East of Maui EWE Spirit Chesapeake Stand Up Challenge

By Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President

Photos courtesy: Ted Morgan

The East of Maui EWE Spirit Chesapeake Stand Up,Challenge is an annual event that takes place in Annapolis, MD at the mouth of the Severn River. Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club and organized by Mark Bandy and Mark Saunders, former Eastofmaui Boardshop store owners for over 21 years. The Boardshop sadly closed it's doors in early 2025, however the loyal customer base still remains heavily invested in local SUP events. I purchased my first rigid race board there in 2023 and am forever grateful for their assistance in acquiring it and all the knowledgeable advice. Originally, this race was comprised completely of SUP surf boards. As the years went on and paddlers transitioned to race boards, the surf category is still included to pay homage to how it began.

The event is named in honor of Geoff Ewenson who passed away in 2020, former unforgettable exrtrodinary sail and SUP enthusiast. The Foundation that bears his name and benefits from registrant donations, assists those facing hardships with financial and social support. President Mary Iliff Ewenson, his widow, brings joy to others in memoriam and remains committed to helping those in need.

The threat of impending storms prompted a change of course from what everyone had grown accustomed to in previous years. The new course featured a 1.4 mile loop around an obtuse triangle for the short course, three loops for the five mile and five loops for seven mile. Conditions were flat as a pancake, with some boat traffic beginning about halfway through. The air was saturated which increased the difficulty substantially despite the low winds. Paddling on and through water takes a toll, although completing the challenge is very satisfying. In addition, the affair included a youth race. Those included were the children of the adult racers who passed the fun down to them.

Following the race, there were breakfast burritos, watermelon, mimosas and bloody marys for everyone's enjoyment. The live band kept everyone entertained until the awards presentation in which the locals shined. It was another great day in Maryland's capital city to stand up to the Challenge

Charles Island SUP Cup 2026

By Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President

Photos courtesy: Harper Photograph

Day 1

NEW this year! Time Trials

One half mile each way around a buoy from the beach. Easy right? Not so much, add in some stiff crosswinds and it's a real challenge! Thankful to be have trained in such conditions though not yet hitting my full stride this season, I was able to complete the challenge in a reasonable amount of time. Taking what I could, when I could without taking a swim and having confidence in my training. Challenging yourself is always very rewarding after you've finished the task. Got to see some of the best show everyone how it's done. Having a bonus day with everyone made the weekend extra special!

Day 2

The Charles Island SUP CUP holds a very special place on the calendar and in the hearts of many paddlers. It is a uniquely cultivated spectacle shaped by some of the most passionate minds in the sport. Bill Harper of Harper Photograph, Joe Galiatsatos and Bryan Hughan capture the essence of the event in all of it's magnificent glory. Their artistic use of drones and cameras is uncanny. The recordings serve to bring the stoke to those watching on their devices from wherever they may be. Walnut Beach shines bright as the water from the Long Island Sound reaches the shell filled beach. Milford Mayor Rich Smith recognizes the significance of the event and it's lasting impact on the community. The 11th anniversary of the race, as in previous years, brought participants from up and down the east coast, ranging from Canada all the way to Florida.

The competition was stiff, but that didn't keep any others. For some it was the first or second entry ever in a competition, for it's not all about that, but more so the community element and shared stoke that SUP brings to countless souls. The course begins with a running start from the beach, ornamented with the home flags of every participant, to the first unique element. A golden buoy which holds a special prize for the first reach it. Paddlers continue on to Charles Island, the race's namesake. The 15 acre island is named after English settler Charles Deal who bought it in 1657. From there, it's back to the beach for the second element, a turnaround on the beach before heading back out to a large buoy. A step back turn there then it's on to the final stretch. Back towards shore, rounding another buoy and parallel to shore, prior to a series of three technical turns right before running back onto shore and across the finish. Spectators love the action as they cheer loudly for all but a little louder for their favorites.

