A Fond Farewell
from Harrison Withers - USA SUP Founding President

Dear friends, 

When Kristin and I helped start this organization, it was because standup paddleboarding needed it. 

The sport was disorganized. The national organizations that should have been leading weren’t really doing much. And for something with as much potential and universal appeal as paddleboarding, it felt like there was a vacuum — a lack of leadership and representation. We were being represented as part of something we had significant differences from, and that didn’t sit right with me then, and it still doesn’t.

Paddleboarding is one of the rare sports where almost anyone will give it a try if there’s a board sitting on the beach. That universal appeal is special. But what happens next matters just as much. If the next step is intimidating, inaccessible, or reserved only for people who already see themselves as athletes, then we lose what makes this sport powerful in the first place.

That’s why USA SUP was created.

We can’t just be about racing — even if racing is part of the end goal. Every established sport on the planet includes disciplines, distances, conditions, and development pathways. Paddleboarding needs those too if it’s going to grow, be inclusive, and have a real presence on a world stage. Epic events absolutely have a place in our sport — but they cannot define it. Without pathways that help people progress through participation and competition, the net effect is a sport that only serves those who are already elite. That’s not how sports grow, and it’s not what USA SUP was meant to be, at least not from my perspective.

There’s also a bigger reality we need to acknowledge. The world is mostly water, and all of us live near it, in it, or around it in some form. As much water as there is along the coastlines of the United States, there are far more opportunities to paddle between those two coastlines than on the coasts combined. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, harbors, and waterways run through and alongside most of our communities.

In fact, most major cities in the U.S. are built near, in, or around water. These places offer incredible opportunities to get people on boards and enjoying time on the water. And yet, the sport of paddleboarding does not reflect the diversity of the people who live in the places where paddleboarding is actually present. That gap matters. We owe it to the sport — and to paddlers everywhere — to reflect a version of paddleboarding that can happen in most places in this country, and to reflect the diversity of the communities in which we exist.

I’m sharing all of this because it’s also the reason I’ve decided not to run for a board seat again.

Being deeply involved in the organization of paddling has, over time, taken away from my own personal enjoyment of paddling. What started as time on the water slowly became more time in meetings, more decisions, and more responsibility. For my own good, and for my own relationship with this sport, it’s time for me to get back to paddling for myself.

This isn’t stepping away because the work doesn’t matter. It’s stepping back because the work does matter — and it deserves more people carrying it forward.

If you care about the future of standup paddleboarding, now is the time to be more involved. This sport doesn’t need fewer leaders; it needs more. It needs more voices, more perspectives, and more people willing to help shape pathways that welcome someone who’s just playing around on a board and support them as they move toward fitness, connection with nature, or competition — if that’s where they want to go.

USA SUP still matters for the same reason it always has. The work isn’t finished. And it won’t be finished by one board, one vision, or one group of personalities.

I’ll still be out there — just as a paddler again. And I’m grateful to everyone who has shown up, spoken up, and cared enough about this sport to help build something better.

See you on the water.

— Harrison

Sleeping Bear, Rising Sun

by Ryan Whiteford, Traverse City, Michigan - USASUP NorthCentral Region

Paddling Northwest Michigan's big water there is a deep sense of rememberance.  These are the waters indigenous tribes used for travel, fishing, and carrying out ceremonies.  The National Park in Leelanau County inherited its name "Sleeping Bear" Dunes from a Native folktale.  The evolution continued from birch bark & dugout canoes later to explorers and merchants in wooden ships and eventually hulking steel freighters.  Below the surface many relics remain fossilized memories of the respect these waters demand.

The Manitou Passageway is a shipping lane between Michigan's mainland and two islands,  North & South Manitou.  It's treacherous due to a dominant current and full exposure to prevailing westerly winds across Lake Michigan.  Those caught in unfavorable weather have referred to water conditions to that of a washing machine. 

In October 1917 a 133 foot wooden steamer called "The Rising Sun" was caught in gale force winds while hauling potatoes.  It was forcefully grounded in shallow waters off Pyramid Point with all crew abandoning ship and surviving. 

