Established in January 2014, Capital SUP (Stand up Paddle Boarding) was born from a vision of innovation and creating a "gym on the water experience." As true ambassadors to the sport of paddling, SUP team Brian Mayer, Kevin Haigis, Chris Norman, and Nate Strang have really flipped the norm of what a water sports business can become and take pride in championing the clean water initiative in the bodies of water that they operate in.
Located adjacent to The Yards Park at the Washington Navy Yard gate, Capital SUP DC energizes water activity along the Anacostia Riverfront by connecting the community to the water by way of water sports while continuing to champion the clean water initiative to make the river fishable and swimmable again.
How would you describe the Capitol Riverfront to friends and visitors?
The Capitol Riverfront is the hottest community in Washington, DC. It's creating buzz and excitement in Southeast DC with its trending residential buildings, restaurants, and bars along the riverfront while attracting new residents and visitors at a rapid pace! Capital SUP's presence on the riverwalk will bring new energy that will compliment the excitement happening around the community.
What was your inspiration for opening the Capitol Riverfront location of Capital SUP?
Opening a location in Washington, DC was a goal for us from the time we started Capital SUP in Annapolis, MD in 2014. The Capitol Riverfront presents us with a young, enthusiastic, and supportive community to help us grow as a company. We look forward to building strong relationships with residents and businesses within the neighborhood while being stewards to the riverfront.
What is your favorite place in the neighborhood?
Philz Coffee is our go to morning stop. Having a freshly brewed and delicious tasting coffee to start our day is necessary for us to be productive. Sweetgreen is our favorite lunch spot! A fast-paced salad bar that’s fresh and affordable…can’t beat that! We are looking forward to District Winery opening later this summer. Having a glass a wine after a long day on the water on the back deck overlooking the Anacostia River is in our near future.
Now that summer is here, there are plenty of events happening. What has been your favorite Capitol Riverfront event so far?
The Friday Night Concert Series have been a lot of fun! Good music & good vibes all around. Capital SUP stays open late to provide the community an opportunity to listen to the music from the water.
Tell us a little about the river recreational options available at Capital SUP.
We have a fleet of stand up paddleboards, single & double seater kayaks, and pedalboards available to rent. Our most popular service, water sport rentals are unguided excursions around the Anacostia River within the Capital SUP boundaries. Teaching people how to stand up paddleboard is our specialty! We will be offering guided eco tours, implementing our on-water fitness program, and bringing our popular LED Night Tours to the Capitol Riverfront soon! We also encourage our boarders and kayakers to grab a bite to eat or drink at a local restaurant after a paddle. Ask our friendly staff for their personal favorites! There are several parking lots around the The Yards development, or you can take Metro, bike, or even walk to our location.
What is each of your favorite activity offered at Capital SUP?
Pedalboarding! We brought on a fleet of pedalboards at each Capital SUP location this offseason. Reason being, we wanted to be able to reach out to a larger demographic of potential customers. The pedalboards are very stable, easy to learn, and tons of fun! Similar to using an elliptical found in gyms, the pedalboards offer people an enjoyable leisurely outdoor activity. They also provide a great workout that’s low impact on the lower body.
Will Capital SUP host any events during the summer?
Yes. Capital SUP DC will be apart the 2nd Annual Summer Solstice Powered by Red Bull event. This event was born in 2016 in partnership with Red Bull. It’s our way of celebrating the first day of summer. We have planned a mid-day group paddle at Capital SUP DC on Wednesday, June 21st from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The group paddle will be 1 of the 3 events going on at each Capital SUP location. Later in the summer we will be bringing the Capital SUP Floating Studio to the Capitol Riverfront for SUP Yoga & Fitness classes. In the summer of 2018, we are planning to host a stand up paddleboard race at The Yards Marina.
Where do you see Capital SUP- Capitol Riverfront location in 5 years?
In 5 years, Capital SUP will be the Capitol Riverfront’s main outdoor attraction. Thousands of community residents and visitors experiencing the riverfront from the water. A place where people can come to connect with water, get an outdoor workout, and form new friendships!