Jarrod Covington ’10

For Jarrod Covington ’10, it was more than the Cameron School of Business that drew him to North Carolina’s coastal university. “I came here for the ocean,” he admits. The coast called, and Covington answered. Surf and saltwater defined his days as he waited tables and taught surf lessons to pay for school. His finance degree gave him the foundation to turn his passion into a thriving career on the coast.  

Shortly after graduation, Covington took over Wrightsville SUP, a business that offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and various water-based activities. What began in 2011 as Covington and his truck has grown into a thriving community hub on Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach.  

“It’s still small and humble, but it fits perfectly in the community,” he said. “We have about 60 paddleboards, 40 kayaks, a boat club, a wave runner, a couple of Airbnbs, and storage space for community members. We also host an outrigger canoe club. It’s become a thriving community space, and that’s what makes it special.” 

That sense of community traces back to Covington’s time at UNCW, where professors taught lessons that carried him far beyond the classroom. He credits Ed Graham’s real estate courses during the Great Recession with opening his eyes to entrepreneurship and long-term investing.  

“He was animated, practical and real,” said Covington. “Those classes just made sense to me, and I’ve carried that with me into everything I have built.”

Just as UNCW helped to shape him, Covington now gives back. Through partnerships with OLLI, the UNCW SUP Club, a coastal activities course and more, he takes Seahawks onto the water to learn, explore and connect. Many of his summer employees are UNCW students who leave with more than sharpened SUP skills. “It’s amazing watching them grow into people who can carry skills like customer service, teamwork and confidence into any career.” 

More than just a business, after a decade and a half, Wrightsville SUP is a vibrant coastal community. Paddleboarders, boaters and lovers of the ocean share more than the water. Friendships and memories are formed over adventures in learning about local wildlife and appreciating the natural resources at our fingertips. 

“The community has done so much for us,” said Covington. “We’re just playing catch-up in giving back.” 

Looking ahead, Covington hopes Wrightsville SUP continues to be a place where the coast calls people together.