We all can appreciate a good photo when we see one and in the Supconnect Photographer Series, we do just that. This week, we are stoked to highlight adventure photographer Johny Cook from the Highlands of Scotland.
There are tons of tools, gadgets and accessories that can be paired with paddle boarding to make your experience even better. Here, we’ve listed a few accessories for your SUP that are an awesome addition to your everyday paddles.
Simplicity is one of the attractive features of standup paddle boarding. When you feel that first glide and realize “Hey, I can do this,” it’s easy to believe that all you need is a board and a paddle, but when you’re standing alone on a platform floating two inches above the water, a few more things are required, because a paddling excursion on any water body can quickly turn into an in-water experience.
Given its endless beaches, and numerous tranquil ponds, salt marshes, and creeks, Nantucket is a dream come true for SUP enthusiasts who want to experience its New England coastal town charm and engage in their favorite water sport.
The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile adventure, offers paddlers an unparalleled subtropical experience right on the U.S. mainland. Named in honor of Southwest Florida’s first indigenous water people, this trail winds through the scenic backwaters of Lee County, beginning at its southern border. While only a handful of paddlers have attempted to traverse the entire trail, most prefer to plan day trips using detailed maps, websites, or apps. With its lush jungle-like creeks, pristine beaches, uninhabited islands, mangrove tunnels, and diverse wildlife, the Calusa Blueway is truly a flatwater stand-up paddleboard (SUP) paradise.
Photo Provided by Mike Hammond
Florida is a year-round destination, but for paddlers, timing can make all the difference. While winter draws the largest crowds seeking refuge from the cold, seasoned paddlers have discovered that late fall and early spring offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists. However, locals paddle year-round, adapting their outings to avoid the afternoon heat and summer storms, showcasing the versatility and charm of the Calusa Blueway in every season.
Photo Provided by Mike Hammond
Bunche Beach is a gem for bird enthusiasts, often hailed as one of Florida’s premier birding beaches. Birdwatchers from around the globe flock here to tick species off their life lists. Beyond the avian wonders, this area is also home to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and other marine life. Paddlers can launch from the beach or the paddlecraft launches along the creek behind the beach. Two mangrove tunnel trails at Bunche Beach provide an immersive experience, although the canopy is often too low to stand under. SUPers will find the slower pace allows for more wildlife sightings, from mangrove crabs to wading birds. A short paddle away lies the often-deserted Plover Island Beach, a serene spot even on busy weekends. Kayak Excursions offers on-site board and kayak rentals.
Photo Provided by Mike Hammond
As Florida’s longest island, Pine Island boasts numerous SUP opportunities. The Pineland Monument launch, located across from the remnants of a Calusa village, allows paddlers to tour the site, climb the ancient mounds, and gain insight into how Florida’s earliest inhabitants thrived. Further north, the Knights Landing and Jugg Creek Marina launches near Shell Cut offer paddlers access to the serene beaches of Calusa Island. A local dolphin, affectionately named “Uno,” often greets paddlers returning from a day on the water.
The upper Estero River feels like a journey into a jungle creek, with large live oaks draped in air plants and exotic vegetation forming a canopy over the water. Paddlers can launch from Koreshan State Park, the former site of a utopian community, where several historic buildings still stand. Alternatively, Estero River Outfitters offers a free launch about half a mile upstream. Most paddlers stick to the shaded upper section of the river, where boat traffic is minimal, though some venture downriver to explore Mound Key Archaeological State Park. This 100-acre island, made entirely of shells by the Calusa, was once the capital of their kingdom.
Photo Provided by Mike Hammond
Lover’s Key is a versatile destination, offering access to beautiful beaches, Estero Bay, and sheltered backwaters. It’s also one of the best spots for encountering manatees, which are often curious and may approach paddlers near the launch inside Lover’s Key State Park. However, paddlers are advised to admire these gentle giants from a distance. SUPs and kayaks can be rented from Lover’s Key Adventures on-site. The protected No Motor Zone within Lover’s Key is perfect for beginners, while roadside launches provide easier access to the bay or beach. Mound Key is only a two-mile paddle from Lover’s Key, offering a unique historical and ecological experience.
