MasterCraft Unveils NXT

Vonore, TN --- MasterCraft Boat Company announced it has unveiled its first entry-level boat series, called the MasterCraft NXT, at the Minneapolis Boat Show on January 30th. The NXT, an all-new 20-foot MasterCraft hull, is designed and built in the same factory as our legendary line of premium towboats. However, the NXT is unique in its design, will have all new features including a new tower and it will be available with colors that no other MasterCraft series boat will offer.

Master Craft Unveils the NXT at the Minneapolis Boat Show

The MasterCraft NXT is for the customer who has always wanted a MasterCraft but felt it was just out of reach. With the introduction of MasterCraft’s entry-level line of boats, there's no reason to settle for a second-class ride. And those who are frustrated with the limited possibilities with their I/O boat, take heart. The NXT is the perfect introduction to a variety of action, including wake surfing. An NXT, with standard equipment, starts at a little south of $50,000. With good credit, a sample payment is approximately less than $400 a month, which makes the NXT the most accessible MasterCraft ever.

The NXT launches in Summer 2014. We expect demand to be high. To receive updates and exclusive content, sign up at mastercraft.com/NXTupdates.

Synthetic Swell - Kicking off the 2014 Season!

As I ascended down two thousand feet of narrow highway, I could see Lake Elsinore at the bottom of the mountain. I was here in sunny southern California to cover the first ever Synthetic Swell event. As I arrived into the parking lot of my destination I could see rows and rows of burly trucks with empty trailers, the boats were already out in the water. The sun was out and the weather was a comfortable seventy five degrees, a perfect day for wake surfing. I made my way over to the booth area where you could find companies like Body Glove, Liquid Force, Soulcraft, Walker, Jet Pilot, Hyperlite and Wake Sports pushing their new boards and upcoming gear for the New Year.  Both reps and riders were there hanging out, showing off their new boards and boats and giving away trick tips to up and coming riders.   I snapped a few pictures and made my way down to the boat dock to hop on the first boat heading out.

Pro riders Chris Wolter from Mendonesia surf and Emily Agate from Soulcraft Boarding were there on the boat along with Emily’s mom and a few others for a bit of fun. We all spent the next few hours on the boat riding, laughing and learning. The great thing about an event like this is that you can hang with the pros and learn from them at no charge. Whether you have zero experience or just a little, this event created a platform for all levels of riders to have a good time and shredding the endless wave. I personally saw both Chris Wolter and Emily Agate helping an up and coming rider with getting his airs down, an opportunity other events don’t always allow for. “Lift your arms straight up when you are trying to get air,” says Chris, “if you want to go up, your arms must lead the way.” A great tip from the third ranked surf style rider in the world. 

Rider: Chris Wolter

Transfer

When I asked Chris what he thought of the event he said this.“It’s always fun riding new boats and trying all the new systems that every new boat has. Teaching people that are getting more involved in the sport and helping it grow, it’s about shredding on the boats and having fun!”

Rider: Todd Johnson

Once we were all wet, sun burnt and hungry, we made our way back to the dock for lunch. Everyone from the pros to the groms, and families all got together to share food. Once water and fuel was back in our bodies and gas tanks, boards and boats were swapped and everyone was eager to get back out on the water. I spent the second part of the day with a different group and different boat, this time enjoying the stylish skills of Mendonesia Surf shaper, Todd Johnson. “There’s no pressure, just coming out and surfing events like this are super fun, you’re out here with the surf community just riding,” says Todd. Once the sun began to set and temperature started cooling, we packed up and made our way back towards the coast. 

Day two was scheduled to take place at Pepper Park on the coast of San Diego. I arrived early and was super stoked to see wake surfing take place in the ocean. After test riding the new Carver skateboards and mingling with riders and reps, I made my way onto a boat with Todd and Chris. We were blessed with more amazing weather, something you just get used to down in San Diego, as if it’s almost expected. 

