Andrew Smee is a teacher by day and afterwards, a kickass SUPer hero in his local SUP community on the New South Wales south coast in Australia. He organises paddles and introduces and teaches people the art of stand up paddling with his Kiama Stand Up Paddle school. He's always on the water going for long distance paddles or his passion of SUP surfing in places along his local or further afield in Australia and onwards to Bali... Yep, he was getting married and shredding the waves in Indo earlier this year carving it up on his Australian Made 8'10 SUNJAM SUP.
Location?
Kiama is a seaside town on the south coast of NSW, 120km south of Sydney, Australia. It has a small working fishing harbour and is well known for its natural blowhole and lighthouse.
Where's your favourite place to paddle?
My favourite place to flatwater paddle is the Minnamurra River on a morning full tide. Minnamurra River is a very healthy estuary with an opening to the Pacific Ocean. The river is about a 7 minute drive north of Kiama. I also enjoy paddling out of Kiama harbour across to Bombo Beach headland and back, My favourite surf paddle is a secret little reef break just north of Bombo Beach.
What attracted you to SUP?
My attraction to SUP came about when surfing on my mal (2006) at the famous snapper rocks/rainbow bay. I saw a guy on a SUP grab a wave from way out the back and completely carve up the 4ft wall from snapper all the way across the bay. I thought to myself 'I need to do that'.
Describe your first SUP experience.
My first SUP experience was up at Noosa QLD with my wife Denita and our two boys. It was with the guys who had the first SUP instruction school in Australia. I had a lesson and was hooked. I could see the versatility of the SUP for both flatwater and surf and I knew Kiama could accommodate both with the river and surf.
Why do you keep paddling?
I keep paddling for a few simple reasons. It is a fantastic family oriented sport for Denita and our two boys. To be a part of the ocean to which i feel very connected to, respectful of and thankful for. To maintain a certain level of fitness. To demonstrate to my young boys that it is important to have a healthy passion that I can include them in. To be seen Paddling. Because I am addicted to it...
Where do you dream of paddling?
I see water and instantly think SUP I dream of paddling in the Philippines, Bora Bora and Tahiti.
How are you involved with your local SUP community?
Kiama Stand Up Paddle provides SUP advice instruction, board hire and SUP board packages for sale for locals and anyone who might contact KiamaSUP. Kiama Stand Up Paddle offers anyone the opportunity to experience SUPing for the first time and hopefully spread the healthy addiction of it.
Why are you excited about Live Love SUP?
I'm excited about Live Love SUP because it represents a positive brand and lifestyle that myself and my family can be a part of. The three words are representative of such a positive water sport movement and ethos. The important connection with clean water charity...something we take granted...is an aspect of LLS that really struck me as a platform to educate and promote throughout a community that continue to grow. I'm also excited to wear and sell great SUP merchandise that is real quality and looks AWESOME!
We are excited to have Andrew paddle with us on the beautiful south coast. Check out his photos on his facebook page or videos. Warning, it will make you jealous...
Location?
Kiama is a seaside town on the south coast of NSW, 120km south of Sydney, Australia. It has a small working fishing harbour and is well known for its natural blowhole and lighthouse.
Where's your favourite place to paddle?
My favourite place to flatwater paddle is the Minnamurra River on a morning full tide. Minnamurra River is a very healthy estuary with an opening to the Pacific Ocean. The river is about a 7 minute drive north of Kiama. I also enjoy paddling out of Kiama harbour across to Bombo Beach headland and back, My favourite surf paddle is a secret little reef break just north of Bombo Beach.
What attracted you to SUP?
My attraction to SUP came about when surfing on my mal (2006) at the famous snapper rocks/rainbow bay. I saw a guy on a SUP grab a wave from way out the back and completely carve up the 4ft wall from snapper all the way across the bay. I thought to myself 'I need to do that'.
Describe your first SUP experience.
My first SUP experience was up at Noosa QLD with my wife Denita and our two boys. It was with the guys who had the first SUP instruction school in Australia. I had a lesson and was hooked. I could see the versatility of the SUP for both flatwater and surf and I knew Kiama could accommodate both with the river and surf.
Why do you keep paddling?
I keep paddling for a few simple reasons. It is a fantastic family oriented sport for Denita and our two boys. To be a part of the ocean to which i feel very connected to, respectful of and thankful for. To maintain a certain level of fitness. To demonstrate to my young boys that it is important to have a healthy passion that I can include them in. To be seen Paddling. Because I am addicted to it...
Where do you dream of paddling?
I see water and instantly think SUP I dream of paddling in the Philippines, Bora Bora and Tahiti.
How are you involved with your local SUP community?
Kiama Stand Up Paddle provides SUP advice instruction, board hire and SUP board packages for sale for locals and anyone who might contact KiamaSUP. Kiama Stand Up Paddle offers anyone the opportunity to experience SUPing for the first time and hopefully spread the healthy addiction of it.
Why are you excited about Live Love SUP?
I'm excited about Live Love SUP because it represents a positive brand and lifestyle that myself and my family can be a part of. The three words are representative of such a positive water sport movement and ethos. The important connection with clean water charity...something we take granted...is an aspect of LLS that really struck me as a platform to educate and promote throughout a community that continue to grow. I'm also excited to wear and sell great SUP merchandise that is real quality and looks AWESOME!
We are excited to have Andrew paddle with us on the beautiful south coast. Check out his photos on his facebook page or videos. Warning, it will make you jealous...
