Nothing says summer in Anne Arundel County like spending time on the water. This month I was excited to discover Capital SUP, where I could enjoy the area on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, get some exercise, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. With a mission of Paddle, Inspire, and Empower, Capital SUP does an excellent job of connecting people to the water through the sport of paddling. I found the experience fun, exciting, and peaceful at the same time. And it’s not as hard as it looks!

Capital SUP

Located on Back Creek, right next to the Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park off Edgewood Road, Capital SUP offers classes, special events, and opportunities to simply show up on your own and rent a board or kayak for a designated period of time. The owners and employees are happy to help if you are new to a stand-up paddleboard. It’s as easy as getting on your hands and knees and shifting onto the board. The board is so wide and stable, I never had a sense that I would tip over, especially when I stood up in the correct stance and position. These boards feel so stable that they encourage taking your dog along, or even taking a yoga class they offer on the boards. Beginners are welcome.

Capital SUP

Setting out on the water is great for all members of the family. There are no age limits for paddle boarding. I enjoyed the wind in my hair, the gorgeous water and wildlife sightings (hey there, Osprey!), the views of historic Annapolis, and the slight tension in my core as I stood on the board. So bring your family and friends out this summer and enjoy all that Capital SUP has to offer. 

Events/classes:

  • Yappy Hour
    • June 12th 6-7:30 pm
    • June 23rd 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
    • July 10th 6-7:30 pm
    • July 28th 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
    • $30/ includes all equipment
    • $15/ bring your own board
  • Summer Solstice Sunrise Paddle
    • June 21st 5:30 am-7:00 am
    • UP $20
    • Single Kayak $20
    • Pedalboard $20
    • Double Kayak $30
    • Bring Your Own Board FREE
  • 4th of July Fireworks Tour
    • July 4th (time TBD)
    • SUP $60
    • Single Kayak $60
    • Pedalboard $60
    • Double Kayak $80
    • BYOB / Kayak $30
  • Sup Yoga
    • Mondays 6:30 pm
    • Friday 5:30 pm
    • Sat and Sunday 9:00 am
    • $25 / includes all equipment
    • $15 / bring your own board
  • Kayak Rentals
    • Weekdays
      • Single Kayak 1-Hour $20 2-Hour $30
      • Double Kayak 1-Hour $25 2-Hour $35
    • Weekend/Holidays
      • Single Kayak 1-Hour $25 2-Hour $40
      • Double Kayak 1-Hour $30 2-Hour $50
    • Pets paddle for free
    • More info online

Lessons:

Private Lessons:

  • 60-minute intro lesson will start on land with a brief history lesson on stand up paddle boarding followed by equipment overview, board handling, and entry/exit instruction. The water portion of the lesson will cover paddle and stroke technique, stance and form instruction, water safety, and an introduction into turning.
    • 1 Person $75
    • 2 People $120
    • 3 People $150
    • 4 People $200
    • 5 People $250

Intro to SUP Program:

  • June 2019 Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30 pm–7:30 pm
  • July & August 2019 Mondays ONLY 6:30 pm–7:30 pm
  • Cost: $200 for 4 1-hour sessions
  • $150/person Bring Your Own Board
  • $50/single class drop-in
  • More info online

Programs:

  • WAI KOA PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
  • An adaptive water sports program for disabled Veterans.
  • More info online 
  • SPA CREEK CLEAN WATER PADDLEFEST
    • The paddle for water conservation begins.
    • More info online
  • OYSTER RECOVERY PROGRAM
    • Suspended along the piers of the South Annapolis Yacht Centre – 50 oyster cages hang into the turbid waters of Spa Creek. Every month volunteers come together to participate in the monthly cleaning of the cages. In the summer when the water warms, algae can foul and suffocate the baby oysters. These cleanings allow baby oyster spat to mature into healthy self-sufficient adults.
    • More info online

Memberships:

  • One time fee ($299)
    • One rental per day
    • 2-hour time cap on weekdays & 1-hour time cap on weekends before 2:00 pm
    • Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable
    • Recommend calling ahead for board/boat availability
    • Paddle Memberships allow customers 50% off Capital SUP services i.e. – SUP YOGA, SUP FITNESS, Local Excursions (this excludes trips outside of the local DMV area, Kids Camps and the Capital SUP Race Training Program)
    • 4 buddy passes
  • Military ($199) / student(18yr – 22yr $99)/ senior (60+) $149

 

Videography and photos courtesy of Patrick McNamara of Drawn to the Image.