One cannot say enough positive things about race director and Surfrider Foundation Connecticut executive Jack Egan and everything he's done uplift the sport and the community. He is deeply invested and puts forth an incredible amount of effort. He takes care to engage and listen to anyone about SUP. Thank you Scoot & Paddle for continuing to support the event year after year and ensuring it continues. A staple in the town, they provided rentals to anyone who wished to get out and enjoy the many benefits of paddling. Cheers to Athletic Brewing Company for providing the non-alcoholic awards to quench the the thirst. Just as big a thanks to everyone who donated their time in making it happen on both days. I'm forever grateful to Bob Fournier for welcoming me into his home during my stay. I was treated royally as he invited me to dinner with his family and chill time in the pool. Haven't been yet? Do yourself a humongous favor and get on it ASAP!

Coosa River Ramble

By Matthew Carrier, Southeast Region Member

The inaugural Coosa River Ramble is in the books and what a way to kick off a new Southeast regional race. It was hot, it was calm and it was a lot of fun! The race offers something for just about everyone: SUP 5k and 10K, Kayak 5k and 10K, Recreational 5K, and a 24k.

OC1/OC2/Surfski/Sea Kayak course. In all, there were 55 racers coming from the Florida panhandle (thanks to USA SUP board member Michellle “Feisty” Feits), Huntsville, Mississippi and Tennessee. We had racers from 12 years old to senior master’s level aged. The race committee provided plenty of fruit and Danish for breakfast and a hearty 5 course BBQ lunch provided by Butts-To-Go in Pell City.

The SUPs had a beach start while those using a double bladed paddles had a wet start. Each course took racers along a shoreline of beautiful homes and included a small island circumnavigation and 2 flamingo buoy turns, the mascot for this year’s race. There was great competition on the course and camaraderie at the finish line. What made this race extra special, at least for me, is watching the support each racers gives one another as this is a tight-knit paddle family regardless of where they call home. Trophies were awarded to the top 3 in each category and 3 special prizes were given to show appreciation for their subject matter expertise and help along with the planning process.

Pell City’s lakeside park is an excellent venue offering a beach as mentioned as well as plenty of other soft water entry points, a huge pavilion that was our race HQ right next to the beach with adjacent parking, clean bathrooms close by, ample areas for spectating, photography and drone pilots capturing the race. There are plenty of options for the non-racers including a huge kids splash pad and playground, walking trails and plenty of shade under the oaks. The park is only a few minutes from I20 and the hotels. There are local eateries all over including several lakefront options.

Of course, being the first edition, there were a couple of small bumps in the road and lessons learned but at the end of the day, fun was had by all and no one left hungry! I can’t tell you how excited I am about the 2027 edition, and the planning has already begun. We are looking to add a Sunday event, be it a technical race, a leisure paddle to an awesome lakefront lunch or a group hike in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Navarre Paddle Classic 5th Anniversary

By Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President

Photos courtesy: C. Greene Visions

I hadn't visited the Florida panhandle until last weekend and my first time couldn't have been better. Michelle Feits has created a can't-miss event on the white sands of the Emerald Coast. This thin strip of land bordering the Gulf Coast is the perfect tourist destination and it lives up to it's name. The sunlight's blue wavelengths penetrating the shallow coastal waters combined with the yellow wavelengths reflecting upward off the fine quartz sand gives off an emerald green color to the eye of the perceiver. It's Florida's most relaxing place, perfect for Maryland's chillest paddleboarder.

Michelle has poured her heart, soul and creative mind into making the weekend an experience paddlers talk about long after and insist their friends also attend. Along with the assistance of her local community, she successfully executed one of the most unique races on the calendar.

2026 marked the 5th anniversary of this ever so popular event. The beneficiary is the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center which is dedicated to protecting the magnificent creatures and their habitats. It was a must for me to support and participate in the competition because the center works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate my spirit animal.

