The #1 Standup Paddleboard Race in Vancouver is Back!

 Vancouver, BC – On Saturday August 16^th, 2014 the top talent in BC’s stand-up paddle boarding scene will descend on Jericho Sailing Club for the 4^th annual SUP Challenge. This incredible day brings together elite racers, recreational paddlers and kids to get out on the water and have fun. Long-distance, sprints, relays and kids events take place over the course of the day and include different categories for the elite and beginner racer. Spectators will be enthralled by the speed and strength of some of Canada’s best paddlers as they maneuver turns and sprint against each other, all against the beautiful backdrop of Vancouver’s skyline.

The day starts at noon with a 5km elite race followed by a 2km recreational race, a 3km elite race, a kids race (including a lesson taught by Canadian Champion Stu Robinson), sprint races, and then recreational relays. The Jericho Sailing Club is a perfect venue for such an event and participants can enjoy live music from the Swagmen, a BBQ, alcoholic beverages, and be entered to win prizes from the many sponsors. This year Maui Jim, Blackfish Paddles, Starboard Paddle Boards, and Southlands Insurance have generously donated to the event and there are many excellent prizes to be won. The Surfrider Foundation Vancouver is also a partner in this event. They are a global environmental non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches. Partial proceeds of the event will go towards their worthwhile cause of protecting our oceans. Registration is online at www.supchallenge.ca or you can register the day of the race. The cost is $30 for one race or $50 for two races.

This year we are fortunate enough to have some of the biggest names in Canadian paddle boarding joining us. Canadian champions Shannon Bell, Gary Parsons, Stu Robinson, Mike Darbyshire and Norm Hann will all be racing and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to paddle with some of the top racers in the sport. Stand-up paddle boarding has been rapidly gaining popularity in Vancouver and weekly races now draw many beginner and advanced paddlers. The Vancouver SUP Challenge is the city’s only full-day racing event and should not be missed. So get out on the water and come be apart of this exciting water sport.

Sponsors: Southlands Insurance, Blackfish Paddles, Starboard Paddleboards, Maui Jim