 | The 4th annual Thailand SUP Festival will be held on March 5 at Bliss Beach Club, Bangtao Beach, Phuket. Here, the event’s organizer, Tim Campbell, reveals what’s in store In a nutshell, what is stand up paddle boarding (SUP)? A person stands on a large board and, using one paddle, paddles on either side of the board to move themselves across the water. In other words, picture yourself gliding across the water enjoying the serenity while getting fitness benefits, too. SUP can be used for relaxing recreational fun, surfing, racing, fishing, yoga or a superior core workout. |
Is the sport popular around the world?
Over the last few years SUP has taken the bragging rights for the fastest growing water sport in the world, mainly in Australia, Europe and the USA, but now Asia is catching onto this exciting sport.
How many teams enter your competition?
We can have anywhere between 15 to 20 teams, and 80 to 150 individual competitors. Every year gets bigger, and this year we are expecting a huge turnout from inter national and local competitors.
Is it just for pros, or can anyone enter?
We have an Elite 6km race, but other the pros we have many people enter in this race because they want the challenge and just to have fun. We have many other race categories for beginners, families and kids. We have amazing prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in all categories.
Alongside the racing, do you have any other activities for spectators to enjoy?
We are so excited this year as we have Starboards SUP Polo (which will see teams equipped with special paddles competing on the water). On top of this we will have a Jet Surf demonstration, Phuket’s leading DJs, an SUP Clinic, and a gourmet beach BBQ and presentation party.
paddleguru.com
Over the last few years SUP has taken the bragging rights for the fastest growing water sport in the world, mainly in Australia, Europe and the USA, but now Asia is catching onto this exciting sport.
How many teams enter your competition?
We can have anywhere between 15 to 20 teams, and 80 to 150 individual competitors. Every year gets bigger, and this year we are expecting a huge turnout from inter national and local competitors.
Is it just for pros, or can anyone enter?
We have an Elite 6km race, but other the pros we have many people enter in this race because they want the challenge and just to have fun. We have many other race categories for beginners, families and kids. We have amazing prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in all categories.
Alongside the racing, do you have any other activities for spectators to enjoy?
We are so excited this year as we have Starboards SUP Polo (which will see teams equipped with special paddles competing on the water). On top of this we will have a Jet Surf demonstration, Phuket’s leading DJs, an SUP Clinic, and a gourmet beach BBQ and presentation party.
paddleguru.com
