Controversy at stand up paddle races is too common to be considered to be a random event. Races starting 30 minutes late, race starts with a seemingly random position of athletes at the start line, and even controversy among the ranks of professional racers related to spur of the moment interpretation of  drafting rules are all examples of the issues that hamper the growth of SUP racing.

Frustrated with some aspects of stand up paddle racing, several athletes, lead by Chase Kosterlitz, seek to have a positive impact on the sport of SUP racing through the development of the new standards organization called the Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association or SUPAA.

SUPAA has been working behind the scenes with the world’s top stand up paddle athletes, race directors, and industry personnel to chart a path of positive growth in the sport. Broadly speaking, the goal of SUPPA is “to become the unified voice of the stand up paddle athlete while also representing the interests of stand up paddle board officials, sponsors, media, consumers and manufacturers.”

According to founder and professional SUP racer Chase Kosterlitz, “our first order of business was to develop an international set of race rules. In the next few weeks, we will be publishing the SUPAA rulebook. Our hope is that it will be adopted by all SUP races so racers have a predictable and reliable race experience. It would be insane for a basketball player to go to a basketball game and try to figure out the rules every time he got on the court. Unfortunately, that is what we are dealing with now in SUP.”

A second goal of the SUPAA is to provide race organizers expert training in race management and promotion. Just like referees in professional sports, race organizers are as important to the sport of SUP as are the athletes and it is time to recognize their critical contribution.

When asked if the SUPAA aims to be a sanctioning body Chase responded, “our initial goal was not to become a sectioning body. However, at the request of several race directors and numerous athletes, this is something we will be investigating in the near furture.”

If it seems like the SUPAA its work cut out for itself – it does. Fortunately, Chase brings bucket loads of youthful energy to the world of SUP. His energy is infectious and we get the feeling that he can do anything he puts his mind to. Lets hope that his energy and willingness to put his mark on the SUP world will result in a well defined SUP rule book,  more predictable race events, and better representation for SUP athletes, board officials, sponsors, media, consumers and manufacturers.

To learn more about Chase and SUPAA membership, please visit the SUPAA website at supathletes.com and check out the new 9-week race SUPAA race training program at Riding Bumps. HINT: you can get a discount on this program with your SUPAA membership.

Photo Credit: Ronny Kiaulehn