Image courtesy of Benoit Mouren at Flickr.com
Florida is known for being one of the places to go when it comes to stand up paddling (SUP), so it’s no wonder there are so many tournaments, challenges and races going on throughout the year. Don’t want to miss any of them? Program yourself from now, so you can take advantage of these opportunities to compete in SUP events with people from all over.
May 7
Orange Bowl Paddle Championship - Miami
Once again this annual charity event brings together pros and amateurs alike in a unique course around the Virginia Key. The Orange Bowl Paddle Championship gathers over 350 racers in all the categories and thousands of spectators every year. It provides four courses: Elite, Corporate, Recreational and Sprint, and the core event will be held at Miami Marine Stadium Flexpark. All of the proceeds will go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami to fund mentorship activities in the area. For participants in the Elite Race in both the 12’6” and 14’ boards in the men and women’s categories there will be a cash prize ranging from $200 to $500 for the first, second and third place winners.
May 7
Orange Bowl Paddle Championship - Miami
Once again this annual charity event brings together pros and amateurs alike in a unique course around the Virginia Key. The Orange Bowl Paddle Championship gathers over 350 racers in all the categories and thousands of spectators every year. It provides four courses: Elite, Corporate, Recreational and Sprint, and the core event will be held at Miami Marine Stadium Flexpark. All of the proceeds will go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami to fund mentorship activities in the area. For participants in the Elite Race in both the 12’6” and 14’ boards in the men and women’s categories there will be a cash prize ranging from $200 to $500 for the first, second and third place winners.
Image courtesy of Benoit Mouren at Flickr.com
May 7
Junior Waterman Challenge - Sarasota
In its first edition, it caters to all of the SUP youth community, from amateurs to up and coming SUP surfers. The contestants range from 5 to 17 years of age for the races and surfing contests, but anyone can participate in the open events. All the participants get a goodie bag and tons of friends from this amazing experience.
May 14
Fastest in Florida: Florida Cup– St. Pete
This year, it’s fourth consecutive edition, the Florida Cup will highlight the best of the best in America. It has four races: Elite (9 mile), Recreational (3 mile), Fun Paddle (1 mile- this is not a race), and Kids Race (1/4 mile). This open race will test the speed of the participants in the gulf and intercoastal waters.
May 21
Urban Kai's King & Queen of the Bay– Tampa Bay
Enjoy the whole weekend with your family and friends at this exciting races, along with tons of other activities like Fishing Tournament and board demos, at Tampa Bay, one of the best locations for SUP and PUP around the world. There will be 5 races: Kids race (1 mile, ages 7-12), Long Race (8-9 miles), Short Race (3-4 miles), Fun Open Paddle (2 miles). Additionally, you can also participate in the SUP and PUP 1-mile race on May 22nd.
Junior Waterman Challenge - Sarasota
In its first edition, it caters to all of the SUP youth community, from amateurs to up and coming SUP surfers. The contestants range from 5 to 17 years of age for the races and surfing contests, but anyone can participate in the open events. All the participants get a goodie bag and tons of friends from this amazing experience.
May 14
Fastest in Florida: Florida Cup– St. Pete
This year, it’s fourth consecutive edition, the Florida Cup will highlight the best of the best in America. It has four races: Elite (9 mile), Recreational (3 mile), Fun Paddle (1 mile- this is not a race), and Kids Race (1/4 mile). This open race will test the speed of the participants in the gulf and intercoastal waters.
May 21
Urban Kai's King & Queen of the Bay– Tampa Bay
Enjoy the whole weekend with your family and friends at this exciting races, along with tons of other activities like Fishing Tournament and board demos, at Tampa Bay, one of the best locations for SUP and PUP around the world. There will be 5 races: Kids race (1 mile, ages 7-12), Long Race (8-9 miles), Short Race (3-4 miles), Fun Open Paddle (2 miles). Additionally, you can also participate in the SUP and PUP 1-mile race on May 22nd.
Image courtesy of Benoit Mouren at Flickr.com
June 4
Florida State Paddleboard Championships – Cocoa Beach
Being one of the longest running paddleboard races on the east coast, you’re sure to find tons of participants ranging in all ages and levels of expertise. This 5-mile open ocean race includes not only SUPs, but traditional paddleboards, surkski’s and outrigger canoes. The entry of every surfing event will be $5, online inscription is at $40, along with a few more tickets being sold for the parallel events. All the collected proceeds will go to the Florida Surf Museum.
June 11
Fastest in Florida: Battle on the Blueway - Fort Myers Beach
This three-race event dishes out prize money of over $10,000, and $1,000 in the sprints. Besides the three races (7-mile, 2-mile and outrigger) there will also be a kids’ and Special Olympics race, a demo day and a series of other events to promote historical and natural materials and artifacts and different paddle merchandise vendors.
June 18
Surf Guys SUP Race – Melbourne
This event is divided into a short (2.5 mile) and long (6.25) course division. In the short course you can participate with 12’6”, 14’ and SUP Surf, and in the long course with 12’6”, 14’ and Unlimited. The race fee is $20, if paid in advances, or the day of the race at $25. There will be an awards ceremony and a raffle for prizes for all the participants.
Sunshine SUP Series - Race #1 - Pompano Beach
This great event is amazing for the whole family with a variety of races, demos and other events like live music that are sure to make for an amazing day. To find out more watch the video.
Sunshine SUP Series 2015: click here
Sarasota SUP Championships - Lido Beach
Before it used to be a series of races, but is now just one called the Sarasota SUP Championship. This year’s event will have a 5K, 10K and Grom race during the morning and the “SUP Rodeo” in the afternoon. You’ll find a huge variety of competitive events for all levels and ages ranging from sprints, obstacle courses and races. Accompanied with live music, food and SUP equipment demos, you can’t miss this great day of SUP fun.
Florida State Paddleboard Championships – Cocoa Beach
Being one of the longest running paddleboard races on the east coast, you’re sure to find tons of participants ranging in all ages and levels of expertise. This 5-mile open ocean race includes not only SUPs, but traditional paddleboards, surkski’s and outrigger canoes. The entry of every surfing event will be $5, online inscription is at $40, along with a few more tickets being sold for the parallel events. All the collected proceeds will go to the Florida Surf Museum.
June 11
Fastest in Florida: Battle on the Blueway - Fort Myers Beach
This three-race event dishes out prize money of over $10,000, and $1,000 in the sprints. Besides the three races (7-mile, 2-mile and outrigger) there will also be a kids’ and Special Olympics race, a demo day and a series of other events to promote historical and natural materials and artifacts and different paddle merchandise vendors.
June 18
Surf Guys SUP Race – Melbourne
This event is divided into a short (2.5 mile) and long (6.25) course division. In the short course you can participate with 12’6”, 14’ and SUP Surf, and in the long course with 12’6”, 14’ and Unlimited. The race fee is $20, if paid in advances, or the day of the race at $25. There will be an awards ceremony and a raffle for prizes for all the participants.
Sunshine SUP Series - Race #1 - Pompano Beach
This great event is amazing for the whole family with a variety of races, demos and other events like live music that are sure to make for an amazing day. To find out more watch the video.
Sunshine SUP Series 2015: click here
Sarasota SUP Championships - Lido Beach
Before it used to be a series of races, but is now just one called the Sarasota SUP Championship. This year’s event will have a 5K, 10K and Grom race during the morning and the “SUP Rodeo” in the afternoon. You’ll find a huge variety of competitive events for all levels and ages ranging from sprints, obstacle courses and races. Accompanied with live music, food and SUP equipment demos, you can’t miss this great day of SUP fun.