2011-06-10T12:54:00.003-07:00

Balance is the #1 worry of many who want to try paddle boarding. I make sure you get on a board which is sized appropiately for your height and physical level. Providing private lessons and tours for individuals and small groups to 5, I work closely with you to ensure confidence on the water. Open all year, instruction is set around your schedule and location. I can also travel anywhere in the US, Canada and beyond. I'm a WPA, ACA, ASI, and Paddle Fit Certified SUP instructor.

New for 2012 - 2 Day SUP Surf Camp on the Beaufiful Washington Coast. Call for more info.

About:
I'm the author of "Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Rivers and Surf" published by Mountaineers Books. As an ASI & ACA and WPA, and Paddle Fit Certified SUP Instructor, I'm the NW contributor for SUP Magazine. I also contribute to Stand Up Journal, Canoe Kayak, Women's Adventure, the Distressed Mullet, and Outdoors NW. I'm currently updating the classic NW paddling guide, "60 Trips, Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans and the Gulf Islands" with Mountaineers Books (3rd edition) for June 2012. First Aid / CPR Certified.

“Rob's patience was great and the pace perfect for me. He broke concepts down into easy chunks and was a great communicator.” Reid Warner, Seattle.

It's Freighter Wave SUP Surfing Season! Check out my freighter wave surfing class below..

SUP (Paddle Board) Classes:

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Basics and Beyond Intensive: SUP 101!
Learn how to carry your board, stand up, turn easily, and basic strokes. I'll also cover which gear to choose, safety on the water, rescues, and understanding how to deal with rough water and wind. You'll learn several different ways to turn your board, bracing in rough water, paddling on one side, and how to have an efficient forward stroke. Class size up to 4. $75 per person for 2hrs.

4 Hour Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Basics & Beyond - SUP 101:
In this course, we'll cover everything in the 3hr 101 course (above) but will have more time to to work on each of the skills and refine your technique. Contact us if you have specific skills you want to concentrate on. Class size to 4. $200 per person.

Freighter Wave Surfing!
Learn how to catch ocean sized surf in Puget Sound from fast moving freighters and tugs. Salmon Bay founder Rob has been surfing freighter waves for nearly a decade first on kayaks and now on SUPs. We can't gurantee waves but we will still cover boating safety, right-of-way, tides, and where to great surf in Seattle and other places. For intermediate paddlers. 2 hrs, $75 per person, Class size to 4. This class is only held in Spring & Summer for daytime low tides.

Rough Water SUP Paddling Techniques:
Feeling unstable in bumpy water? Getting blown around by the wind? Do boat wakes make you nervous? In this class you'll learn techniques to stay stable in rough water and even learn to enjoy certain bumpy conditions. You'll learn how to deal with wind, learn safety techniques for towing SUPs and dressing appropiately for the conditions. If conditions are right you may learn to surf wind or boat waves. 2hrs $75 per person.

Learn over 10 different ways to turn your board:
Rob will teach you ten ways to turn your board with ease. Learn the side slip, sweep turns, nose rudder, tail rudder, pivot turn, cross bow paddling, how to edge your board, and several mixed strokes. You'll also learn balance control and using the sculling brace for stability. For paddlers with some experience. 2hrs. $75.00 per person.

SUP Surfing:
We'll meet at a coastal beach and you'll learn about surf etiquette, picking the best beach and wave type for your level, and how to catch waves. We'll also cover gear, clothing, safety on the water, and wave forecasting. I provide boards and paddles unless you have your own. One Day. Class size 4, $210 per person. Experienced paddlers required - or add our Basics & Beyond Intensive class.

Tidal Rapids Training for SUPs:
Learn how to paddle a SUP in moving current at one of our state's most beautiful State Parks, Deception Pass. I'll teach you how to read the water, make sound decisions, and paddle safely in fast moving current. This is a great class if you're also interested in learning how to paddle rivers. For intermediate and advanced paddlers. 4 hours, $210 per person. Class size: 3.

