The BEST place to learn how to surf on the Northshore! The instructor David was so helpful & knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

We wanted to learn SUP and we love Cape Ann, so we sought our first experience from Cape Ann SUP last year. We had the best experience! Dominic, the friendly owner, took us 3 (total novices with 3 pretty distinctly differing ability levels) out, made us feel safe, gave us fantastic guidance, and taught us key skills that enabled us to have a great experience. This was summer 2020, mid-pandemic time, and we felt safe as far as protocols and were very grateful we could still rent the boards and enjoy a lesson. We took the 2-hr option and found it perfect for our novice needs. There was nothing I was looking for that I didn't find there and nothing I'd have changed about the experience. If you're looking to learn to stand-up paddleboard, I recommend a lesson with this group! Grateful! read more

These surf lessons are a huge hit with my children (9 & 13). 4 - 1 instructor to participant ratio makes for a really great experience. I'm pretty sure every kid gets up on their board. The use of wet suits and boards available at the water's edge make this super easy on parents, too. Dominic and crew bring their love for surfing to the sessions and it is picked up on by their students. Lessons go into September and tend to quiet down so give it a try!! Nothing better than a quiet hour on the beach at dusk watching your kids enjoy the ocean! read more

so much fun and instructor was wonderful! definitely hoping to get another lesson in this summer ‍

Excellent teachers! Both my niece and nephew came out of the water with confidence and skills. They absolutely love surfing after such a fabulous introduction! read more

We took 4 teens for a paddle board lesson and had a great time! Our instructor Jake was super friendly and it was a beautiful afternoon to be on the river. read more

Last winter in Mass was rough. I got really lazy about getting out of the house, so I gained weight, lost fitness and couldn't face getting back on an exercise machine. Then Cape Ann SUP showed up on our beach here in Gloucester and I tried paddle boarding.... What a FABULOUS way to get back in shape! I have never found any sport like it. It took me about 8 minutes to get my balance on one of their high tech boards. Dominic or Tyler go out with you the first few times and are great instructors (it doesn't hurt that they're cute, too!). I am using muscles I didn't even know I had and in less than a week I feel much stronger. Nothing compares with standing up as you glide atop the sea--it is a magical experience. They have tours of the Essex River, too. For the first time in years I look forward to physical activity! read more

I can only say the nicest things about this company and the people running it. Very kind, energetic people who are enthusiastic about what they're doing, what you're doing, and they all seem genuinely happy that you're there to use their services. I went on a lesson tour a little while back out of the Essex location, and the two instructors were top notch, both letting the people who were getting it go ahead a little bit on their own, and being very kind and patient with a particular couple who seemed to have never before seen a body of water larger than a bathtub. I went back since then to take a tour. Our guide, Nicole, first asked us if we wanted to go back down river or if we wanted to see the other side of the causeway and the marshy areas. We opted for the marshy area and were totally impressed with the views as well as a great paddle. Nicole is also a wonderful, friendly tour guide, who seemed very much at ease with the people around her and what we were all doing (not sure why she wouldn't be - she may have one of the best jobs in the world). I know that they will rent out paddle boards, with delivery included, anywhere on Cape Ann, for 4 or (I think) 8 hour increments. Something they are also offering is a new fitness pack (I'm not sure the exact name) where you can get ten hours on the water for $100, using the time as you want, and I was told if you don't use it before the end of the season, it will carry over to next year. I cannot recommend these guys highly enough. read more

We had the best family experience at Cape Ann SAP. Did a 2-hour tour with our kids age 8 and 10. The instructor was helpful we all had a great time. read more

Cape Ann SUP did 2 surfing classes with my 14 and 11 year old kids. Katie was an amazing instructor. The second day of surf lessons my 11 year old was awake like it was Christmas morning because she was so excited to go back. And they made scheduling very easy. I would highly recommend them. read more

The location in Essex only does 1/2 day or whole day rentals. We showed up at 4:45 and ask d if we could rent one for an hour. Since there were multiple boards available, it was high tide, and they are open until 6, it seems like a no brainer. They said no, they only rent for half days, so we could pay for 4 hours each and use them for one hour each. They did suggest this was a bad deal and to come back another day. This was a poss poor decision on their par as they lost out on $20 plus dollar last for that day and customers for life. read more

My husband and I did an Essex River tour yesterday. It was a great experience and we'll be doing it again! Signing up was uncomplicated, and they set a relaxed, fun tone from the first time I called. Our guide, Jake, was very friendly and knowledgeable - he gave us space to get our paddleboarding legs but was there if we needed him, and gave us useful tips and tricks as we went along. The tour location he chose was lovely - quiet and pretty. read more

Awesome time! It was our first ever paddle boarding experience and Kilian was so patient and showed us a super amazing time! Beautiful natural surrounding out of Essex! We can not wait to come back and get out on the water! Signing up online was very simple and can't wait to go back! read more