All crafts and ages were invited to partake in the Classic which offered 1, 3, 6 and 12 mile courses along with a very cool paddleboard jousting event on day one. The fun continued with technical and relay races with mixed crafts comprising each team for even more thrills on day two. Starts began from the beach for SUP in the distance and technical races. Both included buoy turns near the Navarre Beach Causeway in the current of the Santa Rosa Sound. A beach turn was included in the tech race, a challenging aspect I always enjoy. I earned a top ten finish in the 6 mile and my team came together nicely to snag second in the relay.

There was much to see and do throughout the weekend for everyone who came from every state stretching from South Carolina to Texas. I can't thank Janis Marie enough for taking in this weary traveler and treating me to her southern hospitality. I reunited with members of my extended paddle family which I hadn't seem for some time and we bonded over the memories we were experiencing live. We're all very grateful to the help and support of all the volunteers and sponsors. For without you, there are no such events. Shout out to Andy D's on Navarre Beach for hosting the post race festivities. Try your best to make it here next year everyone!

Kumu'ohu Challenge 2026

by Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President

Hayden Miller @haydenonthewatwer

This year marked the 20th anniversary of this tradition. 15 years after the SUP category was introduced in 2011. Relocated from the historic Washington Canoe Club boathouse that is currently undergoing rehabilitation to the Columbia Island Marina and featuring a new course. The event took place exactly three months since the catastrophic Potomac Interceptor sewer line failure released over 240 million gallons of untreated sewage into one of the largest rivers on the east coast. Since mid March, water sampling test results have been increasingly acceptable and recreational advisories lifted. The following are quotes from Kathy Summers and the WCC regarding the race and the first edition of the new SUP award.

Kathy Summers -

"The Kumu'ohu Challenge was started by WCC member Mitch Potter, who wanted to host the first paddle race of the Mid-Atlantic racing season while keeping fees as low as possible. His goal was simple: create a day of great racing and community. That meant an after-party for sure—but no fancy awards or race swag.

Why “Kumu’ohu”? Mitch and his wife Amy had hoped to get the Foggy Bottom Pub to sponsor the race. Since they were outrigger racers themselves, they chose a Hawaiian name that best translated to “Foggy Bottom,” landing on “Kumu’ohu.” The sponsorship didn’t come through—but the name stuck."

WCC -

“The WCC is proud to announce the Kathy Summers SUP Award, recognizing the fastest man and woman in the 12’6” and 14’ classes. Kathy Summers brought SUP to WCC, and this award honors her lasting contributions to both the club and the broader SUP community.”

It was a relatively calm day on the river with warm temperatures, low winds and little boat traffic. The flow of air traffic to and from Reagan National Airport was almost constant overhead as paddlers navigated the course from the start at the Navy and Marine Memorial, up to the Theodore Island pedestrian bridge, back past the start, then down halfway down along East Potomac Park before returning to the finish. The field consisted of paddlers traveling from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and southeast VA who joined some first-time racers as well as those returning. April Zilg was present to participate in the OC-1 category and afterwards she shared her skills in instructing a clinic. Congrats to Jack Ballard and Regan Littell in etching their names onto the first Kathy Summers Award and to all who participated on this wonderful day.

 

The Paddle for Oahu

by NorthEast Member Josette Lata

The Paddle for Oahu was held on May 2nd in Seaside Heights NJ, the first race of the SUP season in the NorthEast. The race required participants to donate to the Lahui Foundation that provides flood relief such as food, helps farmers, and directs people to resources to help rebuild their homes which were affected by historic flooding. The event featured 2-mile and 5-mile races with participants heading North to circumnavigate West Point Island where conditions were very choppy and many people had to kneel through the chop. 

Despite being on protected flat water, the race was demanding, with many paddlers falling into the 48 degree bay. Everyone pushed through and enjoyed a pot luck meal which people brought themselves and laughter. The race had much support from Seaside Heights fire and rescue with 2 jet skis and the race directors own boat to make sure no one needed help in the cold temps. 

