WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, North Carolina - Under sunny skies with mild temperatures in the mid-60's, over 150 competitors from eight states, the Virgin Islands and Canada participated in the 3rd Annual North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The biggest names in stand up paddleboarding (SUP) are traveling from around the world to compete for the Carolina Cup in Wrightsville Beach, April 25-28, at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

With the arrival of March, water temperatures are rising and the start of the standup paddleboard season in North Carolina's SUP hub is underway.

Former US Army Special Operations Command member Mark Gellert completes 202-mile, solo paddle down North Carolina's Cape Fear River in support of the Stand by the Wounded organization.

The Carolina Cup 2011 is now in the books as one of the iconic east coast gatherings for the stand up paddle (sup) community. Racers came from all over the map, including California, Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond.