2 Stand Up Guys About Us

About Stand Up Paddle Boarding:

People say the history of Stand Up Paddle Boarding started with the ancient Hawaiians, but one can argue that it has been around much longer with the similarities of a tribesman’s narrow canoe and stand-up paddle stroke on each side, propelling himself up and down a river. Regardless of who started it, the fact is that it is one of the most enjoyable, fastest growing sports on the water. It has been compared to walking on water with a combination of serenity and excitement at the same time. SUP’ing, as it is called by some, an abbreviation for Stand Up Paddle Boarding, is one of the most versatile sports out there. If you can balance walking down a sidewalk, you can paddleboard. The average board ranges anywhere from 8 to 16 ft in length depending on if it is designed for surfing in the ocean, flat water paddling, or competition racing. Paddleboards are also wider and thicker than their traditional surfboard counterpart. This allows for increased stability as well as flotation, which is vital for balancing while standing up and paddling. Proper paddle technique can be better explained by a trained instructor, although there is usually an alternating 2-5 strokes on one side followed by 2-5 strokes on the other. This technique insures that you stay on a straight line. There are many different ways to turn a paddleboard including switching from a side by side stance to a surfer stance and putting pressure on your rear foot located towards the tail of the board. This combined with a paddle-stroke will assure an abrupt change of direction, although this is definitely one of the more advanced and difficult ways to turn your board. Today, Paddle Boarders can be found on virtually every body of water including white-water rivers, lakes, oceans, estuaries, lagoons, and even swimming pools (used for training). One can easily see the attraction of this sport. SUP’ing provides for an easier, less stressful alternative to surfing, almost anyone can do it, it is a blast, and it is incredibly good for your mental and physical health.

About Instructors:

Matthew Poth

One of the happiest and most kind spirited individuals you will ever meet in your lifetime, Matt Poth, a young cancer survivor who promised himself after his long battle, he would live a life involved with his first love, the water. A former sea kayaker, scuba diver, and huge fan of surfing, Matt moved to California in 2000. Since then, he has completely immersed himself in the new world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding.Even though Matt enjoys nothing more than sharing his love and introducing people to this great new sport. It is his biggest pet peeve witnessing the haphazard reckless growth in which this sport is experiencing.  Matt’s goal is to continue pursuing his personal growth with the sport while teaching as many people that want to learn as much about the safety, etiquette, and proper technique as they do about the fun that Stand-Up has to offer. Matt has also gone through CPR/AED certification as well as the “Academy of SUP Instructors” (ASI) class.  Matt’s goofy smile, positive reinforcement, and genuine encouragement in and out of the water provide for a unique experience you will not find with any other Stand-Up lesson company.

Ryan Judson

Ryan Judson grew up in the northern San Diego coastal community of Cardiff by the sea. He began surfing at the age of 12, and started competing in Junior High where he gained sponsorships through winning local contests. Continuing his surfing into high school and college at SDSU, Ryan led both schools to Interscholastic State and National titles. Also, during high school he along with a friend of his on the surf team, started up a very successful surf lesson company called “Expression Surf Lessons". After graduating San Diego State in 2007 with a business degree Ryan was first introduced to the sport of Standup Paddle Boarding on Lake Tahoe near his family’s vacation home. Shortly after, Ryan met his future business partner Matthew Poth, who shared his same obsession and enthusiasm of being in the water. Judson still enjoys surfing on his short-board, competing, and travels wherever there is surf. If not, you can find Ryan Paddle Boarding a lagoon or any stretch of beach along the San Diego County coast. Ryan has participated in many local Stand Up Surf Contests and is always a finalist. He is CPR/AED certifed, and has also been certfied through the professional Academy of Sup Instructors (ASI) class. Ryan is currently the surf coach at Torrey Pines High School and holds an active California Real Estate Salesperson License. His travels include, Hawaii (Kauai), Mexico (Puerto Escondido) (Baja), Belize, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and all over the California coast. His sponsors include Joe Blair Surfboards and Paddleboards, Rail 2 Rail surf shop, and Cali's Finest Clothing.