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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Waterman League Group, known for its professional paddle surfing racing and surfing league is pleased to announce it has closed a Series A round of financing.

After a spectacular showdown at Pipeline and Backdoor in 2016 that saw Mo Freitas (Focus SUP) put on an impressive display of skill and bravado to take the win, 2017 sees the return of the prestigious Stand Up Paddle component of the Backdoor Shootout in memory of Duke Kahanamoku.

2016 was a whirlwind year yet again and here at Supconnect we’ve reporting on everything from top SUP events to shark attacks and even journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. Now at the end of 2016, we take a look back at our most read news stories from the year. Take a look:

What was your favorite moment from 2016? Was it seeing your favorite athlete win a major event? Was it seeing barriers being broken and limits being pushed? Or, was it all the SUP foiling? Whichever moment you choose as your favorite there is no denying that 2016 was a very eventful year in stand up paddling. Here, we list our picks for the 10 biggest moments (good or bad) in 2016.

Fanatic is more than an addiction to ride. It is a way of life, an adventure, and the products created are made for your enjoyment. Each member of the Fanatic family brings their passion to the table. Check out Fanatic team riders Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddling in great conditions with Fanatic’s latest gear and dive into their world. Check out the action-packed video.

Where did you travel this year? Was it tropical? Was it on the coast or to a lake? With stand up paddling (SUP) the options are endless as you can take your paddle board on practically any body of water.

Naish SUP team rider Bernd Roediger is a waterman of many talents. He flies with the wind on his wind surfboard, and absolutely shreds. He’s also a master at SUP and traditional surfing as well. Bernd’s been home on Maui for the ‘off’ season but has been keeping busy and having fun in the ocean. Check out his just-released edit from Fall 2016.