SUP Shack Celebrates 15 Years on the Santa Cruz Harbor

For 15 years, SUP Shack has helped locals and visitors experience Santa Cruz from a different perspective: standing on a paddleboard, surrounded by harbor seals, sea otters, sailboats and the waters of Monterey Bay.

This August, the locally owned business is inviting the community to the Santa Cruz Harbor for a weekend of events celebrating its anniversary.

The celebration begins with a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 28, followed by an open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 29. The weekend will wrap up Sunday morning, August 30, with a Decorate Your SUP event.

Six Boards and a Big Idea

Owner and founder Trudie Ransom opened SUP Shack in 2011 with six paddleboards, a couple of wetsuits, a Groupon customer list and a determination to introduce more people to stand-up paddling.

Ransom grew up sailing in England and spent years exploring the water through diving, rafting and river trekking before eventually settling in Santa Cruz. At the harbor, she found the perfect place to combine her entrepreneurial drive with her lifelong connection to the ocean.

What began as a small kiosk has since become a familiar part of the Santa Cruz Harbor and a starting point for thousands of paddling adventures.

Helping Santa Cruz Get on the Water

SUP Shack now offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, guided lessons, private instruction, tours and fitness classes. Its programs range from beginner lessons inside the harbor to sunset paddles, SUP yoga, kids’ summer camps and longer adventures toward the Santa Cruz Wharf.

The company also hosts team-building experiences and private group outings for local organizations, families and groups looking to spend time together outside.

At the center of each program is a simple mission: make the water accessible, enjoyable and safe while building a stronger connection between participants and the marine environment.

Celebrate at the Harbor

Community members are invited to stop by throughout the anniversary weekend, meet the SUP Shack team and celebrate 15 years of paddling in Santa Cruz.

Anniversary Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 28 at 2 p.m.
15th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, August 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Add to you google cal by clicking the link).
SUP Shack Open House

Sunday, August 30 in the morning
Decorate Your SUP Event

SUP Shack is located at 2214 East Cliff Drive in the Santa Cruz Harbor’s main concession area, between the main boat launch and the Crow’s Nest restaurant.

Visit the SUP Shack website to explore its lessons, rentals and upcoming activities.

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