Vote for your TOP 5 MALE PADDLERS below. When submitting your vote, there should be a different athlete’s name per ranking. Please do not select one athlete for all three rankings.
Connor Baxter
HOME: Maui, HI
SPONSORS:
Starboard, Rainbow Sandals, Rista Fins Maui Jim Sunglasses, EFX Technology, Dakine, Watermans Sunscreen, On It Pro, Go Pro Cameras, Sunrite Maui, Hi-Tech Sports
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 Molokai 2 Oahu Champion (record for fastest time)
• 2011 Battle of the Paddle Winner
• 2012 Olukai Ho’ Olaule’A Winner
• 2011 SUP Awards, number one ranked paddler
QUOTE:
“SUP is one of the greatest sports I’ve ever participated in. And, now that the race scene has become so popular, you could race at an event every weekend – somewhere in the world. What a great way to travel, see the world and meet new people. Stoked to be involved in one of the fastest growing sports!!! Always have fun and never give up!!!”
Matt Becker
HOME: Santa Barbara, CA
SPONSORS:
Vertra Elemental Resistance, Maui Jim
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012- Winner- Davenport Downwinder Race
• 2012- Winner- Surftech Sup Shootout
• 2012- Carolina Cup Elite SUP Race Results- 3rd Place
• 2011- Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard/ SUP Race- Winner- 14ft
QUOTE:
“I love standup because I can do it anywhere. With regular surfing you need waves, and generally good ones at that. With standup, I’m able to get on the water pretty much anywhere, everyday, and still have a bunch of fun and be stoked at the end of the day. Along with that I love the thrill of competition whether its a race, sup surfing competition, or seeing how far I can push myself training.”
Dave Boehne
HOME: Dana Point, CA
SPONSORS:
Infinity Surfboards, Werner Paddles, Honolua Surf Co., Boardworks, Hoven, On A Mission
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Honolua Santa Barbara Downwinder, 1st Place
• 2012 WPA Santa Monica Paddle Championships, 2nd Place, 12’6″ Elite
• 2012 WPA U.S. Championship, Dana Point, 3rd Place 12’6″ Elite
• 2012 Watermans Paddle For Humanity, Dana Point, 3rd Place 12’6″ Elite
QUOTE:
“I love the ocean. I could never live away from the coast. I never take it for granted and spend as much time in it as I can. With SUP, it’s fun to learn, evolve and feel like you’re improving as an athlete. I’m a surfer first, but love the challenge of training and mental discipline that racing demands. I love the progression in designs and approaches. Being a designer myself, it feels as if this is SUP’s golden. It’s so cool to be a part of it–blazing a path for the future.”
Danny Ching
HOME: Redondo Beach, CA
SPONSORS:
404 SUP Race Boards, Rainbow Sandals, On-A-Mission Deck Pads and Leashes, FCS Race Fins, Vertra Elemental Resistance, Jen Optics Sunglasses, Simple Mobile, Riviera Paddle Surf
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012- 1st Place 12’6″ elite race Orangebowl Miami, FL 7 mile race 1/15
• 2011- 1st BOP CA Distance Race
• 2011-1st BOP HI Distance Race
• 2011- 2nd BOP HI Elite Race
QUOTE:
“I love how versatile the sport of sup has become. It can be done by anyone, anywhere. I love the people and their passion this sport produces. I love the Battle of the Paddle. I love how competitive the races are. I love the grom races. I love being able to workout outside, on the water.”
Keahi de Aboitiz
HOME: Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia
SPONSORS:
Cabrinha, Neil Pryde, JP Australia
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 Standup World Tour, Huntington Beach, The first perfect 10 on tour
• 2011 Australian Titles, 3rd Place
• 2010 Noosa Festival of Surfing, 2nd Place
• 2010, Malfunction Standup Division, 1st place
QUOTE:
“For me, SUP is perfect as it fills a big gap in my surfing. It makes surfing smaller waves more fun. In bigger stuff it allows you to see waves coming and position yourself better than you can on a short board. Using the paddle also allows for maneuvers you can’t do the same on a shortboard. You can balance with the paddle through turns, use it to accelerate through turns and get past flat sections. I feel like if I wasn’t doing SUP, I’d be missing so many days surfing and its something I can’t live without. In the future, I hope I can continue to push the limits.”
