World’s Best Paddlers Headed To Carolina Cup 2016

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, North Carolina - The time has come for the best stand up paddlers in the world to come together and face off yet again at the first major stand up paddle race of 2016, the Carolina Cup. Top athletes in the sport will be there including 3x women’s winner Annabel Anderson, Travis Grant, Candice Appleby, Danny Ching, Connor Baxter, Fiona Wylde and many, many more all going head-to-head aiming to conquer the grueling Graveyard Course.

The 2016 West Marine Carolina Cup presented by SurfTech kicks off the race season with four courses: a kids race, the Harbor Island Recreational “fun” race, a Money Island open race and the dreaded Graveyard Elite Race. The 2016 Carolina Cup is expected to have over 1,000 registered paddlers, making it the largest SUP event in the world and with the top names in the sport all headed to this race it is sure to be one of the most competitive events of the year as well.

But don’t let the number of paddlers or competitive field deter you from participating in the Carolina Cup. With five full days set for the event filled with demos, clinics by the top paddle instructors and certifiers in the world, movie showings, before and after parties and more, the Carolina Cup is more than just the biggest SUP event in the world, it’s becoming a festival of sorts where families are welcome and there are tons of activities for everyone from the beginners to the experts to enjoy.

Aerial shot of the start of the 2015 Graveyard Elite Race. | Photos Courtesy: Carolina Cup

Festivities for the 6th annual Carolina Cup begin on Wednesday, April 20 with a yoga training course, WPA certification clinics, and a small group clinic with Annabel Anderson. Thursday and Friday are jam-packed with clinics and demonstrations from some of the top athletes like 2015 champions Travis Grant and Annabel Anderson, Candice Appleby, Lina Augaitis (SIC Maui) and Dan Gavere! Saturday is the day of the big races and then Sunday there are more clinics and demonstrations from Starboard athletes Fiona Wylde and Zane Schweitzer. To see the full schedule list for the 2016 Carolina Cup, click HERE.

There’s no doubt about it: the 2016 Carolina Cup is going to be the best year yet! Stay tuned for the full event recap following the races on Saturday. To see more news on the Carolina Cup, click HERE.