Job Title 

Lead Buyer

Hometown

Rochester, New York

What type of SUP do you like to do? 

Whitewater, Lakes/Flatwater, Fitness/Touring

Where is your favorite place to SUP? 

Lake Fontana, North Carolina

Which board(s) are you riding? 

Rado, Carbon Nass-T

Tell us about your favorite paddling experience.

Sharing experiences with new paddlers, growing the sport through stoke!

What do you do when you are not on a SUP? 

Sitting in my floating cooler (kayak), doing cool things. Flying off boofs, cartwheels, or teaching beginners!

Extra Sentiments From Jonny

Western New York native, Jonny Ortiz spent most his time chasing whitewater in the Northeast. He now calls the Western North Carolina his home – but you won’t catch him sitting still for long. Armed with a contagious energy, he has spent the last 16 years chasing whitewater adventures all over the world. Sharing the adventures with others as an ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer and Swiftwater Rescue Instructor.

You can find Jonny attaining upstream, surfing the 2013 Freestyle Wave on the Nantahala River, stern squirting his way down local runs, or leading a workout at the local gym. Jonny is the Lead Buyer at Hala Gear/CKS and enjoys growing the sport through stoke and instruction. Plugging into the matrix everyday to make Whitewater gear readily available to paddlers nationwide and providing the best customer experience in the industry!