BUTLER TWP — After Alameda Waterpark closed for the evening on Thursday, the pool became ground zero for a lesson in stand-up paddle boarding.

Ian Smith, founder of SurfSUP Adventures, was the instructor. He said he was happy the event was taking place.

“It makes it really easy for the community to get involved,” Smith said.

The sport involves a paddle board, which is larger than a surf board. Boarders use a paddle to move the board. Smith, who provided boards and paddles, demonstrated a few basics before letting everyone get on the boards in the water.

About 20 people participated in the lesson.

Amanda Burka of Lyndora was a first-timer.

“It sounded like something fun to do,” Burka said.

She enjoys the water, but said she was nervous about the possibility of falling in.

“Because I’m not coordinated at all,” Burka said.

Valerie Mueller of Butler Township tried paddle boarding once, only a few weeks ago. She said she was interested in learning more about it.

“I’ve related it to some of the other sports I like,” Mueller said.

Cassie Narkevic of Pittsburgh never attempted the sport before, but she is an experienced water lover, swimming up to 2 miles in Erie.

“I’m not really scared of falling in,” Narkevic said.

She was hoping to pick up on the sport quickly.

“I hope I’m good at it.” Narkevic said.

Amy Smith of Sarver enjoys the water, but never tried this particular activity. Despite her inexperience, she had no apprehension about falling off the board.

“I’m a good swimmer, and the water doesn’t bother me,” Smith said.

Jocelyn Vojesik of Gibsonia did not walk into the lesson completely inexperienced.

“I’ve surfed,” Vojesik said.

Though, she noted, surfing and paddle boarding are two different sports. She said she is a big fan of water sports.

Matt Dunn of Evans City braved the waters not only in a bathing suit, but also a shirt. Luck being the way it is, he fell off his board.

“I was trying out a more aggressive stance,” said Dunn, who was paddle boarding for the first time.

This was not a deterrent for him, and he said he looks forward to trying the sport again.

“It was fun,” Dunn said.