It was amazing seeing the color of blues and greens that this wave of a wake produced in the ocean, especially when these guys are destroying every trick. Everyone was in awe as both Mendonesia riders produced flawless airs, three sixties, shove it’s and the occasional wake to wake transfer. Behind them in the background sat enormous navy vessels, ready to embark at a minutes’ notice. I tried my best to keep my camera in focus and ready as every few seconds Chris and Todd were blowing our minds.  After a few hours of being out on the bay, we all returned back to the boat dock a bit more salty and sun scorched. With new friendships formed, new tricks learned and smiles all around, the event was a huge success. Huge thanks to all the sponsors that helped make this event happen, as well as Marco Thompson for putting it all together.

Photos and article by: Dylan Bellingan – Follow him on his surf journey with is van “Pearl” at www.thessimplelife.tumblr.com - Instagram: @myamericandreamtour

SUP Race Training with Karen Wrenn

We caught up with professional paddler Karen Wrenn from Portland, OR the current champions of the 100-mile paddle NYC.  We wanted to learn a little about how she trains for races.  

Photo: John Wrenn

How many weeks before a race do you start your training focus?

I like to go into race season with a solid mileage base.  So, when it comes to training for an upcoming race I'm not worried about the miIeage and can focus on the next race's specifics.  About four weeks leading up to a race is when I focus in on that race.  The week before the race I should be tapering, so the three weeks before that is the real hard core part of the training.  Because I already have my mileage base dialed in I can focus on race techniques like buoy turns, interval training, sprints and race starts. 

Where do you train? Who do you train with?  

I train on the Willamette River, about ten minutes from my house.  The river is pretty mellow most of the time and is great for flat water training.  I always train by myself.  I like the time to myself so I have to use my training watch as my training partner, so I can judge my speed and to push myself. 

Photo: John Wrenn

Tell us about your training: daily, weekly, cardio? Food?  

I love to train, so that helps a lot in the overall training program.  I try to be on the water three to four days a week.  I'm a big runner and use running as my main cardio base and run about three to four days a week.  I work out with a trainer in a gym two days a week where we focus on circuits.  We will do something to elevate my heart rate and then add in weights and balance and a lot of body resistance work.  So, as you can see, I am usually doing some sort of daily doubles.  Then, the dreaded rest day, It's hard to take a day off, but it's so important.  Food plays a huge role in the training.  I have to make sure I am getting enough of the right protein and carbs to keep my body fueled and ready to rebuild and recover for the next days training.  Also, I am all about hydration.  I believe hydration is the key to being recovered properly. 

I do a lot of distance and ultra-distance races.  The training for my ultra-distance races, like the 100 mile paddle NYC I did last summer, is a whole 'nother animal. Just my training paddle sessions can be up to eight hours straight on the water. It's a big time commitment.  Hydration and nutrition become a key component of the training and racing.  I have to train with my nutrition and hydration to figure out  how much I need and how my body will react while I'm under that much stress.  It's been a lot of trial and error during training sessions, but a key part, so that I don't bonk, cramp or get dehydrated.

Race week I begin my tapering.  I usually do some sprintis and race starts on Monday of that week.  I will go for a run or mellow workout with my trainer on Tuesday. Wednesday, I will go out for a mellow distance paddle and that's it for training that week.  Thursday, is usually the traveling day to the event.  Friday, checking out the race course and getting on the water for a mellow paddle to get a feel for the water there.  I try to eat really clean race week and stay really hydrated.  The morning of the race I will generally eat oatmeal with chia seeds, bananas and honey.  About an hour before the race I will take few bites of a NOW energy bar? During the race, I always wear a CamelBak with water and electrolytes. 

Check out training tips and awesome photos of Karen Wrenn in the new issue of Boarders Magazine available now! 

Photo: John Wrenn

First Wake Surf Event of 2014: Synthetic Swell

Synthetic Swell is the first wake surfing event of the year and is being held in sunny SoCal.  The festival will take place on February 22nd & 23rd 2014. The first day will be fresh water at Lake Elsinore on the 22nd and the second day on the salty waters of Mission Bay in San Diego on the 23rd.  

