World champion stand up paddler Michael Booth believes Covid-19 will help many athletes extend their careers.

QINGDAO, China – American Connor Baxter posted the fastest ever time for a men’s 200 metre sprint and France’s Olivia Piana won the women’s gold at her first ever sprint event in a thrilling day of competition at the ICF stand up paddling world championships in Qingdao, China, on Saturday. Baxter shocked even himself with his speed in the semi-final, officially stopping the clock at an incredible 46.38 seconds – the first athlete to ever go under the 47 second mark. “It felt fast, for sure,” Baxter said.

The annual SUPIA Summit that began on Wednesday, October 3, sparked conversations surrounding the current state of the SUP racing scene and where the industry is headed.