Not SUP as in “what’s up?” More like SUP as in Stand Up Paddleboard. In the realm of sports photography, every image tells a story and this story is all about Samantha Eastburn. Currently ranked #1 in the Women’s Long Distance SUP World Rankings. Although you’d never know it hanging with Sam. She’s humble, down to earth and never misses an opportunity to pet a dog.

Get her on a paddleboard and you’ll see a change. Focus, determination and all that practice comes to the surface. Sam is masterful with every shift of weight, seemingly effortless reach of the paddle and delivery of that powerful stroke. It was super cool to spend the morning with her photographing some of her training. Watching her, literally paddle circles around me as I try to keep up and take some solid photos.

Just as much fun was getting in the water and trying some new photo techniques. In order to capture these shots I went out of the comfort zone and got the camera in and under the water. Nothing like submerging a sensitive digital camera that is your livelihood in chilly salt water.