Supconnect Awards: The People's Choice 2026
Photo courtesy: Andy Klotz
San Diego, CALIFORNIA - As we prepare to announce the winners of the 17th Annual Supconnect Awards, we first want to recognize the recipients of the 2026 People's Choice Awards. These athletes, brands, and industry leaders earned the strongest support from the global stand-up paddleboarding community through public voting, making this recognition a reflection of the passion and enthusiasm of SUP fans around the world.
While the People's Choice Awards celebrate the favorites selected by the public, the official Supconnect Award winners—announced separately—are determined through a comprehensive evaluation process. Each nominee is assessed across key criteria including ambassadorship, industry involvement, performance, and overall contribution to the sport. Final selections are made with input from the Supconnect advisory board, editorial team, industry professionals, retailers, and community feedback to recognize those making the greatest impact on stand-up paddleboarding. You can learn more about the history of the Supconnect Awards and our selection process here.
With that, we're proud to present the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award winners.
Man - Campbell Carter
Campbell Carter earned the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award for Man of the Year, receiving the highest level of support from the stand-up paddleboarding community during this year's public voting. Over the past year, Campbell continued to establish himself as one of the top American paddlers, earning selection to the 2026–2027 USA Surfing National Team, finishing runner-up in the Men's Open 10K at the USA Surfing Championships, and claiming the overall Men's SUP Distance and Technical titles in the inaugural USA Surfing SUP Series. His consistency on the race course and dedication to the sport made him a fan favorite and a deserving recipient of this year's People's Choice honor.
Photo: Starboard
Woman - Maddie LeBlanc
Maddi LeBlanc earned the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award for Woman of the Year, receiving overwhelming support from stand-up paddleboarding fans around the world during this year's public voting. Over the past year, Maddi continued to represent Canada on the international stage while adding to an already impressive racing résumé, including another standout season in domestic competition and appearances at elite international events. A two-time Canadian National Champion, Maddi has become one of the sport's most respected ambassadors, and her passion, perseverance, and commitment to growing the paddleboarding community made her a deserving recipient of this year's People's Choice honor.
Grom - Matei Barbu
Matei Barbu earned the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award for Grom of the Year, receiving tremendous support from the global stand-up paddleboarding community during this year's public voting. Over the past year, the talented Romanian continued his rise as one of the sport's brightest young stars, capturing two U18 titles on home waters at the 2026 ICF SUP Junior International Cup after already establishing himself as an ICF Junior World Champion. Building on that success, Matei also repeated as the Supconnect People's Choice Grom of the Year, having first earned the fan-voted honor in 2025. His remarkable talent, determination, and continued success on the international stage have made him a standout representative of the next generation of stand-up paddling and a deserving recipient of this year's People's Choice honor.
Photo: Red Paddle Co.
Brand - Red Paddle Co
Red Paddle Co earned the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award for Brand of the Year, receiving overwhelming support from paddlers around the world during this year's public voting. Over the past year, the brand continued to set the benchmark for premium inflatable paddleboards through its unwavering commitment to innovation, performance, and quality. From advancing board technology to supporting athletes, events, and the broader paddleboarding community, Red Paddle Co has remained one of the sport's most trusted and influential brands. Their continued dedication to pushing the industry forward made them a deserving recipient of this year's People's Choice honor.
Shop - EasySUP SUPstore
EasySUP SUP Store earned the 2026 Supconnect People's Choice Award for Shop of the Year, receiving outstanding support from the global paddleboarding community during this year's public voting. Based in Europe, EasySUP has continued to distinguish itself through exceptional customer service, an extensive selection of premium paddleboarding equipment, and a genuine passion for helping paddlers of every skill level find the right gear. Building on its success, EasySUP also repeated as the Supconnect People's Choice Shop of the Year, having first earned the fan-voted honor in 2025. Their continued commitment to serving the paddleboarding community and delivering an exceptional customer experience made them a deserving recipient of this year's People's Choice honor.