Staff Training for SUP:
I can train your surf or kayak shop employees or recreational center staff how to paddle board so they can confidently teach your customers. I can also help you choose gear for your rentals and retail sales. Clients have included REI Spokane, ROW Adventures, Union Paddle Club, Aqua Trek Marine Center, and others. I'm certified by the American Canoe Association and the World Stand Up Paddle Association. Class size: Any; $75 an hour.

SUP Race Clinic:
Learn the Tahitan Stroke and how to train for races such as the Round the Rock. Learn which gear is best for fast paddling, and how to avoid injury. I use also video analysis to critique your stroke. Class size to 3. $75 per person for 3hrs.

"One week before the Round the Rock race, I was in need of an extra edge to perform my best. Rob travelled to my home waters and coached me on a couple things that turned out to be really helpful at the RTR and many races after." Sean Thomas

Expedition & Trip Planning SUP Clinic:
Learn which boards are best for long distance travel and for different types of water. I'll discuss packing, outfitting your board, water safety, training, and where to go in the NW. 2 hrs. $75 per person. No limit to class size. This is not an on-water clinic.

SUP Gear Basics 101:
Learn which board and paddle are best for you, how to carry your board, how to tie it to your car, which rack system is best for you, caring for your board and paddle & clothing options. Class size to 10. 2hrs. $75 per person. This is not an on-water clinic.

SUP River Paddling:
Learn how to safetly run rivers on a SUP. I'll teach you how to read water, learn about hazards and safety, where and when to go, and paddling technique. You supply your own gear - I can suggest where to rent boards suitable for rivers. PFD, wet or drysuit, and helmet required. Intermediate paddlers only. 2 days, $350 per person, 3 people max. Location depends on river levels. Going to Leavenworth? Take a similar class from Leavenworth Mountain Sports. For Hood River, contact Dan Gavere @ http://www.supinstruction.com/

Kayaking Classes:

Sea Kayak Skills Basics 101:
Covers self and group rescues, basic strokes, what to wear, wet exits, water safety, stability in rough water, which boats or paddles are right best for you and weather forecasting. Learn how to have an efficient forward stroke, several different ways to turn your boat, and how to surf if we have waves. 3 hrs. $100.00 per person.

Rough Water Class Sea Kayak:
Learn how to become comfortable with paddling in wind, through boat wakes, and in tide rips.
Many of us paddle in wild weather for fun - learn how to see waves and rough water as an advantage rather than something to avoid. I'll check your boat outfitting, and work on your bracing, paddle technique, and rescues. $100.00 per person.

Surf Kayaking:
We'll travel to the beautiful Washington Coast or the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a 1/2 day of fun and surfing. You'll learn about which gear is best for you, how to read waves and avoid hazards, how to catch a wave, directional control, surf etiquette, and safety. I provide sit-on-top kayaks which are easy to learn in if you don't have a roll. Class size 3. $215 per person.

Kayak Rescues:
Learn how to rescue yourself and others, as well as other watercraft. Being able to rescue yourself not only makes you a better paddler but also allows you to explore further and travel solo. Learn the paddle float rescue, T-rescue, cowboy rescue, as well as towing.

Seasonal Classes:

Bioluminescence Night Tour! Enjoy the psychiadelic light show behind your board or kayak as you paddle through Shilshole bay at night. Learn night paddling safety techniques while enjoying this incredible phenonmenon right at our doorstep. This class is only held in late summer. Call us next year for more info!

How to Sign up for a Class:
We work around your schedule - call me and we'll set up a time and place to meet for a class or tour. I'm available to travel to your location anywhere in Washington State, Canada and the USA. Extra travel fees apply for out of Seattle. I can supply up to 4 Naish SUPs and paddles for classes. Call more info. Tel: 206.465.7167; Email: rob@robcasey.net.

See us in Seattle Magazine, AAA Journey, TripSketch.com, Edmonds Patch.com, and Spokane's OutThere Monthly.

"One week before Round the Rock I was in need of an extra edge to perform at my best.
Rob travelled out to my home waters and coached me on a couple things that turned out to be really helpful at RTR and many races after." Sean Thomas, Issaquah, WA.

