Top SUP Stories of 2023

SAN DIEGO, California - 2023 was the first time post-pandemic that felt 'normal'. We saw tons of events, expeditions and more. There's a lot to look back on in the last year, so before we head into the new year, we're taking a look at a few of the biggest SUP stories from 2023. Take a look below:

1. Maui Community Comes Together Amid Devastating Fires

A glimpse of the aftermath of fires in Lahaina. | Photo courtesy: Slater Trout Gofundme

While those directly impacted by the fires faced the destruction of their homes, lives, and history, which have impacted the people deeply, the outpouring of Aloha that brought everyone together to support the people of the Lahaina community and Maui island as a whole has been incredible to witness. The Maui and Hawaiian Island community stepped up to the plate to support their family, friends, and even complete strangers who had lost everything and had no resources for even basic essentials like food and water. Among these community members were SUP legends, Kai Lenny, Zane Schweitzer and Slater Trout, all who call Maui home.

Read more HERE. 

2. Portugal Teen Found Alive After Missing 20-hours on Paddleboard

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

After nearly 20 hours stranded on a stand up paddle board, Erica Vicente, a 17-year-old from Azeitão, south of Lisbon, was found alive. Vicente was swept more than 40 kilometers off the Portuguese coast where she initially got on her SUP. Erica was paddle boarding on the Algarve coast when the wind and ocean currents picked up and pushed her out to sea. Her father called emergency services immediately upon realizing his daughter was in distress, and an all hands on deck search involving cars, boats, and helicopters was initiated.

Read more HERE. 

3. ISA Sets New Records and Crowns 2023 World Champions

Shuri Araki, Team Japan. Photo: ISA / Sean Evans

At the 2023 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championships new champions were crowned and new records were set. SUP athletes from all over the world showed up and delivered performances to remember.

Read more HERE.

4. Tragedy Hits Mission Bay: 12-Year-Old Paddleboarder Dies

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

In a heart-wrenching incident, a 12-year-old girl lost her life while paddleboarding in Mission Bay last Saturday afternoon. The young girl's life was cut short when she was struck by a jet ski operated by an 18-year-old man near De Anza Cove.

Read more HERE. 

5. SUP World Record: Fastest Handstand on a Motorized SUP

Tori Kubick in the Florida Springs. | Photo: Mike Winkles

SUP enthusiast and professional acrobat Tori Kubick set a new world record when she completed the fastest handstand on a motorized SUP.

Read more HERE. 

6. Supconnect Awards 2023 Winners Announced

After more than six weeks of deliberations and intense evaluations the Supconnect team announced the winners of the 14th annual Supconnect Awards. After nominating 20 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.

Read more HERE. 

7. New ICF World Champions Crowned in Thailand

Sprint races. | Photo: ICF / Georgia Schofield

The ICF held an incredible weeklong event with the world's best standup paddle athletes flying in to Thailand to compete at the chance to be named world champion. 2023 saw some incredible action across all divisions and races and the event saw repeat victors and new champions crowned.

Read more HERE. 

8. Peter Steinfath Completes SUP Expedition of the California Coast

Peter Steinfath in Hermosa Beach. | Photo courtesy: 101 Surf Sports

Well folks, he did it. Peter Steinfath completed his intense journey of paddling the California coastline by standup paddle board (SUP). As a recap, Peter Steinfath embarked on a monumental journey along the Californian coastline, propelled solely by his paddle and determination. His remarkable odyssey, chronicled by our friends at 101 Surf Sports, takes us through breathtaking vistas, human connections, and surprising transitions as Peter navigates not only waves but also the path of self-discovery.

Read more HERE. 

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