Antoine Delpero
HOME: Biarritz, France
SPONSORS:
Quiver Surfboards by Alain Mnivielle, Creatures of Leisure, Oxbow
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2010- Stand Up World Tour- ranked #3
• 2012- ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship- Men’s SUP Surfing Final- 1st Place
• Longboard World Champion 2009
• Runner Up Longboard World Champion 2008
Dan Gavere
HOME: Hood River, OR
SPONSORS:
Starboard, Teva, Smith, FCS, H2o Overdrive, Level 6, Astral Buoyancy, Teigs, GoPro, supinstruction.com
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Whitewater Championships, Overall Winner
• 2012- Cold Stroke Classic- 1st Place- Elite Men’s 14′
• 2011- Surftech Sup Shootout- 2nd Place
• “Ultimate Guide to Stand Up Paddling”- instructor
QUOTE:
“I love SUP because its new, you can do it anywhere, and everyone likes to participate. Plus its allowing me to keep being creative with a paddle in my hands and live my dreams.”
Travis Grant
HOME: Queensland, Australia
SPONSORS:
C4 Waterman, Patagonia, FCS, Maui Jim, Olukai, Vertra, Sweet Waterwear, Kamanu Composites, Watershack.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012- Quicksilver Waikiki Paddle Festival, Survivor SUP race, 1st place
• 2012-Olukai Ho’olaule’a, 2nd place
• 2012 ISA World Championship, 1st Place, Technical race
• 2011 Battle of the Paddle, Hawaii, 1st Place, Elite race
QUOTE:
“I’m still amazed at the speed and growth of SUP in all its forms are expanding on a global scale. The SUP community, is the best part. Everyone involved is so passionate. Every event becomes a great social gathering. Mind you, the places we get to race/paddle are also pretty dam cool. Not many sports use the ocean as there arena. How could you not love that?”
Justin Holland
HOME: New South Whales, Australia
SPONSORS:
Starboard, Quiksilver, Kona Red
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• ISA World Championships, 2nd Place, SUP Surfing
• 2012 Australian SUP Surfing Champion
• 2012 Standup World Tour, Sapinus Pro, 3rd Place
• Currently ranked 8th on the Standup World Tour
QUOTE:
“SUP has opened up a whole new challenge in riding waves for me. Whether it be with freinds and family or just out on a small reef pass by yourself, its just opened up so many more options that I’m loving. I really love the surf option and am concentrating on that side at the moment.”
Daniel Hughes
HOME: Huntington Beach, California
SPONSORS:
Kings Paddlesports, Quickblade, Coral Reef
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Revolt Summer Surf Series, 1st Place
• 2011 Tourmaline Surf Club Challenge, 1st Place
• 2011 Dale Velzy Classic, 1st Place
• 2011 Guy Takayama Pro, 1st Place
QUOTE:
“I SUP because when I’m on the water I feel so joyful, I just praise my Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how good or bad the waves are I always have the most fun on my SUP. I really love this sport because mostly everyone at SUP contests and races are super-nice, and I love being involved with this growing sport!”
Dave Kalama
HOME: Maui, HI
SPONSORS:
H2o Audio, Quickblade Paddles, Dakine
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Winner of 2010 Rainbow Sandals Molokai 2 Oahu Paddlboard World Championships
• Winner Naish Maliko 2010 14′
• Winner Maui Naish International Paddleboard Championship (Maliko)
• 2011 SUP Awards, 2nd ranked paddler
QUOTE:
“Stand up paddling keeps me fit, is fun, challenges me, provides for me, humbles me, rewards me, makes me smile, teaches me and feeds my soul, that’s why I love this sport so much. My specialty is waves, downwind races, coaching standup paddlers and designing equipment.”
