The Top SUP Stories of the Year
- Written by Staff
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Photo courtesy: ISA
As the stand-up paddling community continues to grow, so do the stories that shape its culture, innovation, and achievements. From groundbreaking competitions to cutting-edge gear, environmental milestones, and inspiring paddlers pushing boundaries, the past year has been packed with moments that define the heart of SUP. Dive in as we recap the most impactful stories that made waves in the stand-up paddling world from 2024!
Supconnect Awards 2024 Winners Announced
After more than six weeks of deliberations and intense evaluations we are pleased to announce the winners of the 15th annual Supconnect Awards. After nominating 30 or so men, women, groms and blogs per category, and an abundance of brands and shops in the stand up paddle industry we've finally narrowed down the extremely talented pool of nominees to the final chosen winners.
New SUP World Champions Crowned in Denmark
Spain won its first-ever ISA Team Gold Medal on an exciting final day of the 2024 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC). A full day of SUP Sprint Races on the steps of Copenhagen’s iconic Royal Library saw Alba Frey (ESP) and David Leão (BRA) crowned as brand new World Champions.
Andrew Hughes Achieves World Record for Paddle Boarding Highest Altitude
This past winter, professional adventurer Andrew Hughes set out to paddle board the highest altitude body of water. In doing so, he ended up earning himself a world record for just that! Hughes found the volcanic pool of Tres Cruces Norte in Atacama, Chile – the highest alpine lake, sitting at an astounding 19,780 ft. And what’s more, Hughes wanted his record-breaking paddle to draw attention to the alpine lakes that are disappearing before our eyes, and more importantly, the reason they’re disappearing: climate change. We caught up with Andrew to ask him about his achievement and more. Check out our interview with him.
APP Crowns SUP Surfing 2024 World Champions
Luchy Cosoleto and Taka Inoue take well deserved victory at the Gran Canaria Pro-Am to secure the 2024 World Titles for SUP Surfing.
Supconnect Awards: The People's Choice 2024
Before announcing the winners of the 15th annual Supconnect Awards, we recognize those who received the most votes in the People's Choice Awards. These individuals had strong support from their friends, family, and the SUP community, and we want to give them special recognition for their efforts.
Sarasota Shines on the Global Stage for ICF Championships
The 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) & Paddleboard World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, delivered an electrifying showcase of elite talent, record-breaking performances, and historic milestones. With a mix of thrilling sprints, technical challenges, and grueling long-distance races, athletes from around the globe competed at Nathan Benderson Park, leaving spectators in awe.
Paddling with Porpoise: The Conclusion
Earlier this year we shared Sean Jansen's incredible story of his solo paddle down the Baja peninsula to raise awareness for an endemic species of porpoise. Jansen has now fully completed his journey and tells part two of his amazing journey.
Places To Visit in 2024
If you're lucky enough to get a SUP-cation in this year we’ve compiled several beautiful and unique places where you’re bound to have a blast on your standup paddle board with beautiful scenery surrounding you.
Best Standup Paddleboards 2024
After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing dozens of boards, our expert staff has selected the best stand up paddle board 2024 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). In its 8th year, the Supconnect team spent countless hours individually assessing each one of the SUP boards below, counting a total of 23 metrics per board and consistently applying them across all products. The end result: simply the most comprehensive, consumer-friendly, value-added review platform in the stand up paddle world. Click through each one of the reviews and find a consistent, in-depth assessment of each product listed.
ISA Launches New SUP Commission Led by Candice Appleby
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is proud to announce the formation of a new StandUp Paddle (SUP) Commission to further advance the development, technical elements, policies and promotion of SUP within the ISA and worldwide. USA’s Candice Appleby, a five-time World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Champion and Pan American Games Gold Medalist, has been appointed to be the Chairwoman of the commission. Jakob Faerch, ISA Executive Committee Member and President of Surf SUP Denmark, will serve as Ex Officio member.
This past year has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion that define the SUP community. From thrilling races and innovative gear to environmental initiatives and personal triumphs, these stories highlight the dynamic spirit that keeps stand-up paddling evolving. As we look ahead, the momentum of these milestones reminds us that the future of SUP is as expansive as the waters we paddle on. Here’s to another year of pushing limits, embracing adventure, and making a positive impact in and out of the water.
Staff
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