This is not your average wake surf event and is going to be an awesome 2014 kick off shred party with fun contest like "wake surfing in the best outfit" said event coordinator Marco Thompson.  This is not a competition but more of a shred sesh/demo day/festival that you can bring your own boat to if you want to show off your wave. There will be BBQ lunch and dinner with fellow ripper and anyone is welcome from first time to pro. Here is some info you might want to know about the contest: 

• Bring your boat, and try out the wake behind other boats
• If you don't have a boat, bring your boards and surf with us
• Bring all your boards to share, and try out boards you have not ridden before
• Bring your wetsuit if you have one, if you don't, we have several to loan, and we have some dry suits available also
• Bring some friends that have never surfed, get them surfing, expert teaching is free
• Bring the family, this is designed to be a 100% family friendly event
• RV friendly locations
• This is NOT a money making exercise, the organizers are doing this at their own expense, with no event income please bring money to help out with gas.. boats don't run on thank you's.
• On Sunday, there will be some giveaway / goodies for every attendee, courtesy of Wakesports & our other sponsors

The schedule for this awesome event is as follows:

Saturday February 22, 2014 at Lake Elsinore 

• Fresh water Day 1
• 7:00 AM - Sun-Up First boats on the water 
• 8:00 AM -10:00 AM Sesh 1
• 10:00 AM - noon Sesh 2
• noon - 1:00 PM Pot Luck BBQ on the beach
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Sesh 3
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sesh 4
• 5PM - Pot Luck BBQ on the beach

Sunday, February 23, 2014 at Mission Bay

• Salt water Day 2
• 7:00 AM - Sun-Up First boats on the water
• 8:00 AM -10:00 AM Sesh 5
• 10:00 AM - noon Sesh 6 - Wild Ride
• noon - Pot Luck BBQ on the beach
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Sesh 7 - Wild Ride
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sesh 8
• 5:00 PM - Pot Luck BBQ on the beach
• 6:00 PM - Awards & Contest Results

Get registered today as spots are limited and to find out more about the event visit www.SynSwell.com

Whitewater SUP Pioneer: Morgan Mason | Rider Profile

Morgan Mason hails from a small cattle farm in Kansas.  Shortly after graduating high school he left for Iraq to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Army Reserves.  Upon his return from the overseas tour, Morgan moved to Colorado in order to pursue new adventures in the mountains.  He spent his first summer guiding whitewater rafting trips down Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River.  This experience spawned in him a new addiction to the thrill of navigating whitewater rapids.  Since then Morgan has helped pioneer stand up paddling in the Rocky Mountain region while working for Boardworks SUP, Badfish SUP and Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.  When he’s not going down river you can find him surfing the breaks of southern California or Mexico.

Sponsors:

• Badfish SUP
• Coalatree Organics
• Five Ten Footwear
• Ska Brewing
• Rocky Mountain Paddleboard 

Favorite SUP Spots:

• Colorado:  Durango, Buena Vista, Salida, Glenwood Springs
• Jackson Wyoming
• and lots of various spots in Baja

Board of Choice:

• Either Badfish 6'11" River Surfer or Badfish 9'0 MVP w/ Sharkskin 

Paddle of Choice:

• Boardworks two piece adjustable for convenience
• Werner makes a strong river paddle

SUP Accomplishments:

• Assisted in Pioneering SUP in the Rockies with Boardworks & Badfish SUP.
• Organized or assisted in over 20 SUP events
• ACA SUP Instructor

Mason Morgan: Durango, CO

To keep up with Morgan's adventures check out his blog: www.vanmandog.com

Tige Boats Announces 2014 Endless Wave Tour Dates

Be a part of the surf revolution this summer and join us again this summer for the ultimate surf series -- Tige’s 2014 Endless Wave Tour.

The Endless Wave Tour is being planned across North America driving fun-filled events throughout the summer bringing families together and providing healthy competition.  Surfing Tige’s ocean-like surf wave behind the best surf boat in the industry, the Z3 equipped with Tigé’s patented Convex VX. Come see the Coanda Effect in action! It is the best surf competition of the summer, so mark your calendars for these upcoming stops and follow the Endless Wave Tour Facebook to stay connected with the latest news.

EWT Stop #1 – 5/28 – 6/1       West Coast Wakesurf Open, California
EWT Stop #2 – 6/19 – 22        WWS Shred Fest, Colorado
EWT Stop #3 – 7/17 – 7/20     Wake the Desert, Texas
EWT Stop #4 – 8/22 – 8/24     Texas Surf Showdown, Texas
EWT Stop #5 and #6 is planned for August and September, locations to be determined

Each stop will have scheduled professional surf clinics and two days of surfing competition.

