Welcome to a fresh new year with a blank calendar just waiting to be filled with fun SUP events. To help make 2022 your best SUP year ever, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most exciting paddleboarding events in the world. Whether you want to explore a waterway in a new-to-you place, paddle for a good cause, or watch the best of the best compete on the world stage, there’s something for every SUP enthusiast out there. If all goes well (fingers crossed!) we should be able to attend larger in-person events and travel more safely worldwide. Here are our picks for the top SUP events of 2022!
Where will 2022 take you on your paddleboard?
SUP Events 2022
She SUPS Hosted SUP Trips (various Australia locations and dates)
From luxury to roughing it, SUP company She SUPs has something for every paddleboarder wanting to get out and explore Australia on a paddleboard. Does paddling among the mountain scenery of Jindabyne while also enjoying yoga, wine, and downtime sound like your idea of bliss? Then sign up for the Snowy Mountains SUP Retreat. Want to paddle Gumbaynggir Country (also known as Red Rock) while learning about the culture of the Aboriginal people of the area? Check out the Connect to Country Retreat. So far She SUPs has trips available for dates from February to May, so stay tuned for more offerings later in the year!
Standup For the Cure (various USA locations and dates)
Coming into its 10th year, Standup for the Cure (SUFTC) is a series of events aimed at raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research. To date, SUFTC has raised $1.3 million. Events are held in three different cities in the US: Newport Beach (California), Muskegon (Michigan), and Seattle (Washington). So far, dates for Newport Beach (April 30) and Muskegon (July 9) have been announced. Events are family-friendly and typically include SUP lessons with world champions, competitive races, yoga classes, live music, and fun time paddling on the water for a good cause.
A sea of SUP boards at the 2018 Carolina Cup
The Carolina Cup (North Carolina, USA – April 27-May 1, 2022)
Imagine five fun-filled days packed with SUP races, dozens of clinics and events, and hundreds of paddlers. Hosted by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Cup, the Carolina Cup is a must-attend for paddleboard enthusiasts worldwide! In 2016, they boasted over 900 paddlers participating in their clinics and races. There’s something for everyone: take it easy with the Habor Island 5K Recreational Race or test your endurance with the Graveyard 13.1 Mile Elite Race. Fun for the whole family, the week includes vendors, clinics, food, live music, and even kids races for those ages 6-14.
Red Bull Midsummer Vikings (Amager Strandpark, Denmark – June 18-19, 2022)
Want to experience what it’s like to paddle like a champ? Professional paddler and SUP world champion Casper Steinfath put together the Red Bull Midsummer Vikings, a 24 hour team paddle challenge in his home country of Denmark. Gather up a team of up to five paddlers and test your endurance. Teams will camp and paddle a 5 km loop in Amager Strandpark non-stop for 24 hours. It might sound daunting but don’t let that hold you back! This challenge was conceived to be accessible to any paddler, whether they have a little or a lot of experience. The 2021 event saw 350 paddlers from Denmark, Sweden, and Germany.
The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis (Bimini, Bahamas – June 22-26, 2022)
This annual fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis is a race, a fundraiser, and an epic long-distance paddle. Participants face the challenge of crossing from Bimini Island in the Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach, Florida. The gruelling course is 80 miles across the Gulf Stream. There are recreational (solo and team) and competitive categories, and the event is designed to be fun while emphasizing safety. All funds go to Piper’s Angels Foundation, who support people and families affected by CF. If you can’t attend but would still like to fundraise and participate, there is a virtual option.
2022 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships (Gdynia, Poland – September 7-11, 2022)
The International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) SUP World Championships will be held in Gdynia, Poland this year and is the final event to cap off the three SUP World Cups. Expect to see top paddleboarders from around the world compete in sprint, distance, and technical races in the Junior, Senior, and Master categories. This event is for the professionals only (you have to qualify to participate) but will make for some great in-person and virtual spectating. Cheer on your favourite racers!
Gwangalli Beach in the Suyeong District of Busan, Korea
Busan SUP Open (Busan, Korea – September 23-25, 2022)
The Association of Paddlesurf Professionals (APP) have announced that for the first time Busan, Korea will host the flagship stop of their City Paddle Festival and World Tour. The event will not only feature the pro races but will also include a beach festival with events for the SUP community at large, such as SUP yoga and cruising. The beautiful Gwangalli Beach in the Suyeong District will be the main location for this event; it is a paddler’s paradise with 1.4 km of sandy beach nestled in a vibrant urban location. Watch this teaser trailer and feel the stoke!
Chattajack 31 (Tennessee, USA – October 22, 2022)
The Chattajack is one of the most popular SUP races in the world and is now in its 11th year. Every year, the Chattajack welcomes 600 paddlers to Chattanooga for a race through the Tennessee River Gorge. Paddling 11 miles (just under 18 kilometres) through the gorge is a test of stamina, endurance and strength. To enter, you need a race board that is a minimum length of 12’6 and has a displacement hull. The current Chattajack SUP record is held by Canadian Tim Oliver who completed the race 4 hours 31 minutes in 2021. Will 2022 see a new record? Stay tuned!
ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship (San Juan, Puerto Rico – November 2022)
The 9th edition of the International Surfing Association (ISA) World SUP and Paddleboard Championship will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico in November. After having to cancel the 2021 edition due to COVID-19, the event will be back with a bang! Watch the best of the best in SUP races that will take place in Laguna del Condado and Bahia de San Juan. Events include races and SUP surfing competitions. Since the ISA is the World Governing Authority for SUP for the Olympics, their races are definitely ones to watch! Here’s hoping they’ll be able to bring SUP to the Olympics in the next few years.
More SUP Events to Come
Has this list of SUP events for 2022 got you stoked? There are so many great trips, races, and fundraisers to choose from, with a few more that are TBA. The popular Paris SUP Open and famous Molokai 2 Oahu have not confirmed their 2022 dates yet. Keep your eyes and ears out for forthcoming dates and registration. Let us know in the comments below which event you’re excited for. Cheers to your best SUP year yet!
About the Author: Jordan-na
I am interested in the Surf SUP events. Can you provide which organization to contact? Are there a few tours?
Hey Lorenzo, there are tons of great events happening all over the world. I’m sure there’s one in your local area. This list is just a sample of some of the top events out there, but each one mentioned includes a link in the title so you can just click there and check out the ones that interest you to contact them directly.
Keep paddling,
Matt
Social @ Thurso Surf