FAQ's:
Do you provide SUPs and kayaks for classes? I provide Naish SUPs and paddles, but no kayaks, but will recommend where to rent boats.
Do you rent SUPs and Kayaks? We're not a brick and mortar shop thus don't rent gear but can provide boards and paddles for our students for their classes.
- Do I have to wear a lifejacket? The Coast Guard requires lifejackets (PFDs) for flat water paddling. I require and provide PFDs for our classes at no cost to you.
- Do I have to wear a wetsuit? I recommend them in fall, winter, and spring, and can suggest where to rent.
- I have poor balance, is SUP'ing for me? We make sure every student is properly matched with the right sized board and work with you to make sure you stand up. SUPs are very stable.
- What if i get cold? We work to make sure you stay comfortable in our classes and tours. A good wet or drysuit will keep you toasty. We have extra booties, gloves and hoods you can use.
Are you a Certified Paddle Instructor? Yes. Rob has ACA L1 & L2 Instructor SUP Certification and is certified by the ASI.
- Can I paddle in Winter in the NW? We paddle year round even in rain and snow! The right sized board and proper clothing will go a long way to keep you warm and comfortable even in winter!
- Do you teach outside of Seattle? Yes! Recent classes have been in Port Angeles, Ocean Shores, Tacoma, and Spokane. I'm available for out of state travel as well. Extra travel fees apply - call for more info.
- We're starting a SUP business, can you help? Yep! I've helped businesses of all kinds add SUP instruction, rentals, and sales to their services. I can also help you start a SUP race or other paddling events.
- I'm not athletic, is this for me? With good training SUP and kayaking are easy.
- What gear should I get? I love to help folks find the right gear for their needs. SUP or kayaking - racks, boards, paddles, kayaks, etc, we can help!
- Can you train our staff on our SUP & Kayak gear? Yep! I have trained businesses such as REI Spokane, Row Adventures and Aqua Trek Marine Services.
- Are your class rates negotiable? Sometimes, but my rates allow us to keep your classes small so you get more individualized attention.
- How do I sign up for a class? Call me to set a time and place to meet. I work with your schedule and location.

Payment for classes by cash, check, or PayPal. Gift Certifcates available. 48hrs notice required for cancellation of classes and tours. Add $24.01 for a signed SUP book. Call us about our rainy day specials!

Testimonials...

"Rob's personalized instruction greatly improved my skills and gave me the confidence to become fully immersed in stand up paddling. There are plenty of SUP classes out there, most with very large groups and not a lot of one-on-one time. Rob's classes are small and customized to suit your specific needs and perfect for those who really want to learn the in's and out's of the Pacific NW's perfect sport. Besides the instruction, Rob also gave me lots of great info on where to buy a board, suggestions for equipment, etc. Definitely money well spent! Thanks Rob!" Paul Edmondson, Seattle.

"A friend and I took a lesson from Rob. First, I really felt comfortable with him from the beginning. Rob made sure we had the proper gear for puget sound. He lent us life jackets and was detailed and patient when teaching us safety techniques. The first 30 minutes of the lesson was just safety and paddling techniques on the sand which probably saved us a couple hours of flopping around in the water trying to learn it on our own. All in all, it was a great lesson...definitely a great jump start to get on the SUP. I also found out at the end that Rob wrote a SUP instructional book. Awesome!" Sean Lee, Seattle.

"I was impressed by Rob's thorough knowledge of the skills required to handle a stand up board. He explained the different paddle strokes and made it easy to understand. Rob's attention and guidance to safety gave me further confidence in his skills as an instructor that I could trust". - Shaun Vine, Seattle and Durban, South Africa.

"I've been a sea kayak guide and instructor for 40 years and decided to pursue it here in the Northwest. A surf shop hooked me up with Rob who taught me in a couple of hours a whole quiver of skills to work on. He gave me his take on SUP vs kayaking, which is not either or, but just an amphibous extension of FUN." - David Steel, Vashon Island, WA.

Join Stand Up Paddle Seattle, a Meet Up Group. We'll be hosting weekly SUP skills clinics Monday evenings from Spring to Fall. http://www.meetup.com/StandUpPaddleSeattle/

Sign Up & Contact Info:
Rob Casey
rob@robcasey.net
Tel 206.465-7167

Mahalo!

Salmon Bay Paddle