It was noted in local publications that potatoes were found for miles away from the shipwreck along the shoreline in following weeks. The Detroit built ship now rests in about 12 feet of water with its wooden ribs and boiler still visible. 

All around Northwest Michigan are preserved bookmarks of its past just under the crystal clear surface.  There is a reverence amongst locals for the regions nautical history.  With a blossoming new SUP community emerging and learning to navigate these big waters, there is a sense we are part of the lore in a new chapter on the Great Lakes.

Location/access:  The Rising Sun shipwreck is located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  A National Park Pass is required to park.  The closest launch is Port Oneida Beach, a 1.8 mile paddle one way. 

Shipwreck coordinates: N 44° 58.160 W 085° 55.908.  The wreck is approximately 340 feet off shore. 

*** Only experienced paddlers should attempt exploring ***  Lake Michigan offers a very short swim season June-September.  Susceptible to high winds.  Wear your Life Jacket/PFD at all times. Limited/no cellphone service.

by Linda McCoy

If you live in our SouthCentral Region, you are represented by the Lone SouthCentral Regional Rep – hailing from the Lone Star State of Texas– me (Linda McCoy)! I live in the beautiful city of Austin, Texas and I’ve been paddling since June of 2009. I love being an ambassador for SUP in our community and I’ve been leading lake clean ups for 16 years!  I also serve on the USA SUP Board of Directors as Vice President. We literally have a lake right in the middle of the city!!
Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake) was created when the Colorado River was dammed up in 1960 by the Longhorn Dam – originally intended to be a cooling pond for the new city power plant. It was renamed to honor former first Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 2007 shortly after she passed away. Today, Lady Bird Lake hosts about 5 million visitors per year – many of them on SUPs! We also have one of the largest colonies of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats that live under our Congress Avenue Bridge (aka The Ann Richards Bridge)!

If you’re ever in Austin, send me a message! I’d love to take you out for a paddle!

We are currently hoping to add 3 more reps to our roster for the SouthCentral Region! If you live in any of the states represented in the SC Region (NE, KS, CO, OK, NM, or TX) and are interested in representing USA SUP in your community, let us know! Reach out to me at linda.mccoy@usasup.org and I’ll set up a time to talk. You must be a current member of USA SUP in good standing to be a Regional Rep. Not a member? Join today! https://usasup.org/join

Upcoming races in the SouthCentral Region are designated in Dark Blue on our calendar: https://usasup.org/Calendar

Texas Winter 100 – Bastrop, TX -January 25, 2025

Bluet Brawl – Pilot Knoll Park, TX – May 3, 2025

SUP El Camino Real – Bastrop, TX – August 8-9, 2025

Unconfirmed Races:

Icebreaker SUP Classic – Lakewood, CO – May 2025

Flatiron Flat Out – Boulder, CO – June 2025

Longs Peak SUP Classic, Longmont, CO – August 2025

Grand River Dam Paddle – Langley, OK – August 30, 2025

Bragging Rights SUP Classic – Lakewood, CO – September 2025

Middle Loup River Challenge – Thedford, NE – September 2025

Power to Paddle Classic – Stockton Lake, MO – October 2025

Don’t see your race highlighted? Add it to our calendar here! https://usasup.org/contribute

by Grant Cooper

As humans, we are social creatures, and we thrive in communities. Our sense of belonging and connection to others plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. In modern times, the definition of community has expanded to include not just physical neighborhoods, but also the coming together of people based on shared interests, values, and goals.

One of the fundamental values of a community is the desire to help others in need. This innate human instinct can be traced back to our evolutionary history, where cooperation and mutual aid were necessary for survival. Today, this instinct manifests in various forms, but visibly in acts of kindness and generosity throughout our paddle community.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Southern Utah and participate in the Dig Paddlesports "Paddle Poker" community event.

