Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Eastburn.
Hi Samantha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Arizona. At the age of 5, I grew up going to Lake Roosevelt on the weekends, and from day one, I was in love with the feeling of being on top of the water. I also remember at a very young age that, I always dreamed of having my own dog. After months of pleading, my mom finally let me adopt Abby, an 8-year-old yorkie. I was obsessed and lived for her and the new life I was able to give to her. In the time we spent together, Abby helped nurture something I felt I had always known, a love and reliance on animals that I hoped to carry through to my life and career as an adult. Abby was my best friend and relied on me for this new life she was given, and being with her was the start of something that would last. After her unfortunate passing, I headed off to college at ASU Downtown and obtained my bachelor’s in Tourism Development and Management. I didn’t know how, but I knew I wanted to end up in San Diego. My future needed to be on the water, showing others about the amazing city that I fell in love with as a child, visiting every year, and staying at camp land by the bay. I never forgot Abby, though. In college, my love for animals led me to Jack; I rescued him when he was 2, and together we started working towards our new lives in San Diego.
In 2013, I rented a Uhaul, and we headed west, not knowing exactly where we would end up but knowing this is where we were meant to be. The owners of San Diego Bay Adventures took us in, and with their guidance, I learned how to run a small tourism company. They were a growing company that provided Paddle Board rentals but wanted to turn their gaze to offering lessons. I was quickly certified in teaching Flat Water Paddle Boarding, and on my days off, I would take my buddy Jack out on the board. His face lit up, and so did mine. It was clear to me how much he loved it, and in those moments, SUP Pups was born! Jack was a natural-born fisherman, holding a confident stance at the nose of the board, so intrigued at the possibilities beneath him. Together we nurtured a love for the sport and knew we had to share that passion with others.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting up a business is not easy, especially if you were not given the resources to do so. I did not go to school for business or marketing and did not have any help from family financially. But I have always had the drive to do more with life, to create my “dream” job. When starting SUP Pups, I honestly did not know where it was going to lead me and that it would end up being my own business.
A lot of clients look at me and say, “WOW! You have the best job ever!” and yes, they are correct, but the stress of everything that goes behind growing a successful company can weigh on you. There is always something more you can do, more that you can work on.
Technology changes every day, especially social media, and learning all the business legalities can be challenging. I am still working on how to ask for help, how to work on time management, and still find time for Jack and myself.
Every time I get on the water, I take a moment and remind myself how these little obstacles and challenges are so worth it. That no matter what happens, like when a Rottweiler decided to eat my paddle boards, it is all a learning lesson; it makes your stronger and wiser down the road (or in my case, down the Liberty Station Waterway Channel)
For the most part, SUP Pups has had a pretty easy road because of the support I have with my businesses I have partnered with and the love I have from Clients who keep wanting to come back, share their experience with others and tell me what an amazing thing I have here at SUP Pups. Each day I try to think of all the success that has happened with SUP Pups and all the smiling faces to keep me going.
As you know, we’re big fans of SUP Pups. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
SUP Pups is a paddle board company that specializes in teaching you how to SUP with your Pup. Starting off with private lessons for you and your dog, teaching you the basics, safety, and technique of the sport while educating you the best way to introduce your dog to the board. Every dog will have a different experience depending on their personality, fears, and anxiety. But with the specialized and experienced technique, I am able to give these dogs comfort, knowing they will be ok, and the owner their confidence taking their dog out on the water. I have been running SUP Pups solely by myself, some people don’t even remember my name but simply know me as the SUP Pups Girl. I am proud to say as well that I do not know many people that do what I do and I am so blessed that I have been able to build this amazing reputation in San Diego, not only just teaching people but gaining valuable friendships along the way.
My brand and reputation is what I am most proud of. That I am able to give someone all the knowledge they need to paddle out safely with their dog but also help them obtain their own equipment and know the best boards, how to transport their equipment. My pure happiness is when I see an old client reach out to purchase their own board and then see them set out on the water regularly with their pup!
Not only do I offer the private lessons, help you get your own equipment set up, but I also love to have a little fun with social events like Dog birthday parties, Holiday paddles, and Donating lessons!
I love giving back to the pup community, and I found an amazing way by taking out people who are fostering an adoptable dog, capture the adventure and help share their story so they have a better chance finding their forever home.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
San Diego, in my opinion, is the BEST city to live in… especially with a dog. San Diego is the #1 dog-friendly city offering so much that you can do with your dog. If it is getting out on the water with them with SUP Pups, going to the many different dog-friendly beaches, attending the FUN dog events, or even hanging out at the many dog-friendly restaurants in the area. The only thing I wish San Diego had… was a local fresh-water lake that is dog friendly as well.
Growing up in Arizona on a lake. I am very drawn to the fresh water and being able to go boating with my dog as well. Fresh-water paddling. In my opinion, is better than the ocean just when the dogs decide to try and drink the water. There have been several occasions where the dog is drinking the ocean water on a lesson and get a little sick.
Other than that. San Diego will always be Home to me, and I don’t know if I ever see myself 100% leaving here.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons starting at $70
- SUP Social Events starting at $40
- Bring a Foster Dog for FREE to help get them out on the water and share their story!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suppups.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sup_pups
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUPpupsUSA/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sup-pups-san-diego-2
Image Credits
SUP Pups
Steven Burnett
Joe Obani
