[1]Sarasota SUP Series Races To Host 1st Event On Siesta Beach.
The first of the Sarasota SUP [2] (Stand Up Paddleboard) Series races kicks off June 22nd on Siesta Key Beach. The first race of the three Sarasota SUP Series [3] events starts at the north end of the Siesta Key Public Beach by the blue lifeguard tower on Saturday, June 22nd at 9 am. Each of the Sarasota SUP Series races is a unique experience, showcasing three different Sarasota County Parks. The second race in the series is at Nathan Benderson Park on August 24th and the third race is at Sarasota Sailing Squadron on October 12th. Click HERE [3] to register.
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The Sarasota SUP Series races benefit Suncoast Charities for Children – but the commitment of Sarasota Stand Up Paddleboarders goes beyond just writing a check. Members of the Sarasota SUP community will also be sharing the paddleboarding experience with local special needs children in an afternoon ‘Kids Paddle’ session after the races.
The Series was created by Rob Alfieri, owner of SUP Sarasota, a local Stand Up Paddleboard company. SUP Sarasota has partnered with SUP board manufacturer HovieSUP to produce the races. Hovie SUP recently made local headlines for relocating its board production factory from China to Port Manatee, Florida. Alfieri states that, “This is the first SUP Race Series of its kind and is designed to showcase the accessibility and natural beauty of our parks and increase sports tourism. Our goal is simple, to make Sarasota County the premiere destination for Stand Up Paddleboarding in the country. We are especially excited to share with SCC children as well as willing spectators why we are so hooked on this sport – we think they will enjoy it as much as we do!”
The Races feature several divisions so paddlers of various board sizes and ability levels can all enjoy the competition and fun. To complement the water races, the SUP Series shall also have a Landboarding relay race at each event as well. Loaded Landboards is sponsoring the coed couple relay race which is open to all competitors. Landboards, land paddles and safety equipment shall be supplied as the majority of racers shall be experiencing Landboarding for the first time. These land races shall follow lunch and lead into the awards presentation.
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