The race had about 30 people and it donated about $1500 to the foundation and was matched by the Surfers Environmental Alliance which is "Committed to the cultural and environmental integrity of the sport of surfing.” They support the Belmar Beach Bash, Surfers Healing and ran the beloved NY SEA paddle. Kevin Kliner an avid SUP master donated the awesome T-shirts. This race symbolizes the stoke that little NJ has. We all were affected by Hurricane Sandy in one way or another and every little bit helps.

The Treasure Coast Paddle Battle
by Troy Hendricks, North Central Regional Rep

The Treasure Coast Paddle Battle in Fort Pierce, FL, successfully kicked off the East Coast SUP season.

The event featured 10k and 5k races, with the 10k course starting on the ocean, passing through the Fort Pierce channel, and concluding at Jaycee Park. Conditions were particularly challenging this year; Race Director Victoria Burgess described the water as "sporty," with open ocean winds reaching 20 MPH. These conditions led approximately ten paddlers, including two USA SUP regional representatives, to switch from the 10k to the 5k course.

The 5k race followed a coat-hook-shaped course with a beach start and the same finish line as the 10k. Despite being on flat water, the race was demanding, as one segment headed directly into the 20 MPH winds, while others required paddlers to battle to stay on course.

New this year was the Sunday Technical Race. After setting the buoys, Victoria turned the coordination of the heats over to John Meskauskas. Conditions remained tough; the women’s division featured a single winner-take-all heat, while the men competed in three heats to determine the final.

The Texas Winter 100k
by Meral Amica Akyol

The Texas Winter 100k has been on my bucket list forever. Yesterday I was finally able to do it and it turned out to be the best 15mi River Race Lesson, that I ever had
With some background from winter paddling on Bodensee in Germany with waves, storms, cold and all the drama, I thought I knew what “wild water” meant. The 15mi SUP course seemed like “just a longer Paddle”, no big deal.

Well… the Colorado River between Utley Bridge and Bastrop politely laughed at me.
Rocks everywhere and Sandbanks and Logs playing hide and seek. Rocks in-between rapids that could easily be labeled Wildwater back home, took me off my board.

Some swirls that looked innocent where basically nature saying: “Something is under here. Good luck.” That was where some invisible underwater rocks took me off my board, while I was doing the “Superman” move time and time again.

I went from being 3rd overall to the end of the pack, fall by fall, getting stuck, carrying the board through shallow waters, getting back up and falling or getting stuck again in what felt like and endless repeat. Needless to say, that one of my biggest lessons was, that this course is not made for a 9” long fin. Now I have a reason to love my 4,5” inch rubber river fin that is safely packed away at home in Germany.
Thanks to Deborah Carrillo, I had a real good time paddling,   chatting and guesstimating the water. Her uplifting comments helped me feel less lost

Cudos to the other 3 Ladies in the SUP Sprint division, who won the podium.
1. Linda McCoy
2. Kiri Oksol Nevin
3. Deborah Carillo

Massive respect to every single paddler who took on the Challenge of this rocky low water Colorado River in Winter with high winds and gusts.
While we did the “sprint course”, the Main Race track of the Texas Winter 100k is a full 100 kilometer course that was done by all kinds of crafts and paddlers with different backgrounds, different boards, but who that shared the same madness and determination to finish. I have the highest respect for the 100k finishers who were exposed to temps between 29 and 45 F and winds up to 18kts.

Nature was powerful, cold was strong, but we all were stronger. We didn’t let the cold win

Already humbled. Already grateful. Already thinking about next time.
Thank you Kiri Oksol Nevin for the help , Linda McCoy from USA SUP for racing and showing up, Deborah Carrillo for the nice chat during the race. Veronica Sosa who did an amazing job for a 1st time race director.
Thank you to Christi Lancaster Bonura and Julia Smith and all the volunteers who kept us warm, hydrated and satiated.

