty of Moraine. Plenty of time for my kids and their friends to also play on the board (practicing their pirating skills, spinning, and other strange things that teens can think up on paddle boards. Really a great time! read more

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Ian and his crew were amazing. Unusual level of joy and supportive effort for our kids! We will be using them again! Thanks Gang.

We had a great day paddle boarding at Moraine with Ian. Lots of fun, even for me, an absolute beginner! If you're thinking about giving it a try, just do it. If I can do it, anyone can!! For the younger and more adventuresome in our group, Ian taught them some new skills and tricks. Everyone had fun! read more

I highly recommend Surfsup Adventures! Ian was able to work our family in last minute on a beautiful day for a private 2 hour lesson at a great price! His response was quick, he was on time and ready to go! Equipment was in excellent condition and he was very knowledgeable of the local area. We had a great time and learned the basics as did our 8 year old who was extremely entertained and engaged with Ian! Check them out you won't regret it! read more

We had a great time on our SUP tour at Moraine state park! It was my first time doing it and Ian was a great instructor. He is also a very friendly guide and made everyone feel comfortable. I highly recommend it! We plan on renting his equipment for a river experience soon, also. read more

If you're looking to try paddble boarding, this is the company to do it with. Ian (who was our guide) is fantastic. He was patient with my group as we learned how to SUP for the first time, and we ended up having so much fun. This is a must do! read more

Ian was totally awesome! Of the SUP opportunities available in Pittsburgh, Ian's are the most innovative and adventuresome. While on the tour, he actually has sights to see as he deftly teaches you the ways of the SUP; the whole experience is so engaging that you hardly notice until the end that you are now a pro! Ian himself is a true pro who rides class 4 whitewater, goes SUP'ing between ice chunks in the winter, and runs a non-profit that teaches SUP to teens, but he's extremely modest so you might not know it unless you ask questions. My friend and I went for a Moraine Lake trip, and he easily tailored the experience to our specifications. We asked about whitewater the next day and even though a beginner whitewater trip in July is almost never a possibility due to water levels, we got super lucky and it worked out. He really put the trip together fast and we were out doing the impossible in no time. My friend and I are pretty athletic with some water sport and surfing experience, and this was still a challenging course, but oh so gratifying. With Ian there, we knew we could do it, and we did! Also -- dude can take photos like a pro WHILE whitewater SUP'ing. Who can do that? Overall I can't say enough about SurfSUP. The sport by itself is great fun, but the experience was exponentially better under the charismatic guidance of the instructor. If you are considering SUP in Pittsburgh and don't know which company to choose, make it easy on yourself and go with SurfSUP; you won't be disappointed! read more