If your company is interested to sponsor the series contact us at 325.676.7777 or email info@tige.com

Photos from 2013 Endless Wave Tour by TradeMarek Photogreaphy.

Chase Hazen

Dominic Lagace

Ashley Kidd

Raya Walker

Brandon Tollie

Interchangable Arch Bar & Flat Pad - Inland Surfer - Press Release

Inland Surfer, the most innovative wake surfboard manufacturer does it again with factory-direct, interchangeable arch bar and flat pads. Redesigned for 2014 Inland Surfer has all new decks in the Classic Series and Ultralight Series.  New boards will ship with a flat deck insert as well as pro-pad raised arch bar. 

Constructed of high quality EVA foam shaped into Inland Surfers signature diamond grooved pattern the inserts measure in at 7cm by 36cm. The raised arch bar measures with a domed 5mm standard arch.  For any riders with a skimboard background these arch bar inserts are going to make you feel right home with Inland Surfer’s latest wake surf technology. 

The entire 2014 lineup will have available flat decks or raised arch bars excluding the Tako and Keenan Surf Pro Model.  Now you can customize your board to your preference and continue to evolve as a better surfer.  

VP of Inland Surfer, Lance Connor

Inland Surfer, the World’s largest independent wake surfboard manufacturer and the first wake surf company has a board for every shape, style, size and skill of surfer.  With the biggest board selection in company history and all-new graphics, decks to complement the already industry leading shapes and performance. Leading the lineup, the Inland Surfer Flyboy Division boasts the James Walker Pro and the James Walker Big Boy; the most popular wake surfboards in 2013.  The ever affordable Tako, Inlands premier value surfboard introduced in 2013 brings professional wake surfing to the masses with its exclusive performance over price offering. 

For more info visit: www.inlandsurfer.com

Remember Snurfer? It's coming back!

Remember Snurfer? In the late 1960′s and 70′s sledding in the backyard took on a whole new life – standing up! The original binding-less snow surfing boards were born. Snurfer was literally the first snowboard brought to market and with it came countless weekend hours, after school get togethers and family smiles rediscovering what makes a powder day so special! 

Arguably, Snurfer gave birth to a whole new category of winter sports – snowboarding. After the original product was developed, numerous innovations in technology, product design and function have created a massive industry which encourages the purchase of expensive gear and lift tickets. 

Enter Snurfer 2014.

Like the original, Snurfer is a low-tech, wooden, made in the USA, option perfect for play in your own backyard, offered at an affordable price! All you need is snow and Snurf’s the word. They are set to release Fall 2014. To learn more visit:  snurferboards.com and visit their Facebook.com/SnurferBoards

Minnesota Wakesurf Championship on Lake Minnetonka!

The Minnesota Wakesurf Championship will be the first organized wakesurfing competition on Lake Minnetonka.  We have all been waiting to combine the best parts of Lake Minnetonka which is the biggest, baddest, and craziest lake with the best watersport out there Wakesurfing! 

Come out July 18th & 19th, 2014 and see some wakesurfing – via boat or land and also enjoy a beach full of activity. During the weekend of the MNWSC, the annual Spirit of the Lakes Festival will be occurring at Surfside Beach. Some of the Spirit of the Lakes Events include: live bands, a great variety of food/drink, fireworks, whiskey tasting, chartered boat tours of the lake, and more! This is sure to be an awesome weekend bringing wakesurfing to a large audience by working in conjunction with the Spirit of the Lakes festival! Stay up to date on the event by following it on Instagram @MNWSC, Twitter @MNWSC, and Facebook.com/MNWSC also visit the website www.MNWSC.com. 

Photo: www.russellheeter.com

New TSR Paddle by Sawyer Paddles

There are a couple companies out there with home made products right here in the US.  Sawyer Paddles is one of them.  American made and hand crafted canoe and oar paddles since 1967 and now a focus on paddles for the fastest growing watersport in the world.  All of the SUP paddles are designed in house and the chief designer just happens to be the owner of the company.  Zac Kauffman tells us that "most of our designs come mainly out of trial and error, but with many paddlers in the company it's quite simpler to design, build and test."