Kody Kerbox
HOME: Maui, HI
SPONSORS:
Naish, Teva, Zico Coconut Water, Kaenon
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012- Sunset Beach Pro- 2nd Place
• Stand UP World Tour Rookie of the year 2011
• 2011 Stand Up World Tour La Torche, France, Trials Winner
• 2012 Watermans Paddle For Humanity, Tahoe, 1st Place
QUOTE:
“I love stand up because it’s new and exciting. It gives me a chance to try new things and look at the waves differently then I have ever before. My specialty would have to be wave riding, but for the last few months I have been training and focusing a lot more on racing. I love them both in different ways.”
Chase Kosterlitz
HOME: St. Pete Beach, Florida
SPONSORS:
Fanatic, Quickblade, Kaenon, Garmin, ZICO, Futures, ION
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Florida State Championships, 1st Place
• 2012 Lost Mills International SUP Race, Germany, 1st Place
• 2011 Paddle for Humanity, Deerfield Beach, 1st place
• Hennessey’s World Championship, 1st Place
QUOTE:
“I love standup paddling because the possibilities for the sport are limitless. Whether you’re young, old, professional or beginner, everyone can enjoy this amazing sport.”
Kai Lenny
HOME: Paia, HI
SPONSORS:
Red Bull, Oxbow, Naish, Contour, Vertra Elemental Resistance, Turtle Bay Resort
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Standup World Series, Chicago, 1st Place distance
• 2012 Punta Sayulita Classic, 2nd Place
• 2011 Standup World Tour World Champion
• 2010 Standup World Tour Champion
QUOTE:
“I love standup because no matter what condition, or where I am in the world, I’ll always be having fun! SUP has opened my mind to other avenues to have fun on the water. I hope everyone can try it and know the feeling that I love. I specialize in anything standup paddling. My competitive focuses right now is Wave and Race. My all time favorite conditions is Big waves.”
Colin McPhillips
HOME: San Clemente, CA
SPONSORS:
Hobie, Oxbow, Sex wax, Rainbow Footwear, Soleo Organics
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 1999, 2001 & 2002 ASP Longboarding World Champion
• 2011 Ventura SUP Surf Challenge, 1st Place
• 2002 Pro Surfing Tour of America Champion
• Standup World Tour, three 2nd Place finishes and a third
QUOTE:
“All Things surf, lifestyle and everything in between. My specialty in the sport is all things surf. If I’m in the water, I’m a happy camper.”
Jamie Mitchell
HOME: Currumbin, Gold Coast, Australia
SPONSORS:
Quicksilver, Reef, SurfTech SUP, Quickblade, Futures Fins, Kaenon, Watermans Applied Science, KonaRed, Nanotune
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 1st Place Long Distance, ISA Wolrd SUP Championships, Peru
• 2009 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, 1st Place Elite
• Winner, Waterman of the Year, Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
• 2011 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, 2nd Place Elite
QUOTE:
“My love for SUP is pretty simple! I get a lot more water time so it’s a win win situation! I think my specialty is being versatile! I feel comfortable doing any aspect of SUP.”
Aaron Napoleon
HOME: Oahu, HI
SPONSORS:
Rogue, Kai Waa Canoes, Kialoa Paddles, Dakine, Honolua Surf Co., Ocean Minded, Maui Jim, Bud Light
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2008 Ku Ikaika Challenge, Winner
• 2012- Waikiki Paddle Festival- Male Open 12’6″- 1st Place
• 2010- Stand Up World Tour- Ranked #7
QUOTE:
“I love to SUP because I have fun doing it and at times, I can still keep up with, or even beat some of the young boys.”
Chuck Patterson
HOME: Dana Point, CA
SPONSORS:
Niash, Ocean Minded, Kialoa, Watermans Applied Science, Rainbow Fin Company, GoPro, On It Pro, Dakine, Sticky Bumps, SUP CO
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Surfing America USA SUP Surfing Championships, Huntington Beach, 1st Place
• Founder of the Chuck Patterson Rally Race, 2013
• 2008- Winner of first ever Battle of the Paddle
• 2009 First ever to SUP Cortes Banks, 100 miles off CA coast
QUOTE:
“Standup paddling just fits so well into all the sports that I do as far as training. And now I’m a lot more environmentally conscious because of it. Standup keeps me on the water every day and it has given me so much in terms of my career and allowed me to meet so many great athletes and people and promote the sport along the way.”