World-renowned for its shelling beaches and wildlife, Sanibel Island is a paddler’s haven, with over 75% of its land preserved. Multiple launch points are available, with Tarpon Bay being a standout. Located within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay is a prime spot for manatee sightings and offers a shallow No Motor Zone ideal for wildlife observation. Paddlers with their own boards can also launch from Wildlife Drive within the refuge. For those looking for a mix of backwater paddling and beach access, Bowman’s Beach on the island’s northern end is a perfect spot, especially for sunset paddles.
Photo Provided by Mike Hammond
For those looking to connect with fellow paddlers, the Calusa Blueway offers a rich community experience. The trail’s website, maps, and app feature a list of outfitters located throughout Lee County, many of which organize meetups and tours. Paddling events and gatherings are regularly posted on the Calusa Blueway and SWFL Paddle Club Facebook pages, making it easy to find companions for your next adventure.
For more information and to plan your trip, visit the Great Calusa Blueway website and follow the Calusa Blueway Facebook page. Explore the beauty and history of Southwest Florida’s waters on the Calusa Blueway and discover why it’s a paddler’s dream.
Welcome to the Supconnect Weekly Recap, our countdown of the biggest news, reviews, interviews, and features surrounding the world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. This week we’re bringing you another sample of the best stories covered by ourselves and other publications.
Want to know the key to success when it comes to performing well during a stand up paddle race? Look no further because we've aggregated improvement tips from some of the best SUP racers on the planet. Stepping up your game and performing at a higher level takes more than just a lot of time on the water. Here are the top 5 tips on how you can improve your performance during a SUP race.
We all can appreciate a good photo when we see one and in the Supconnect Photographer Series, we do just that. We connect with exceptional photographers in and out of the stand up paddle boarding world and showcase some of their many fantastic photos. This week, we are stoked to highlight Martin Müller from Bernese Oberland, Switzerland.
CRETE, GREECE - The AGIOS NIKOLAOS on SUP – ICF SUP WORLD CUP 2024 is back this September, promising to be one of the most thrilling stand-up paddling (SUP) events of the year. From September 27-29, 2024, the beautiful town of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete will host Europe’s only ICF SUP World Cup event, attracting elite paddlers, rising stars, and SUP enthusiasts from around the world.
This prestigious event, organized by the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, the Municipal Incorporated Company of Agios Nikolaos, and the Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos in collaboration with the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak Standing Canoe Federation, and the Region of Crete, is set to draw hundreds of competitors. Athletes will be vying for crucial ranking points towards the 2024 World Championships and a share of the €9,000 prize pool.
Photo Provided By ICF SUP World Cup
Photo Provided By ICF SUP World Cup
The AGIOS NIKOLAOS on SUP – ICF SUP WORLD CUP 2024 is more than just a race; it’s an experience that blends world-class competition with the unparalleled beauty and culture of Crete. Mark your calendars for September 27-29, 2024, and prepare for an event that will test your skills, reward your dedication, and leave you with memories to cherish forever.
For more information, visit: agiosonsup.gr
Photo Provided By ICF SUP World Cup
Eyes getting worse? Myopia, loss of vision, and vision problems are on the rise. Could it be our constant use of smartphone screens, tablet screens, and computer screens? And did you know stand up paddling can actually help?
In a pioneering effort that blends adventure, environmental stewardship, and scientific research, Andrew Hughes is set to embark on an extraordinary journey to Kenya. This expedition marks a significant phase in his ongoing “Peak Paddle Project,” a global initiative that seeks to paddle on the highest bodies of water across all continents while conducting crucial climate research.
Welcome to the Supconnect Weekly Recap, our countdown of the biggest news, reviews, interviews, and features surrounding the world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. This week we’re bringing you another sample of the best stories covered by ourselves and other publications.