My son has done the Kids Surf Nights 8 or 9 times over the past two summers and I can't say enough about how well they are run. Dom and his team are always so enthusiastic and truly seem to enjoy what they do as they help the kids learn and cheer them on, which makes it extra fun for both the kids and the parents, watching from shore. I can't say enough good things. I would not hesitate to go to them for surf lessons, SUP lessons/tours, rentals, etc. as I would expect they do it all with the same level of dedication and enthusiasm. The shop has great stuff too! read more

we went up to rockport for the weekend and wanted to get out on the water. We called these guys up, left a message and within an hour they had called back and we had sorted out a few hours paddling for the first day of our trip. we explained what we wanted and where we wanted to go, and they were able to find us a spot to launch from. We met them in the morning and dominic was bang on time, waiting for us and seemed delighted to see us. he had the boards already on the beach, ready to go and after sorting us out with all the gear we needed and some advice on a route to take we were able to set off. As its a local family business we were met by his dad when we got back to the beach and he helped us with the boards, gave us some great advice about the area, and some backstory on the towns. its the way a business should be run, and got our trip off to an amazing start! We would definitely rent from these guys again, and would advise you to if you are going to be anywhere in this area. We didnt try any of the tours they offered, but based on the time we spent with them, i have no doubt itd be a blast. cheers for the boards guys! Cormac and Jen read more

Cape Ann SUP Rocks! I had never been paddle boarding before and a couple of friends talked me into it - I am now hooked! I never thought I had enough coordination or balance to do it but I haven't fallen yet. I am now in the middle of a Fitness 10-pack and loving it. Oh and the NightSUP..... AMAZING! I would recommend Cape Ann SUP to everyone, whether they are advanced or beginner. read more

Fabulous! Dominic is an excellent instructor and led a great tour ..we had a blast! Judy and Gail read more

We had a great instructor, Garrison. He took his time explaining the process and why certain strokes do certain things! We loved it so much . .I think I am addicted already. Can't wait to go again! read more

I can't recommend this business highly enough! We rented 2-man kayaks and an SUP and the equipment was excellent. The customer service was beyond compare, very friendly and helpful. We'll definitely rent from them again! read more

My friend and I each tried SUP for the first time today. We took lessons out of the Cape Ann SUP Essex location with Colby. This was our fourth attempt - thunderstorms don't seem to like us this summer and our previous three reservations had to be cancelled due to the weather. Even today, there was a little drizzle by the end of our lesson but we were determined to finally get on the water and the late drizzle didn't dampen our experience in any way. Colby was great for us beginners - very patient - and it was quite remarkable how quickly you could get the feel for how the board reacted to your movements. The Essex location was beautiful and extremely relaxing. In fact, my friend and I both commented that it was so relaxing that we would forget that we were on the boards. (Have no fear - a little board wobble will remind you if your mind wanders too far and no one ended up in the water!). I also wanted to say "thank you" to Dominic. We initially booked our lesson through a Groupon. However, by the time we finally made it out on the water, the Groupon had expired. Dominic noted that we had initially booked before the expiration date and that our inability to get out had been weather related. He honored the full value of the Groupon, despite the fact that it had expired before we finally were able to use it. A true sign that they want their customers to have an enjoyable experience. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the afternoon - highly recommended for you to give it a try! read more

I 100% blame these guys for my complete obsession with paddle surfing! I went to Cape Ann SUP for my first introduction to Stand-Up Paddling. I never tried it and had been wanting to over a year. They offered affordable classes, so i gave it a try. I asked a million questions, and these guys were so nice- answered them all with a smile! ... and were really skilled (and patient) at explaining technique. They taught me everything from how to carry the board, to getting in the water, getting up on the board, paddle strokes, turning, falling :) The best part was that it was the MOST FUN i had with total strangers ever. If you wanna try this sport, i recommend these guys. Cuz they are awesome. read more

We took SUP lessons this past weekend and had so much fun. We had a group of 4 and our instructor was Dominic, who was SO nice. I had emailed him earlier in the week to ask a couple of questions and he called me back immediately and answered them all. Dominic was very patient as we all got used to the boards. I got up on the first attempt and managed not to fall for the whole two hours we were out on Gloucester Harbor, though I did come close a few times - but my wild flailing somehow stopped me from going in. :) Dominic chatted with us while we paddled and answered any questions we had. He took us around the harbor and pointed out cool houses and stuff along the shore that were of interest. We loved it so much that we're going to go back and do the Essex paddle. That one is supposed to be much easier as it's on a river as opposed to the ocean (lots of waves this weekend due to all the boats out for the 4th of July holiday). All in all, it was a great time and I wish I lived closer so I could do it all the time! Thanks very much, guys!!! read more

Very friendly and knowledgable staff. Great location. Top notch!