Learn To Stand Up Paddleboard just minutes from DC and VA! Stand Up Paddling is one of the fastest growing paddlesports on the Potomac River. Valley Mill will give you all the stand up paddling instruction you need to get you started, as well as lessons on the Potomac River in MD, just minutes from DC and northern VA.

The 2012 season begins in May (conditions permitting)

NEW -COMING IN 2012- SUP/QS- Intro to SUP/Quick-Start Lesson (at Valley Mill Camp Only) 2hrs, gear included, cost is only $70 !

SUP#1- Intro to SUP (at Valley Mill Camp only) 3hrs, gear included, NEW reduced cost is only $105 for 2012 !

NEW- COMING IN 2012; SUP#2- SUP2 River Boarding (prerequisite of SUP1 or SUP/QS is required- NO EXCEPTIONS!) cost is $105

You must call (301)840-7388 to schedule. Taking reservations now!

You may cancel/reschedule up to one week prior to your scheduled lesson.

No refunds will be given to cancellations within 48 hours of your scheduled lesson- NO EXCEPTIONS ! No EXCUSES! Only credit towards a future lesson will be applied.

*** IF you have a discount voucher, have it in front of you BEFORE you call ***

Valley Mill is the only school to use the Stride Airlite HD River Board in the DC area. It's the perfect board for beginners because of the fact that it's inflatable, easy to paddle, and soft to land on if you fall on it, much like a river raft.

Valley Mill is on the fore front of one of the fastest growing sports there is; the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding and is proud to be the first major kayak school to offer stand up paddleboarding in the Washington DC area. This exciting sport is a perfect blend of board sports and paddlesports, and can be done anywhere there's water, from rivers, lakes, streams, and the ocean. The DC area is an awesome place to get into the sport because of the multitude of waterways to enjoy. All equipment is provided for all SUP lessons.

Stand Up Paddleboarding or “SUP” is a great sport for all ages. There are not many prerequisites and just about anyone can come out for this new class. Please note that we do have certain requirements to attend the SUP Introductory lesson listed below.

We use the Stride Airlite HD Stand Up Paddleboard. This board is paving new ways to get on all waterways. It can be used in the ocean, but it is tough enough for the river. The board is extremely durable so that you don't have to worry about hurting it. It also is perfect for learning so that if you fall on the board it has a slightly soft surface to make it more comfortable.They are made of the same material as river rafts. Some schools would have you use a hard board (because they are less expensive), but we care about your comfort and safety. The Airlite HD also can convert into a sit on top kayak with the option of an accessory kayak seat.

During the SUP1course you will learn the following:
-Getting familiar with the parts of a stand up paddleboard, stand up paddle, and gear.
-Basic safety precautions when getting on and off a stand up paddleboard.
-How to wear your pfd
-On water safety
-Paddling on your knees and most importantly standing up to paddle and various stances.
-How to get back on the board in deep water.
-Effective forward stroke, back stroke, sweep stroke, J-stroke.
-How to paddle forward, spin, stop, brace, turn, and move sideways
-Last but not least everyone will have the opportunity to walk the nose of the board, just like surfing a wave on a long board!
-This Stand Up Paddleboard course will cover all the above, and we'll challenge you with some fun games, skill challenges, races, and more.

Testimonials:
“Paddleboarding is much easier than I expected. The board is stable and fast. The first time on the board was so exciting. It is an amazing feeling to be standing up paddling.” - Anne Pagano

“Stand Up Paddling is a whole different perspective on paddling. I love the freedom of moment while paddling. I feel like I am walking on water.” -Jason Stender

“These paddleboards are sooooooo versatile. You can paddle them standing, sitting, or kneeling. I am excited to have my own board one day to practice yoga on the water.” -Kris Johnson

The SUP1 and SUP/QS lessons will take place at Valley Mill Camp ONLY. Get the directions on how to get to Valley Mill off the "Directions" page..

All gear is supplied for all lessons.

You must weigh between 90-275 pounds, and be able to swim, and be in reasonably good health.

Lessons run every Sat/Sun from early May to early Oct.,* weather, and water conditions permitting*

SUP1 and SUP Quick Start Lessons take place at Valley Mill 15101 Seneca Rd, Germantown, MD

SUP2 This lesson takes up where SUP1 left off, only we move to a river environment and get into some mellow moving current, work on more stroke technique, cover river safety, and more.This lesson takes place on the Potomac River out of Riley's Lock. The SUP1 or SUPQS lesson is a prerequisite to taking this lesson.

*** PLEASE NOTE- You MUST take our SUP1 or SUPQS first before you can take SUP2= NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!****

2012 SUP2 Dates and times coming soon!

You must CALL TO SIGN UP ! (301)840-7388