25-year-old Sophia Barlow, a shining light in the stand up paddle community tragically lost her life in a car accident on Saturday night.

After weeks of wet and stormy weather in San Diego, California, Saturday morning was greeted with sunshine and perfect conditions to hold the 21st annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge. As usual, the event was filled with excitement and anticipation to kick off the 2017 race season.

The International Ocean Championships for Seniors (IOCS) is an annual competition for senior watermen and waterwomen from around the world: surfers, paddlers, swimmers and runners who have dedicated their lives to living in harmony with the ocean and its waves, uniting in a fraternal bond of competition, camaraderie and friendship.

Already one of the biggest and paramount paddle gatherings in the world, the West Marine Carolina Cup is expanding in 2017 with the addition of a one-day retailer-only trade show, a nine-mile outrigger canoe race with six-person teams, and a 6.5-mile junior championship standup paddle board race for youth under 18.

Today, Friday, January 27, 2017, Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed Speaker, Big Wave Surfer and Guinness SUP World Record Holder, reached the monumental 34°W mark, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Following in the footsteps of SUP legends Travis Grant and Titouan Puyo, NSP is proud to add New Zealand’s Marcus Hansen to their international rider lineup.

SUP surfer Amit Inbar loves exploring and trying new places especially when he can bring his stand up paddle board (SUP), surfboard and other water toys along for the adventure. Recently, Amit ventured down to Chicama, Peru where he got up close and personal with the longest left hand point break in the world. Hear about his journey below.

Welcome to the Supconnect Weekly Recap, our countdown of the biggest news, reviews, interviews and features surrounding the world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. This week we’re bringing you another sample of the best stories covered by ourselves and other publications.

The whitewater park in Charles City Iowa has got quite the wave and it's home to Werner Paddles athlete, Hannah Ray Childs. Along with some great surfing talent, what we love most about her is the fun she is having and the positive energy she brings to our sport.

The newly-formed Association of Paddlesurf Professionals (APP), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Waterman League Group, announces a rebranding of the Stand Up World Series (Racing) and Stand Up World Tour (Surfing), to align under a new single banner, the APP World Tour.

Hawaiian artist and muralist Sean Yoro (a.k.a. HULA), who stand up paddles to his canvasses, traveled to the arctic waters of Baffin Island, Nunavut, to paint a portrait of a local Inuit woman on the sea ice.

With the backing of Starboard SUP and support from Port Denarau Marina, Tavarua Island Resort and a host of other important local players, the ISA was able to successfully hold a Deep Blue, more “ocean-friendly” event.