Enoshima Beach provided the perfect backdrop for world-class racing. With strategy, endurance and ocean knowledge all playing into equation for the Contenders, the World's best stepped up to the challenge.

With a full schedule of entertainment to come this weekend from the Trump Wetsuits Japan Pro-Am presented by Hawaiian Airlines, it all starts on Friday at 4pm Japan time with an Opening Event at Enoshima Beach consisting of a Nation's Parade and Hawaiian style Opening Ceremony.

With the summer stand up paddle (SUP) season coming in full swing there’s no better place than Lake Tahoe to participate in a fun and scenic race. Coming to the Lake Tahoe shores on June 10, 2017, the Thunderbird Paddling Festival provides the perfect mix of racing and fun that is great for the whole family to enjoy.

Six-time Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding World Champion, Kai Lenny, recently completed a challenging downwind journey across the Hawaiian Islands in an effort to raise awareness around the rising issue of plastic pollution.

Hosted at an all new venue for 2017, the beautiful Enoshima Beach in the Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo, the Japan Pro-Am presented by Hawaiian Airlines will take place from the 5th - 7th May, as the World's very best athletes descend upon this picturesque seaside town for a battle to remember.

The sun is starting to shine, ice is melting and spring is starting to peek it’s head around the corner. With temperatures rising and waterways defrosting into lakes and rivers again, it’s time to start getting geared up and ready to get back on the water and out of the winter hibernation. Here, we’ve put together a list of SUP gear, accessories, and of course boards for everyone from a beginner to the advanced SUP'er for the 2017 Spring paddle boarding season, so there's sure to be something in this guide for everyone!

With the Hawaiian leg of the 2017 APP World Tour coming to a close there were some important facts to be aware of after the events wrapped up. The early leaders were named, the double-threats to look out for and more were discovered. Here are eight takeaways

About the board:The Javelin Maliko is a non-inflatable premium quality race board that is best suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The Javelin Maliko looks great and has detailed graphics that are displayed all throughout the board that are rather eye-catching. This paddle board is pretty easy to carry considering its size and the glide feels fast, which is no surprise since lightweight construction and speed-centric design are at the core of this board model. The board was really fun to paddle and stood out compared to other boards in the category earning Supconnect’s “A” grade.

World-class conditions aligned with the world’s fastest standup paddle racers for another paramount display of APP World Tour competition, as the first race event of 2017 got underway.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, inflatable, all-around board to paddle short distances then the Naish Glide is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Double Layer Stitch construction and rather durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its 34 inch width the board is very stable and has 2.43 lbs per foot, weighing 30.4 lbs total. Its shape makes the Glide an all-around board that can be used by anyone and is designed primarily for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distance paddling, around the beach, dock and river. Retailing at $1,539, the board is in the high-tier price point but is among the best inflatables that the brand has to offer.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable inflatable, race/touring board to paddle then the One from Naish is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in a double drop stitch technology, which is durable and has its ups and downs. The board is 30 inches wide making the board pretty stable and the board has 2.01 lbs per foot and weighs 25.1 lbs total which is lightweight for a board that is 12’6”. Its shape makes the One a race/touring board that can be used by intermediate paddlers and was designed for both recreation and competition. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid to long-distance paddling between 3-10 miles plus. Retailing at $1,249, the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Sunset Beach delivers great conditions for a spectacular finals day that saw dramatic action from start to finish and Champions crowned at Stop #1 of the 2017 APP World Tour.