The "SUP Stoke" Chronicles

7 year old Cade Cohen was cheered to the finish with his wood paddle in hand.

SAN DIEGO, California - Stand up paddle board is truly a phenomenon.  Its growth throughout the world is rapid and there continues to be a wide variety of people trying the sport and getting hooked. However, the best phenomenon of SUP is not its statistical growth but rather the way in which it is affecting human lives for the better.  To the stand up paddle world this is known as "SUP Stoke".

One example of great "SUP Stoke" is something that just happened this past weekend with very young paddler Cade Cohen.  Although only 7 years old he recently participated in a 1 mile fun paddle at the Stand-Up for Clean Water event just off shore by the Santa Monica Pier in California.  With his father, Scott, by his side the two had a great paddle together.  The totally excited crowd was so stoked for the young boy at the finish that they held their paddles together high in the air to create a paddle tunnel for the young grom to run under as he entered the race course beach shoot and sprinted for the finish line.  In the process, Cade also caught the attention of olympian and owner of Quickblade Paddles, Jim Terrell, who noticed the boy using a small wood paddle.  Much to Cade's surprise, Terrell offered a tremendous prize for his efforts in the race and will be sending Cade a beautiful custom fit SUP paddle, just right for his size.

100 Year Old Great Grandmother Tries SUP

Another recent great story of "SUP Stoke" was first shared in a post by the Standup Journal.  The event was caught on film as a 100 year old great grandmother from Minnesota decided she wanted to do stand up paddleboard.  This is proof that it is never to late to try something new.  We are truly stoked for her!

Ryan Maloney, Type1 Diabetic, Takes Challenge To Opportunity

Ryan Maloney, age 13, is an inspiration to the stand up paddle world who helps spreads the "SUP Stoke".  He deals with Type1 diabetes every day, yet stand up paddle and other sports have given him a way to not only help himself but also motivate others.  Ryan found sup to be a way to get closer to his family.  His father was a surfer but Ryan did not love the beach and water until stand up paddle came along.  It turns out that Ryan loves the challenge of sup racing and through that can now share a love of water and the ocean with his dad.  In fact, Ryan's passion for sup has grown so much that he recently became a team ambassador for Bordworks Surf.  His courage to use sports to take a challenge like diabetes and turn it into an opportunity has been tremendous. SUP has aided Ryan and his family in their quest to control the disease and now they are touching many of us with their inspiration. We're glad to have him part of the SUP Ohana.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Having Fun On SUP

One final "SUP Stoke" story for now is that of a recent first paddle by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Yes, even politicians are getting in on the fun.  He recently visited California to participate in earth day celebrations as he is the President and Founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance.  As part of the festivities he and his wife experienced their first stand up paddle event and although it was more of a kneel down paddle, those who were present could visibly see the stoke on his face and feel of the gratitude he had for the experience as he shook hands with stand up paddle veteran, guide and event organizer Mike Vaughan.

Obviously these are just a few of the recent "SUP Stoke" stories that are out there.  We know there are so many more from all over the world, so please share! Send us your inspirational moments and "SUP Stoke" stories to info@supconnect.com.  We can not wait to be aware of them and share more as we continue to Supconnect!