National SUP Day

Celebrate the sport of SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and get involved with the world’s fastest growing paddle sport! Just about anyone of almost any age can enjoy SUP on almost any body of water, including lakes, rivers and even the sea, enjoying the calming sport while getting some quality exercise. 

National SUP Day is the perfect time to show some appreciation for and raise awareness about this delightful water activity!

History of National SUP Day

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a sport that offers a great deal of versatility, taking on a wide range of activities such as touring, racing, nature exploration, fishing or even yoga. No matter how it is practiced, this sport can be for just about anyone who simply likes to be out on the water and appreciates the autonomy provided by a stand up paddleboard.

While modern SUP got its start in Hawaii in the 1940s with a connection to surfing, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it began to gain popularity and recognition as a sport. By 2013, stand up paddleboarding was named as the outdoor activity with the most first time participants.

National Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Day was founded through an idea with the charity AquaPaddle. The day was established with the purpose of encouraging more people to try out and engage with this fascinating, enjoyable, and healthy sport.

How to Celebrate National SUP Day

Spend some time with this relaxing activity by participating in National SUP Day with some of these plans:

Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Those who are new to the idea of SUP, or who have seen photos but have never tried it, should absolutely use National SUP Day as a motivation to get out on the water! People of all ages and fitness levels can be involved with SUP with minimal training, helping burn calories, build muscle strength, improve coordination and more. Though it’s not a difficult sport, some people may feel more confident by having a lesson or at least some pointers before they actually get out on the water.

Join AquaPaddle for SUP

AquaPaddle is one of the supporters and founders of National SUP Day, provides free access to stand up paddleboarding on waterways across the United Kingdom. They work with partners to provide free-of-charge, timed 5km paddle board experiences with the desire to encourage people in their physical and mental well-being.

SUP for Charity

Some of the different SUP organizations have hosted a range of different events and activities that raise support for charities and people in need. National SUP Day is a perfect time to participate in or host an event that will help others in need, whether through SUP races, SUP city river tours, or SUP yoga classes for mental health.

Some of the many different charities that have been helped by SUP events in the past include environmental change charities, social change organizations, health nonprofits (such as cystic fibrosis support), SUP programs for people with disabilities and more.