Each year Bill and Michelle Ennis, Owner / Operators of Dig Paddlesports in Hurricane, Utah, organize and run this event, which is a fun paddle around Quail Creek Lake to card stations, some of which are floating and some on shore, where you pick up a playing card to complete your hand. Each hand gets a donated spot prize based on make up of the hand, ie a pair, 2 pairs, Flush etc.  

So a lot of fun for the paddlers of all skills and craft, in typically beautiful Southern Utah weather.

You can see some images from the 2023 Paddle Poker here :- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrL-TvqMxuI

What makes this event special however, is this year, as in previous years, ALL monies raised (entries and silent auctions) was donated to a local family in need.

This year all proceeds benefited a local family battling cancer. The recipient was Andon Mitchell from St George, Utah.

Family members were also out at the event, and some even paddled. 

So like many others in our wonderful paddling community, Bill and Michelle are taking their passion for paddling, rallying the community around this event and donating to a worthy cause in service of others. 

The event was a success, and it not only raised much-needed funds to help Andon and his family, but also served as a reminder of the importance of community and our human desire to help others in need.

If you would like to join a local community to make a positive impact, reach out to your local paddling communities at USA SUP. Here you will find resources to get you started.

Or if you know of existing members, selflessly helping others in need through their passion for SUP, drop us a note at stories@usasup.org and let us know so we can give them a shout out.

In May 2023, USA SUP member and North Central Regional Rep, Adrian Angell will be attempting to stand up paddle across the Irish Sea from the Isle of Man to the Cumbrian coast. His target will be to land on the beach at Seascale, which is the village he grew up in and where his love for watersports started. As a youth, he looked out towards the Isle of Man almost every day, but he has never been there. His planned route is comprised of 36 “straight” miles, but with currents and wind, he anticipates paddling somewhere closer to 40 miles. This requires significant training and planning. He is doing this to benefit Diabetes UK, which funds pioneering world-class research to benefit all forms of diabetes and its complications. Adrian has several friends and family members who are living with diabetes and this cause is very important to him. He has done a stand up paddle fundraiser for this cause since 2018. The results of the research done by Diabetes UK can improve the lives of people dealing with diabetes worldwide.

To learn more or to make a donation, visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/adrian-angell-iom-to-cumbria

by Grant Cooper

In modern sports psychology there is an assertion you should "enjoy the journey, the process and not focus just on the goal".

It is of course based on sound principles, that the emotion of a single event / goal will flourish but then ebb and be gone within a moment while a journey provides a lifetime of lessons and learning, not only about life but you, yourself as well.

However it is equally sound to argue that "if you don't know where you are going, you can never be lost".

Eight, or maybe nine, years ago, every time I drove past a body of water, I would see people out enjoying themselves on paddleboards and a dream was born. I knew I wanted to do this, and could do this, so the journey began...

Soon after, I had my first inflatable board and was off and running, or paddling, towards my dream.

I very quickly learned about "enjoying the journey / process", as like many others my first attempts to paddle were very humbling..... and wet. But through this journey I have never lost sight of what it was I personally believed I could achieve. 

I knew then, and still now know, that one day I could wear my country's colors, my national flag, and win a medal at a World Masters SUP Event.

It will be, and is, hard work, but that dream and your "why" will fuel the flames of your efforts on your journeys path, and ultimately your growth as an athlete and person.

Paddleboarding alone,

On calm blue waters I roam,

Nature's symphony surrounds,

Peaceful mind, my soul astounds.

Breathing deep, I close my eyes,

The sun, a gentle warm surprise,

Wind whispers secrets on my face,

A smile, I cannot replace.

With each stroke, I feel alive,

Free from worries, free from strife,

Just me, the board and the sea,

A moment of pure serenity.

Dan Smith is a race director & owner of Paddling Paradise in Palm Bay, Florida

14 Life Lessons My 14ft Race Board Taught Me

by Kyle Kushner

1. GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE

I like to go about a mile offshore and look back at the city. So quiet and peaceful from out there. It always recharges me with a  new perspective. Sometimes we must physically remove ourselves from the chaos and the noise to gain a new clear perspective. It helps give a new way of looking at any situation or circumstance.