Thank you to Oscar Propulsion for letting me use the 2 Piece adjustable Paddle. I used it for Last Paddler Standing and now also for this real rough endeavour. And as far as I can say it’s been beat up pretty “good” from crashing against the gravel. Seems to be a tough paddle.
Special thanks go out to my love John Knippers who inspires and supports me in unprecedented ways.

*Photos by Jason Sawyer 

The 3rd Annual Super Chill Paddle 'N' Plunge

by Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President

The 3rd Annual Super Chill Paddle 'N' Plunge presented by Aloha Paddle LKN lived up to it's name, for it took place on an unusually cold and windy winter day.

Paddlers from eight states convened in Moorseville, NC at Lake Norman for an early start to their season. The night before the race, entrants gathered for a welcome party and silent auction of an array of items to benefit Piper's Angels Foundation. Race participants could choose to be even more generous by electing to partake in a cold plunge into the lake after completing their chosen course to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Course options were comprised of the aptly named Super Chill 8.5, Frosty 5, Polar Express 2 and Snowflake Sprint. A distance for every cold tolerance and paddlecraft. A unique inclusion in the festivities was the Rumble for Bumble, a short and exciting team paddle relay race. Things got off to a fast start as everyone was keen on keeping the blood flowing to their extremities. For the long distance, conditions played a major role and resulted in several DNFs but it was not for a lack of effort. It's best to know your limits in any situation and follow safety protocols. Support boats were at the ready to provide assistance to anyone in need and to ensure everyone reached the beach safely. The finishers endured the cold and the overall men and women winners of the Super Chill were crowned Ice and King and Queen!

The low temperatures failed to chill out the strong sense of Aloha. Organizers were well prepared for the icy conditions with a fire, heaters and hot beverage options to warm paddlers and spectators alike. Live music and food trucks preceding the awards kept the party going until the post- race warm-up gathering. Conditions aren't likely to be as cold next year but be prepared for anything at this rapidly growing event!

by Michael Markunas, Member from the SouthEast and SouthWest Regions

This November saw the launch of the Candice Appleby's first annual Green Buoy Battle sponsored by Hennessy’s. This event is already destined to be classic and a must-race for paddlers of all skill levels. 

Nearly 200 racers took part in two, 3.5 mile battles around the green navigational buoy just outside Dana Point harbor. Racers had a water start from within the harbor for a smooth one mile flat water sprint before turning into the calm waters of the pacific to complete the 1.5 mile loop around the green buoy. California’s friendly sea lions did not disappoint and were enthusiastically playing around the green buoy while racers made their turns. A few racers commented that they even heard the sea lions barking (cheering) them on. After battling around the buoy, racers rode the small bumps back to the breakwater pivoting into the harbor and sprinting the final mile back through flat water and finishing at Baby Beach. After a break for lunch, racers hit the water to do it all over again! 

In the SUP division, Thiago Giacomelli led the men with the fastest combined time, while Soryn Preston took the top spot in the women's division. Jake Keville and Rachael Tilly brought it home for the prone division.  Other notable finishers were Nater Errez & Ava Crellin who had the fastest combined times in the Male & Female surfski division, Danny Ching and Brandi Baksic were the fastest in OC1 and Saul Dobson and Ann Matteson were the fastest V1's.

For an inaugural race, the whole event ran like clockwork. Of course, world champion SUP Racer/SUP Surfer and now outrigger athlete, Candice Appleby, is no stranger to race events but for a first time event, it was impressive how it all came together.  Candice was even able to get long time sponsor of the legendary Pacific Paddle Games, Hennessey's Pub, to sponsor the Green Buoy Battle giving it that legendary feel. The libations and live music at the awards ceremony at Hennessey's later that afternoon made the day's events even more memorable. If you participated, congratulations on being able to say that you were there when it all started, and if you weren't, mark your calendars for next year, this instant classic is one you will not want to miss!