Meet our new USA SUP Coordinator, Gail Kotowski

We are thrilled to have a well known member of our SUP community joining us as our first part time hire, serving as our 'Coordinator'. Gail's flexibility, skills, experience in our sport and positive attitude make the perfect person to help us keep USA SUP rolling & growing!  Thank you, Gail - we're lucky to have you. 

   

A little bit more about Gail directly from the source:

I grew up surfing in the frigid waters of Hull,MA.The friendships and bonds made as a Hobie grom are still very dear to me. As my over-skied knees impaired my surfing ability, I discovered Sup paddling in 2010

and became hooked on paddling and racing. The same community that was missing from my youth was found again .

The gathering of the tribe at paddle events just warms my heart.

My legal career was even inspired by my love for surfing ! I helped advocate/lobby for a dedicated surf area at Nantasket Beach to be set aside by state legislation because our town would not. 

After a life long career as a divorce/bankruptcy lawyer, I was looking to become involved with an organization that has a positive mission.

The position as Coordinator for USA SUP opened up and I knew this would be a perfect fit. What better way than helping a national organization that promote's my favorite sport. I truly want to see USA SUP become the National voice for the fastest growing sport and community. 

I look forward to meeting our members and promoting our mission and events. Please keep sending your news, events and pictures either by social media messenger or email contact@usasup.org or  Gail.kotowski@usasup.org.

Go Team USA!  

This weekend the ISA (international Surf Association) will be holding their annual world championships for SUP (Stand Up Paddling) from October 28 - November 6 in Puerto Rico. National teams from all over the world will gather to compete in 3 Types of SUP Races (Distance, Tech & Relay) and a SUP surfing contest. 

We are especially proud of the three young paddlers (U18) that are qualified to represent the USA!  USA SUP (an independent SUP racing organization by and for American SUP competitors) members Campbell Carter, Soryn Preston and Bodie Von Allman will comprise the Juniors portion of Team USA.   

As all three are supported by the board brand SIC, we asked Global Brand Manager (and USA SUP member) Casi Rynkowski about the company's notable support of the next generation. "SIC Maui believes strongly in supporting the future of racing, and the Youth Development Team does just that.  The youth team is provided mentorship from our top athletes to help them better navigate the racing scene, along with marketing and product education to help strengthen their knowledge and promote the growth of their own personal brands.  Our goal is to not only cultivate the best racers, but to create stewards of watersports that can help pass on the excitement to future generations."  USA SUP shares the vision of supporting youth as a major component of growing the sport we love. 

PHOTO: SIC Maui TEAM at the Gorge in Hood River, Oregon

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for this Friday October 28;  Live coverage should be found on ISASurf.org 

We wish the best of luck to everyone competing in or and running the event (USA SUP members Dave Boehne & Anthony Vela will be there commentating & race directing). Buena suerte a todos! 

PHOTO: Just some of Team USA from the qualifier event that is held the second week of June every year in Oceanside, CA: Hunter Flueger (prone), Connor Baxter, Bodie Von Allman, Candice Appleby, Soryn Preston & April Zilg. Not pictured:  SUP Surfers: Zane Schweitzer, Bernd Roediger, & Kanani Yockman, and prone female Tiana Pugliese.