2. CHARGE AS HARD AS YOU CAN

When I race, there’s always someone in front of me and behind me. It doesn’t matter where we are at any moment. What matters is that we know we are doing our best. ALWAYS do your best. Charge as hard as you can. Win or lose; knowing you did your best is all that matters.

3. STAY BALANCED

On a race board in the ocean, this is imperative for obvious reasons but in daily life; we must constantly remind ourselves. Work, relationships, health, and family can all be so overwhelming. Always give what you can but make room for what you need. Take an assessment. What have you been neglecting? What needs some attention, and what needs less?

4. VALUE YOUR LEASH

My leash has saved my life a few times. They can be a pain, but I was sure happy I had one when I needed it. Value your friends and all your loved ones. They can be such a lifeline at times when we need help. Let them know when you need them and show them you care.

5. KNOW YOUR DIRECTION

It’s usually best to plan your route when paddling and when navigating life. Have purpose and intent on where you are headed. Define for yourself where you’d like to go and why, then, again, do your best to get there.

6. HAVE GRATITUDE

Sometimes it is actually good to stop charging too hard on and off the water. We must stop and smell the roses (or sometimes the pelican poop, haha). There is beauty all around. If we move too fast, we might miss it. Find an appreciation in all the little things you usually take for granted. 

7. FLOW WITH THE TIDE, NOT AGAINST IT

When I find the tide’s flow direction, I go faster and with more ease. Resisting flow causes conflict. Be willing to have acceptance for how things are going, good or bad. Don’t resist. Find the momentum and go with it. Life has funny ways of letting us know it’s time for a change. When we don’t fight it, we give way to new opportunities.

8. EYES UP!

When paddling, always keep your eyes up. We lose sight of what’s in front of us when looking down. This is dangerous on the water, and it’s counterproductive in life. With your eyes up, you’ll make informed decisions and see the obstacles that may be in front of you.

9. HYDRATE

Always stay hydrated when paddling so your body and mind stay optimized for performance. Hydrate your body and mind regularly with exercise (and water, of course) to remain optimized in life. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and perform better.

10. HAVE SELF-AWARENESS

Certain conditions on the water call for truly being aware of one’s level of ability and skill. It can actually be a matter of life or death. In daily life, we must work on having self-awareness for different reasons, but they are equally as important. Be conscious of yourself and your actions. Have an awareness of yourself to be more thoughtful and less reactive. When we make rash or impulsive decisions, we lack the self-awareness that might otherwise tell us to choose more wisely.

11. WEAR SUNSCREEN

Just wear sunscreen. That’s it. 

12. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

Rest and sleep are so vital for racing and for performing in life. Always prioritize rest and sleep. You’ll never be at your best without it. You’ll also live a longer, healthier life, so get plenty of sleep.

13. HAVE FUN

Yes, races are competitive and can get serious, but at the end of the day, it’s just a race. You can’t win them all, so lighten up, have fun, and enjoy life. You don’t have to be so serious all of the time. Everything’s not a competition, and remember, we’re all on our own paths.

14. NEVER GIVE UP

When the storm clouds roll in, and the wind picks up, pushing you out to sea, you can never give up.

When you lose your job, or your business, or your home burns down, or the person you love says they don’t love you anymore, or you lose a friend, or you lose a family member, or your bank account goes negative, or your car won’t start, or your child pushes you away, or that bully embarrasses you, or the doctor says it’s not good, or you feel completely alone, or you have no more energy left, or you feel like you can’t get out of bed, or you feel worthless, or you feel like your world is imploding, or you feel like you can’t go on, NEVER NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

Remember life is always flowing with the tide, and the tides are always changing.

Don’t resist, just flow and know it’s always only just a moment.

Moments change, and they pass.

Life will go in so many directions that we cannot control.

But, if we flow and never give up, we’ll always inevitably find our way back to the shore.

Be well and live well my friends,

Kyle G. Kushner

Kyle is a web designer and owner of KGK Digital.

( He recently built a site for PRO SUP SHOP - check it out! )