What's new for Sawyer is a focus on racing and after picking up new team rider Mo Freitas they have definitely starting to make a name for themselves in the SUP world.  There racing paddles are the best of both worlds really, a mixture of wood and carbon fiber for both power and longevity, not to mention lightness and the prestine look of wood itself. Sawyer paddles is the definition for craftsmanship in the paddle industry.    

The TSR is there product of choice for overall performance as well as racing featuring a carbon fiber blade with laminated Western Red Cedar and an edging similar to ABS called Dynel Toughedge.  It also features an oval carbon shaft and an ultralight wooden grip.  What is unique and different than other paddles is the angle of the blade itself.  While the industry standard seems to be around 10 degrees +/- 2, Sawyer has gone with a 7 degree flat blade design. "The seven degree bend came primarily from our canoeing background" says Zac.  "We wanted to keep the angle slight for a smooth catch and release on each paddle stroke."  

Be sure to check out Sawyer at paddlesandoars.com for more info.

Mo Freitas at Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando. 

Capturing Great Lakes with Beth Price

Beth Price has found her passion in the cold and windy months on Lake Michigan.  Bundled up in warm winter gear and even a wetsuit Beth ventures into rare and uncharted photographic territory and what started out as a personal project has now turned into an inland surf masterpiece.  Her work is chilling and her pictures are inspiring and revealing.  Be sure to check out more from her website:  bethpricephotography.com.  

How long have you been shooting sports photography?  

I never really shot sports photography until recently.  What happened was the great beauty and meaning I find in the natural landscapes around me merged with my outdoor, active lifestyle and my career as a photographer.  I am in awe when I witness a serious athlete surrounded by a stunning, natural backdrop.  To me, it’s an art form.  The challenge is then for me to understand the sport enough so I may accurately translate the artistic edge with the technical. 

When I look through some of my first surf photographs, although aesthetically pleasing, they wouldn’t wow a surfer.  It’s taken time for me to learn what components make a good surf photograph which is why I held off at first in sharing my images.  I wanted to build a portfolio I was proud of and that the surf community would embrace.

Photo: Beth Price

How and when did you get into SUP/surf photography?

It began as a personal project. I was questioning the direction of my career and needed an outlet.  An artist friend challenged me to pick up my camera for and shoot as if I’d never make any money from what I photographed.  Then one day I heard that people were surfing on Lake Michigan so I decided to investigate and that’s when I realized that I had found my personal project.

I’ve become rather obsessed with fresh water surfing.  It took awhile for me to feel confident enough to share my work for a variety of reasons.  Mainly I wasn’t sure if I wanted to turn my personal project into part of my career.  When I realized I did want this, I had to learn what truly makes an exceptional surf photograph - one that’s portfolio-worthy and that I wanted to share. 

Recently my work has been gaining more attention.  One of the first emails of encouragement I received was from a surfer.  All it said was “Awesome PICS Beth!!! Keep shooting!!!”  I sat at my computer, had a good cry, then typed back, “Thank you!!  I will.”

Photo: Beth Price

What kind of camera do you use and how do you keep warm?

My main camera system is Canon.  I use a 5D Mark III and a variety of L series lenses.  Sharpness is critical to me so I’ve invested in my glass.  I also recently invested in a Liquid Eye water housing system.  

When shooting from shore I keep warm because I know how to layer.  It’s a serious matter to me because when I’m cold, I’m useless. I’m pretty loyal to the Patagonia brand.  I have an entire layering system built mainly around their clothing and I’m not being paid to say this nor am I being given free product, although I wish I were!

In the water I’m grateful for the two wetsuits that were given to me.  Neither one is warm enough for winter conditions so I’m saving up and doing my research. I’d love to be able to jump in the water any month of the year.  

As far as surfing in the great lakes goes or big lake surfing how do you plan your shoots for last minute surf?

It’s tough when the surf is last minute.  Often times I am able to rearrange my schedule but sometimes I simply do not make the surf if I’m committed to something else.  I joke that I may lose my day job over this, but in all seriousness, I am in the process of figuring out how to make this a greater part of my day job.  I try to plan as much in advance as possible by researching the weather and communicating with a circle of contacts I’ve made.  These new friends are reliable and I am extremely grateful to have gained their trust and expertise. 