Shane Perrin
HOME: St. Louis, Missouri
SPONSORS:
Pau Hana, Maui Jim, Surfco Hawaii, Max Slick.com
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• First standup paddler to complete the Texas Water Safari (264 miles)
• First standup paddler to complete the La Ruta Maya in Brazil (179 miles)
• First standup paddler to complete the MR340 (340 miles)
• First standup paddler to complete the Kawinvore (100 miles)
QUOTE:
“I had kidney failure in 2001. I should have been dead. I was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant. After, I searched for meaning and purpose in life. Once I started standup, I knew I’d found my path. I live for being on the water whether it’s through endurance racing or paddling with friends. Most of all, I love sharing my sport with others.”
Sean Poynter
HOME: San Diego, California
SPONSORS:
Starboard, FCS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Currently ranked number one on the Standup World Tour
• 2012 Standup World Tour Most Committed Surfer Award
• 2012 Standup World Tour, Sapinus Pro, 1st Place
• 2011- Punta Sayulita SUP Classic, 1st Place
QUOTE:
“I love SUP because it’s a way of bringing so many people together. People from every different type of background, profession, culture, athletic ability, mindset, etc. Standup has bettered the lives of others. That’s why I love it.”
Rob Rojas
HOME: San Clemente, CA
SPONSORS:
Stand Up Paddle Co, O’Neill, Maui Jim, Quickblade paddles, H2o Overdrive, Watermans Applied Science, On It Pro, Surfers Garage, O’Fish’L
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2010 Hennessey’s International Paddleboard Championships, Overall Winner
• 2012- 1st Place Hovie SUP Festival
• 2012- 1st Place Mauli Ola foundation Relay Race
• 2011- 1st Place New York City O’Neill SEA Paddle
QUOTE:
“Standup has opened so many doors and created so many avenues for people to enjoy the water. Personally, it has taken me from Peru to Manhattan and Utah. I have met so many people along the way, people that I’ve seen in surf magazines. People of legendary status. The sport has allowed me to help raise money and awareness for humanitarian causes as well, (24 hour paddle for Love 146). I thank the sport and I thank all of you.”
Brennan Rose
HOME: Seal Beach, California
SPONSORS:
ROGUE, Maui Jim
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 Battle of the Paddle, Hawaii, Most Inspirational
• Top 20 Battle of the paddle last two entries
• Maui to Molokai crossing, followed by a Molokai to Maui paddling the channel backwards
QUOTE:
“I love SUP in any condition or body of water. Standup paddling is my physical and mental therapy.”
Leco Salazar
HOME: Santos, Brazil
SPONSORS:
Imagine Surf, Hawaiian Dreams, H2o Audio Brasil, Okumura Temakeria, G Zero Tech, Freestyle, Neco Carbone, Almir Salazar
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012- Standup World Tour, La Torche Pro, 2nd Place
• 2011- Standup World Tour- Huntington Beach, CA- 3rd Place, Main Event
• 2011- Champion- Alma Surf Mormaii International Stand Up World Tour
• 2011- Standup World Tour- Finished #2
QUOTE:
“I love standup, because it helped me get to know the world of surfing even better, thereby fulfilling my dreams of riding waves in different places.”
Zane Schweitzer
HOME: Lahaina, HI
SPONSORS:
Starboard, Watermans Applied Science, Dakine, Maui Jim, Power Balance, AlpineStars, Mean Line Fins, North Sails, GenR8 Muscle Recovery
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 Standup World Tour, Sunset Beach Pro 4th Place
• 2011 Standup World Tour, Huntington Beach Pro, 5th Place
• 2011- Stand Up World Tour- ranked #3
• 2011 SUP Grom of the Year
QUOTE:
“Stand up paddling is a new stoke, and I’m stoked to be raising the bar in the sport and opening eyes to it around the world!
