Fastest Growing Sport In The World Set To Hit Auckland’s Waves

The first ever series of events solely for Stand Up Paddling is hitting Auckland’s waves on Saturday 29th January as part of the Starboard Summer Series.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is the fastest growing sport in the world and is the only sport to have been established since the boom of social media.

Among the thousands for New Zealanders already enjoying the sport are some of our top sports stars who are finding the sport as great cross training exercise. Including Olympic Champions, league players, top NZ surfers and triathletes. One of those is Olympic Gold Medalist, Barbara Kendall,

“Stand Up Paddling is an unbelievable sport – I just love it. I feel so fortunate it has come about since my retirement from boardsailing. It is a great way to keep fit and include some social aspects to fitness as well.”

Kendall will be attending all four events that make up the Hyundai Starboard Summer Series events, starting with Race One of the Hyundai Auckland City Series on Saturday 29th January.

Racing consists of a 10km course designed to test fitness and endurance of athletes and is organised by founder of Starboard New Zealand, Jeremy Stephenson.

“We are so excited to be bringing the first SUP races to New Zealand, it is such a greats sport to not only take part in but such a great spectator sport.” said Stephenson.

Originating from Hawaii, the sport is an ancient form of surfing, and reemerged as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of students, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them - such as incoming swell.

It has over the last 8 years taken off as a sport for all ages and abilities, its participants finding great results in overall strength and fitness. It has been nicknamed ‘yoga on water’.

Hyundai Auckland City Series
Saturday 29th January Kohimarama Beach
Saturday 26th February Kohimarama Beach
Saturday 19th March Takapuna Beach

Hyundai NZ SUP Championships
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th April Takapuna Beach

SUP Clinics – FREE!
Sunday 23rd January
Monday 24th January
Sunday 13th February

See www.starboard.co.nz for start times and registration information.