Poenaiki Raioha and Izzi Gomez put on flawless performances this week at the US Open of Stand Up Paddling, with some of the most progressive surfing imaginable and a mind-blowing success rate.
We all can appreciate a good photo when we see one and in the Supconnect Photographer Series, we do just that. We connect with exceptional photographers in and out of the stand up paddle boarding world and showcase some of their many fantastic photos. This week, we are stoked to highlight Ed Dorsett of Wicked Fotos Surf Photography.
With perhaps the best forecast of the week coming today, it was always going to be a marathon day of action at the 2015 US Open of Stand Up Paddling, as action got underway at 7am with the 2nd half of Men's Round 1.
Felipe Rodriguez continued his impressive form yesterday to take the Trials win amidst World Class competition and challenging conditions. Seeming to revel in the smaller conditions Felipe was able to generate so much speed and link together dynamic and radical turns in the small Huntington Beach Surf.
While the surf was small, it was definitely clean and more than enough to deliver some World Class Surfing on Day 1 of the US Open of Stand Up Paddling over the weekend. With a truly international field of stellar athletes stepping up to do battle, the scene has been set for not only a climactic finish to the Trials, but a fiercely contested Main Event for the Men over the coming days.
The 2015 Chucktown Showdown will be remembered for the “good news” and the “bad news.” The “good news” was that there was a cool northerly breeze blowing through Charleston on a very mild mid-September day. With lower humidity levels and temps in the low 80’s, competitors could go all out without the fear of overheating in the normally sultry low country environment. The “bad news” was that this “breeze” was sustained at 20 with 25 knot gusts, making for quite a challenge on the 9-mile Battery Course (Elite).
World explorer and Starboard SUP ambassador Bart de Zwart just finished up a 2-day self-supported expedition race on the Muskoka River. Bart de Zwart took part in the Muskoka X Coureur de Bois challenge which he describes as a "race different from anything else." See his story from the race here.
The 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect (BE) Tahoe saw over 300 women participants of all ages. Beginning at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area, the day was crystal clear and winds calm, making for a perfect day on the water and at the beach.
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful and desolate stretches of coastline in the world. Big Sur is a beautiful place to visit, especially via paddle board, but be wary, the waters off of Big Sur are home to a ton of great whites. Last month, on August 11 & 12, a diverse team of six men decided to tackle a two-day trip along the coast and explore the beauty that it has to offer.
Elite & Open SUP Races combined with the Largest SUP Yoga Event to raise awareness and funds for the ocean charities Surfrider South Bay, 5 Gyres & Marine Mammal Care Center Announced by Pro Ocean Athlete, Anthony Vela with a $1500 Purse Prizes for SUP Elite Racers.
Earlier this month Matt Minich and Peter Nelson were paddle boarding and surfing in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, California when a dolphin surfing the waves didn't see Matt and gave him a body slam.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the second annual Maui Paddle for a Cure event and a variety of resort offerings and specials, all to benefit Susan G. Komen.