I wanna do things that no one thought could be done on SUP boards. Later drops, bigger waves, vertical controlled rotated airs, and throw it down big every time!”
Thomas Shahinian
HOME: San Clemente, California
SPONSORS:
Riviera Paddlesurf, Richmond, Xtrak, On It Pro, Ocean Minded
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Solana Beach, 1st Place Overall
• 2012 Dana Point, 5.5 Mile Race, 1st Place
• 2012 Redondo Beach 5 Mile Race, 1st Place
• 2011 Hennessey Championships, 1st Place Distance
QUOTE:
“Never, ever quit! Make it happen!”
Fernando Stalla
HOME: Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
SPONSORS:
ROGUE SUP, Punta Sayulita, Quickblad, Futures, SUP Mexico
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2012 Pacific Paddle, Nuevo Vallarta, 1st Place
• 2012 Santa Monica Paddle for Clean Water, 1st Place
• 2012 Paddle for Humanity, Dana Point, 12’6″ 1st Place
• 2012 WPA US Championships, Dana Point, 1st Place 12’6″
QUOTE:
“SUP has given me a chance to travel the world and is giving me the opportunity to become a World Champion and be part of a great group of athletes.”
Michael Tavares
HOME: Chattanooga, Tennessee
SPONSORS:
Boardworks, Chaco, Immersion Research, Beyond Coastal, Chums, FCS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Pioneering Whitewater standup surfing and river running all over the country
• 2012 Whitewater SUP championships, 2nd Place
• Directing a series of 2012 whitewater SUP races at Whitewater Festivals all over the US
QUOTE:
“For me, standup paddling is the most interactive way for me to express myself on the water, allowing me to take full advantage of our natural resources. Being able to paddle any type of water no matter where I happen to be is such an advantage to the sport. Surfing standing waves on whitewater rivers is what really gets me fired up. It requires a different set of skills which combines surfing with reading whitewater. Its the next frontier for the sport with unlimited resources around the country.”
Slater Trout
HOME: Maui, HI
SPONSORS:
Infinity Surfboards, FCS, Hi Tech Maui, OAM, H20 Audio, Maui Jim, Camelbak, Boardworks SUP, Watermans Applied Science,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 SUP Awards, 3rd ranked paddler
• 2009 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, 2nd Place Elite
• 2010 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, 3rd Place Elite
• 2010 Standup World Tour, Sunset Beach Pro, Trials Winner
QUOTE:
“I love stand up paddling because it’s fresh, it’s something new that we’re all still trying to figure out. That’s what makes it exciting.”
Anthony Vela
HOME: Redondo Beach, CA
SPONSORS:
Boardworks, Maui Jim, Quickblade, Ocean Minded, Victory KoreDry, Honolua, FCS, SUP Mexico, Hydrapak, Vertra Elemental Resistance
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• 2011 Carolina Cup, 1st Place Elite
• 2011 Hennessey’s US Championships. 1st Place
• 2011 Surf Race to Victory, 1st Place
• 2012 US SUP Surf Champs, 3rd Place
QUOTE:
“My first BOP was 2010 in California. I was on the back of Dick Deboer’s lifeguard jet ski watching the Open Race. There were over 400 paddlers. What was most impressive for me was the variety of participants. Young, old, experienced, beginner, fit, not-so-fit… and everyone was having fun. I think the reason I love SUP is the same as most people: because it’s just so darn fun!”
Jay Wild
HOME: Truckee, California
SPONSORS:
Hobie, Quickblade, Watermans Landing, Lake Tahoe Waterman, Ocean Minded, Virus Commpression, Hobie Polarized, On A Mission
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe 72.6 miles in 22.5hrs
• Owning & operating Watermans Landing beach cafe & paddle shop
• 2012 ISA World Championship Team, 4th in Marathon
• 25 wins and 36 podiums during career
QUOTE:
“Through standup paddling, I’ve been able to create a lifestyle that will give my family and friends amazing experiences for the rest of there lives and I get to go with them!”