Photo: Beth Price

From your perspective, how have these sports grown?  Do you see more and more people getting into wetsuits in the winter?  

In just a few years I’ve seen a good deal of growth in this community so I can only imagine what other photographers have seen.  My friend Loukas talks about an epic wind summer in the 90’s. Typically there isn’t much wind around here in July and August, but that summer Loukas and his friend Blake surfed up and down the Lake Michigan coast and were pretty much the only ones out there.  It makes me drool thinking about it.

Currently a windy day in the spring and fall months (or a rare windy day in July or August) means the water is filled with people surfing, SUPing and kiteboarding, meanwhile the shoreline is full of beachgoers and swimmers.  It can become crowded so it’s important on these days to be especially aware of your surroundings and to be extra cautious.  Once the snow flies, it’s a ghost town.  Last December there was a day when there were two surfers in the water and myself on shore.  It was worth it.  The conditions were magical! 

Can you tell us something interesting about your experiences and/or connection to the lake surfing world.  Have you tried it out?

First off, I cannot say enough about our surfing community on the Great Lakes.  My new friends are kind and encouraging and have embraced the fact that I’m out there trying to take the most meaningful photos that I can.

I may have gone about it backwards.  I first began photographing surfing and now I’m learning to surf.  Although I own a custom shaped board (Fresh Surfboards/Loukas Berthea), I don’t take it out often.  If I’m out there I want to be shooting versus surfing. 

When I’m at the ocean, that’s when I surf.  I don’t have as much desire to shoot saltwater surfing.  I like my fresh water niche and in general feel more comfortable in fresh water.  Last winter I traveled to Playa Grande in Costa Rica to learn more and to practice and this winter I’ll be in El Paredon, Guatemala for a few days sharpening my surfing skills. 

 https://www.facebook.com/BethPricePhotography

Paddleboard "Jeep Pull" with LakeSet Fitness

Nate Richard, paddle pioneer/fitness innovator/founder of LakeSet Fitness, has discovered a new training technique that will take your SUP strength and power to the next level.  

After years of training and competing Nate has discovered that peak performance can only be obtained when adrenaline is at its max, when the body is shocked and a life or death situation is on the line.  On Sunday January 26 on Lake Grapevine, TX a life or death situation was on the line.  The situation:  a Jeep stuck deep in the mud and slowly sinking to its demise.  But after years of training Nate was prepared for the worst and quickly grabbed some rope and his custom 404 racer, attached one end to the front of the Jeep and the other to his waist and tried to save the Jeep’s life.  In doing so he was unsuccessful, but while he failed to save the Jeep he succeeded in discovering another new workout program to add to his lineup.  “I’ve never had to use every ounce of my strength like this before.  One week later I am still sore,” says Nate.  Nate went on to tell us that he is excited about implementing his new and innovative “Jeep-Pull” into summer class program at LakeSet Fitness with DFW Surf on lakes throughout N. Texas.    

As far as building muscle goes probably the most important aspect is muscle confusion, or mixing up your normal workout by trying something new.  This could be the amount of weight or reps, but more importantly a completely different exercise and Nate’s new and patented Jeep-Pull is the definition of muscle confusion for paddleboarding.  Nate also informed us that, “If you are not ready for the Jeep-Pull you can try attaching some weights to your board leash or throw some bricks in a backpack.”  Even before that he recommends trying out his ropes course and land pully training before moving to the water.  The science behind the new system is moving less with more (weight).  Why paddle or run six miles when you can work hard for just one?

SUPAA - By Boarders for Boarders w/ Chase Kosterlitz

By boarders for boarders is SUP racer Chase Kosterlitz; an athlete with team Fanatic/Quickblade, currently ranked #10 in the world (supracer.com) and also a pioneer for the sport as one of the founders and board of directors of SUPAA- The Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association.  SUPAA is a new sanctioned body that is very rare in any sport, one founded and run by athletes of the sport and Chase was happy to be a part of Boarders Mag and tell us more.  

So what exactly is the SUPAA?

