Surf's Up Blue Ridge!

You have probably read about Stand Up Paddling in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal or even this months Southern Living magazine but, you might not have known that this fun and fast-growing activity is available right here in Blue Ridge. Thanks to Chris Tilghman and his company Surf Blue Ridge you can catch this new wave in water sports. This sport provides core strengthening, endurance, balance and oneness with the water and nature. With roots in Hawaii, SUP has expanded into mainstream surfing culture globally.

The sport has flowed inland from the oceans to our beautiful lakes and rivers. No surfing experience is needed. Whether you seek the peaceful enjoyment of nature, power paddling or a downriver rush, we are told that SUP is an activity for everyone of all ages!

Inspired by a lifetime of water sports, Chris Tilghman brings the first stand up paddle company to the North Georgia Mountains. Chris has over twenty years experience surfing some of the world’s best waves in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Cape Hatteras, California and Hawaii. He spent five years living on Kauai’s North Shore with his wife Rhonda and honed his skills on 15-20 feet high waves.

In 2006, our friends Chris and Rhonda made their home in Ellijay (and we are thrilled because they are great people!!). Wanting to provide a unique experience for enjoying the local waters, Chris is excited to introduce Stand Up Paddling with the Hawaiian spirit of aloha and surfing.

Stop by their cool, new store front on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge (near the train depot, beside Twigs to Furniture, The Real Estate Connection and Three Sisters Fudge). You can also call them at 706-889-9747 or check out the website at http://www.surfblueridge-sup.com/. You are going to love Chris and Rhonda be sure and tell them that we sent you!