Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is exactly as its title suggests – standing up on a board and paddling. There are many variations, and the sport is considered one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the world.

One of the attractions of SUP is its versatility as an activity. Paddlers can be seen on rivers, canals, streams, lakes, the ocean, and wild water. While many athletes use flatwater, many also take on ocean surf.

SUP is believed to have originated in Africa, became very popular in Hawaii in the 1940’s, and can now be seen in countries and on waterways all over the globe.

In competition, there are often sprint events, usually contested over 200 metres, longer races (19.50 kilometres) and technical races (about three kilometres).

In PaddleNSW the sport is just starting, but because of the established calendar, SUP paddlers can compete PaddleNSW Sprint, Marathon and Harbour Racing series.

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The ICF has set guidelines for race distances, whihc are raced by both Women & Men

  • Sprint: Maximum 250m
  • Distance: Between 5km to 35km
  • Technical Race: Between 800m to 5km
Boards

The Stand Up Paddling for SUP competitions:

  • Race Women/Men up to 14 ft (428 cm) long*
  • Juniors/*up to 14 ft (428 cm) long inflatable
  • Whitewater Women/Men up to 11 ft (366 cm) long

* Rudders and/or foils are not permitted. The board may have only one hull – no multi-hulls allowed and no catamarans The length of the board will be defined as the distance from the tip to tail.

SUP News