Established in September 2013, the Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association is an international governing body for stand up paddle boarding. With cooperation from athletes, race directors, sponsors and stand up paddle boarding constituent groups, we will establish standards for stand up paddle board racing rules and execution.

Who runs SUPAA?

Our Board of Directors and Advisory Board members are the most experienced and accomplished stand up paddle athletes and individuals in the world. The Board of Directors oversees all functions and decisions with the input of our Advisory Board and SUPAA members.

What is the purpose of SUPAA?

SUPAA was formed to help give direction to the growth of stand up paddle boarding in a positive and sustainable manner. Global race regulations for rules, safety, course distances, board specs and prize money are important to continuing stand up paddle board growth. Youth development and access programs will also be implemented to help grow the sport. Through our programs we will work to ensure the highest level of excellence in stand up paddling.

What are the goals of the SUPAA?

• Implement the SUPAA Rulebook to standardize stand up paddle board racing rules.
• Certify and educate SUPAA race officials to help implement race rules.
• Coordinate board restrictions with stand up paddle board manufacturers to ensure stand up paddle boarding remains fun and inclusive for all participants.
• Organize the scheduling of stand up paddle events in order to create the most value for event organizers, athletes and sponsors.
• Cooperate with athletes, event organizers, sponsors and all constituent groups to ensure our efforts our effectively carried out.
• Create youth development programs to provide new opportunities for access and growth of the sport.

How is SUPAA different from other organizations?

Our Board of Directors and Advisory Board are comprised of the most experienced and accomplished stand up paddle athletes and individuals in the world. SUPAA is a worldwide organization with representatives on 5 continents. The SUPAA Rulebook is the most comprehensive set of rules ever created for stand up paddling. With the input of race directors and athletes we will work to make these the unified rules of stand up paddling.  We have created a strong and unique position to cooperate with manufactures, race directors and media to set a unified path of positive growth in stand up paddling.

Why create another SUP organization?

There are many great stand up paddle organizations throughout the world working to promote the sport. However, we felt there was a need for a truly global organization to unify the rules and interests of all stand up paddle constituent groups. This is why The Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association was formed.

SUPAA is not affiliated with, or working directly alongside any existing stand up paddle organizations. We will cooperate with all existing entities and encourage them to adopt the SUPAA Rulebook and work with us. You can visit the SUPAA “How We Are Different” page for more info.  

Is SUPAA sanctioning SUP races?

We will not officially sanction any SUPAA events until 2015. We will however, encourage race officials around the world to adopt the SUPAA Rulebook and implement it as their events in 2014. Through the feedback we receive from race officials and athletes we will work to refine the rules. In 2014 we will certify SUPAA Race Officials so that in 2015 these officials can manage SUPAA sanctioned events.

In 2015 we will sanction the first official SUPAA stand up paddle events. This 1-year  process ensures a high standard of excellence for SUPAA stand up paddle events. We encourage you to adopt the SUPAA rules in 2014 and ask for a free race management consultation from SUPAA. We will help you with your questions and provide support to make your stand up paddle race a success.

Why should I join SUPAA?

Your SUPAA membership will help us institute SUPAA programs and regulations that will help the sport continue positive and inclusive growth.  You will join a passionate community of paddlers from around the world to share ideas, information and your love of the sport.

What do I get when I join the SUPAA?

SUPAA member benefits include exclusive paddle tips and training information from the world’s top paddlers, travel discounts with United Airlines, amazing offers and discounts from our SUPAA partners and Paddle Coach program, monthly e-news updates, SUPAA board decal and the knowledge that you will be helping to support programs that will ensure the positive growth of stand up paddle boarding worldwide.

Chase went on to tell us that, “The reception from race officials has been great. They understand there is a need for what we are doing and they look forward to working with us.  We have already been approached by race directors across the North America, South America, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, UK and France to work with us and adopt our rules.  We have already written a comprehensive 22-page rulebook for 2014. This year we will encourage race organizers to adopt the rules and provide feedback. We have an international reach and will take all of the feedback to refine the rules to make them even better for 2015. By reaching out to race directors, athletes and the industry we will work together to establish a unified rulebook.”

To  learn more about SUPAA visit http://supathletes.com