Surf Seattle on Freighter Waves

Learn How to Surf Seattle – SUP Freighter Wave Lessons

Ride Freighter Waves in Seattle with Rob Casey

Discover a truly unique surf experience right here in Seattle! Learn to SUP surf freighter waves—standing waves generated by fast-moving ships—under the guidance of Pacific Northwest SUP pioneer Rob Casey.

These waves can reach waist- to chest-high with rides lasting up to a minute and full sessions running as long as 45 minutes.

Whether you’re looking to improve your surf skills or learn how to forecast local wave conditions, this class gives you insider knowledge and on-water coaching from the person who discovered these waves in 2002.

Not Interested in a Class?  Subscribe to my SubStack page Paddling the Salish Sea to gain access to several Freighter Surfing posts that show how, where and when to be there to catch these waves.

What You’ll Learn

  • Ride Ship Waves with Confidence and Control
  • Advanced SUP Surfing in Boat Wake Conditions
  • Read Tides, Currents & Ship Traffic Like a Local
  • Master Surf Etiquette and Board Control
  • Find Waves Year-Round with Local Knowledge

Class Details

Private lessons are for 1–2 paddlers and run 2.5 hours at Ballard Elks Beach in Seattle. Designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers (SUP, oc, sea kayakers with a roll, surf ski)

Participants should be comfortable paddling in straight lines, turning quickly, standing on small waves, and remounting independently.

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Rates:

  • 1-on-1 Private Lesson: $390
  • 2-Person Lesson: $297 per person
  • Rental Gear: Included at no extra cost

Rates are non-negotiable; gratuities appreciated.

 

Contact Me to Set Up a Lesson

Disclaimer:

I can’t guarantee waves. Freighter waves can be fickle.

On no wave days I’ll teach you the strokes we commonly use in surfing or bombproof your current skills.These core strokes will increase your wave count both here and on the coast.

I offer one free followup class for students who don’t catch a wave during their first class.

I took a freighter surfing course with Rob and it was amazing! Rob puts safety first every stroke, every pivot turn all the way and opens a whole new world of SUPin for every paddler in the Puget Sound Area.

Margrit Ralph

Rob is fantastic! Had a great time learning to freighter surf and as a bonus feel way more comfortable maneuvering my board.

Anna Larson Newton

 
I took a freighter wave class with Rob and a few friends. He is very helpful in critiquing and advising improvements on balance, stances, paddling, etc. The guy knows a lot in the world of paddle boarding, and much more. We caught some solid waves from the freighter to wrap our day up!


For anyone interested in refining your paddle boarding more, this would be a great class to participate in. And for surfers craving waves midweek, check it out!

Andrew Coyne

 
Rob Casey was very knowledgeable about the sport and the surrounding environment. Not only learned basic paddleboarding techniques, but also cool turns, what to do when there are waves, and great safety tips. I’ve taken SUP “lessons” before, but none were as detailed or effective as Rob’s. A definite must-do if you like to see a city on a SUP. Also, the Shilshole Bay was beautiful – saw lots of marine life like starfish, crabs, etc. Would definitely take another lesson or tour with Salmon Bay Paddle next time I’m in Seattle.
- Adelie, NY