Top SUP Stories of 2025

As the stand-up paddling community continues to grow, so do the stories that shape its culture, innovation, and achievements. From groundbreaking competitions to cutting-edge gear, environmental milestones, and inspiring paddlers pushing boundaries, the past year has been packed with moments that define the heart of SUP. Dive in as we recap the most impactful stories that made waves in the stand-up paddling world from 2025!

1. Seychelle’s Bronze Sends Powerful Message for Women at ICF SUP Worlds

One of the most powerful stories of the event came from bronze medalist Seychelle of the United States — competing just days after announcing that she is over three months pregnant. In a field stacked with the sport’s top competitors, Seychelle delivered a performance that transcended athletic achievement. Paddling with her signature poise and precision, she crossed the finish line in 30.42 seconds, claiming third place behind Rivera (29.22) and Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey (29.81). The bronze marks a triumphant return to the podium for the 2023 world champion — and a defining moment for women in sports everywhere.

“When you are pregnant, everything is extra emotional,” Seychelle said following the race. “To make it on the podium and get a bronze medal this year, I feel very proud of myself. I’m really glad to be here doing this, very grateful.”

Read the full recap here. 

Photo courtesy: Planet Canoe / ICF

2. ICF Announces One-Design Rule for Junior SUP Racers—A Game-Changer or a Setback?

In a sweeping move aimed at leveling the playing field and reducing the financial burden on junior competitors, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) has introduced a new rule mandating that all junior participants at the World Championships must race on a standardized, one-design ICF SUP board (14-foot). By removing expensive equipment considerations, the ICF hopes to lower barriers to entry and make competitive paddling more accessible to a diverse range of young athletes.

Later, in a significant development for the junior standup paddling community, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) decided to postpone the introduction of the one-design board that was originally set to be required for young athletes starting at this year’s 2025 ICF SUP World Championships. According to the ICF’s latest update, this board will not be used at the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi, giving participants and their support networks more time to plan, train, and adjust.

Read more on the ruling here. 

SIC Maui junior athlete Elliot Bry at the 2024 ICF Championships in Sarasota. | Photo courtesy: SIC Maui / Charles Dasher

3. Supconnect Awards 2025 Winners Announced

After more than six weeks of deliberation and in-depth evaluation, we’re proud to announce the winners of the 16th Annual Supconnect Awards. With nominations spanning dozens of standout athletes, brands, shops, and groms across the global SUP community, narrowing down the list to this year’s winners was no small task.

With over 30,000+ views and interactions, the Awards continue to spotlight the most influential figures and products in the sport. As always, our selection process followed Supconnect’s core criteria: Ambassadorship, Involvement, Performance, and Support. To ensure the most thoughtful and well-rounded decisions, we consulted our experienced advisory board, gathered feedback from fans and consumers, engaged in conversations with retailers and industry insiders, and weighed in with insights from our editorial team.

See the full list of winners here. 

4. Rivera Completes Historic Hat-trick at Unforgettable ICF SUP World Championships

History was made at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships, as Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera completed a golden hat-trick of titles while Japan’s Shuri Araki and Spain’s Aaron Sanchez Quetglas delivered equally electrifying performances on the international stage.

Over five days of competition in Abu Dhabi — the first time the UAE has hosted the event — the world’s best paddlers battled it out across sprint, technical, and long distance races in blistering desert heat and challenging waters. By the final day, Rivera stood alone in the record books as the first athlete ever to claim three gold medals at a single SUP World Championships.

Read the full article here. 

Photo courtesy: Planet Canoe

5. Landmark Performances at the 2025 ISA World Championships in El Salvador

The 2025 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Surf City El Salvador delivered a landmark edition of the sport’s premier international competition, blending elite athletic performance with demanding ocean conditions. Across sprint, technical, and distance disciplines, the event showcased a new benchmark of competitive depth, with decisive performances reshaping the team rankings and confirming the rise of a new generation of standout athletes alongside established champions. Spain successfully defended its position as the world’s top SUP nation through consistent podium finishes, while historic individual achievements—particularly in the distance and sprint races—underscored the rapid evolution of high-performance stand up paddling. Set against the powerful breaks and open-water courses of El Salvador’s Pacific coastline, the 2025 championships reinforced the ISA Worlds’ status as the definitive proving ground for global SUP racing excellence.

See the full event recap here. 

Men’s SUP Distance Race. | Photo: ISA / Sean Evans

This past year has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion that define the SUP community. From thrilling races and innovative gear to environmental initiatives and personal triumphs, these stories highlight the dynamic spirit that keeps stand-up paddling evolving. As we look ahead, the momentum of these milestones reminds us that the future of SUP is as expansive as the waters we paddle on. Here’s to another year of pushing limits, embracing adventure, and making a positive impact in and out of the water.