Who we are
Camille Smith
VCU BS, Stand Up PaddleFit Instructor, ACE, ACA Stand Up Paddle, Co-Founder of Black Dog Paddle Camille is an avid stand up paddler; dedicated to living and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle utilizing Richmonds' natural resources and numerous waterways. She has many years of being a fitness and outdoors enthusiast; kayaking, snowboarding, wakeboarding and practicing yoga for eight years. In February 2011, Camille spent four days in Jupiter Florida with world class Stand Up Paddle Board instructors Brody Welte and John Denney to earn her PaddleFit Instructor Certification. She will complete her American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer certification in May, 2011. In recent years she has enjoyed the simplicity of backyard eco-excursions; paddling the James River, Outer Banks, multiple lakes and says "stand up paddling the back bays of Matthews County for a few hours - even in November - can make you feel as if you're on an exotic vacation!" Her passion is to share this outdoor based fitness activity. She believes it's a perfect way to connect the wonders of our natural environment with the exhilaration of movement. Strength, Balance - Paddle.
- ACA Nationally Recognized Professional SUP Instructor 2011 *First in Central Virginia
- Stand Up Paddle Fit - Certified Instructor – by Brody Welte – ACE Certification
- Yoga Fit Certified
- Red Cross International Humanitarian Law certified
- First Aid – CPR certified
Bryan Smith
Bryan was born and raised in Richmond, VA. Always surrounded by water, Bryan first started instructing as a 15 year old Lifeguard. Teaching kids to swim would become a recurring theme for life. After attending Freeman HS, he moved just down the street to the University of Richmond. Graduating with a degree in Sport Science and having many years of sports medicine training under his belt, he decided to venture into the outdoor industry. After guiding at Richmond Raft, Bryan moved to West Virginia to guide full time on the New and Gauley Rivers. While at North American River Runners (NARR), Bryan became American Canoe Association (ACA) certified to teach whitewater kayaking level IV. A job offer at VAIL took him to Colorado for 3 winters, and kept him in WVA for 2 summers until he was offered the opportunity to manage and help build a new outdoor recreational leader in Richmond, Peak Experiences Climbing Gym. Encouraged by the owners, Bryan set off to seek his desire to fly; where he remains to this day. Bryan’s newest passion brings him back to the outdoor industry, but this time as a co-owner with his wife Camille, in the city where it all started!
- ACA Nationally Recognized Professional SUP Instructor 2011 *First in Central Virginia
- ACA SUP course creation committee member
- ASI SUP Certified Instructor *First in Central Virginia
- 2000 FAA Certified Aircraft Flight Instructor
- 1996 American Canoe Association level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor
- 1992 NAUI Certified Scuba Instructor
- 1988 Red Cross Certified Lifeguard
- First Aid – CPR certified
Emmy
Our Black Lab! She is the motivation, inspiration, and unconditional love giver that every great family and company needs
- 2011 Official Mascot and Model for Black Dog Paddle Company and licensed gear and apparel!
- 2010 SUP-DOB – stand up paddle dog on board certified rider and paddle critic!
- 2008 Certified sun lounger!
- 2004 Certified PEN PALS graduate!
Who we support
Our Philosophy
Go at your pace! It’s your body, it’s our Mother Earth, it’s your Soul to nourish.
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