Sarasota SUP Series to Highlight Popular Water Sport

The second Sarasota SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Series race takes place Saturday, August 24^th at Nathan Benderson Park, the largest Rowing/Aquatic Facility in the Western Hemisphere. Benderson is an ideal location for SUP racing as it has been designed specifically for flat water racing with active wave attenuation systems. The 6 mile Elite race at 8:30 AM, 3 mile Open race at 10:30 and “Dash for Cash” Sprint races will all run along the shoreline and be visible at all times. Races, Vendor Tents, Lunch, Music, Landboarding Course, Penny Skateboard Slalom and Board Demos are all centrally located within this Olympic Village Setting. Race entry tickets are available at www.sarasotasupseries.com. 

The Sarasota SUP Series races offer a unique experience, showcasing three different Sarasota County Parks. The first series race was held on Siesta Key Beach in June, the second race is coming up at Nathan Benderson Park on August 24th and the third race is at Sarasota Sailing Squadron on October 12^th. 

The Sarasota SUP Series races shall benefit the Suncoast Charities for Children. Elite and Open racers will be sharing the paddleboarding experience with local special needs children in an afternoon ‘Kids Paddle’ session after the races. Event sponsors, racers and participants are encouraged to all participate with a SCC Child and show them the joy of being up and out on the water.  Board and equipment demos for interested spectators follow the SCC Kids Paddle.

The races are produced by Rob Alfieri, owner of local company SUP Sarasota.  Rob said, “We are very excited to be racing at Benderson – the flat water location will make for a very high level of competition. The Regatta Island core allows racers to unload their boards virtually on the water while having a centralized race village for viewers, sponsors and vendors. The “Dash for Cash” Sprints are open to all racers and each class winner receives $50 cash. We are pleased to have Hovie SUP, Red Bull, Kona Brewing Company, Loaded Longboards and Sarasota Ford join us again as series sponsors and we welcome The Sports Authority, Shore at St. Armands, Courtyard Marriott Hotel University Park/Lakewood Ranch, Holiday Inn Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch and Adjust Your Life Chiropractic as a new sponsors. In addition The Compound Board Shop is sponsoring the 2 mile landboard races and penny skateboard sprint and slalom races all day long.”

SUP Sarasota has partnered with SUP board manufacturer HovieSUP to produce the races. Hovie SUP’s new line of displacement hull paddleboards designed by famed yacht designer Tim Kernan specifically for gulf coast waters are being manufactured in Port Manatee, Florida.

Saturday, August 24^th Race Day Schedule

The Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch is providing a special rate of $89.00 per night on rooms for Sarasota SUP Race Series participants or spectators. Just call them at (941) 782-4400 and mentionthe race to receive the discount.

Awards shall be given to the top three finishers in each race division. The divisions are separated by age, sex, ability level and board size, so all who enter have a shot at receiving an award. Each racer receives a SUP Sarasota FlexFit hat and swag bag filled with SUP related goodies and coupons worth over $200, a free lunch and a raffle ticket for a chance at winning a multitude of prizes.
 
Race Divisions:
Elite Race:    Men's and Women's 12.6, 14 and Unlimited Divisions, Over 50 in Men's 12.6 and 14's, Junior 12'6 Division. Distance - 6 miles. Cost - $45.00
Open Race:  Men's, Women's and Junior 12.6 Race Board, Under 12’ Displacement Board and Stock SUP Divisions. Distance - 3 Miles. Cost - $35.00
“Dash for Cash” Sprints:  Free to all Elite and Open Racers – Shore to buoy and return 100 yard dash
Landboard and Penny Skateboard Slalom and Sprint Races: Open to everyone
 
*Awards given to top three finishers in each division. 5 racers must enter into a division for awards to be given.
 
The Red Bull MXT Truck will be on site to provide music, entertainment and race commentary during the afternoon, two Red Bull Sea-Doo’s will oversee course safety and the Red Bull Wing Team will be providing samples of Red Bull products onsite. Kona Brewing Company will be sampling their renowned brews to an always appreciative audience. Top-tier event sponsors include SUP Sarasota, HovieSUP, Kona Brewing Company, Red Bull, Loaded Longboards, TranquilMist, Sarasota Ford, Sports Authority, Brown and Brown Insurance dizm Eyewear, SUPreme Apparel, HyperFlex Wetsuits and Perception Management. Interested sponsor and vendors are encouraged to contact Rob Alfieri at 941.704.4878.
Equipment and Instructional demonstrations, food, drinks and raffle tickets are available for all competitors, spectators and the general public. Nathan Benderson Park is located at 2500 N Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34235.

For more information and to register go to http://www.SarasotaSUPSeries.com.

SUP is the fastest growing sport in the world, and the growth in Florida is explosive as new participants are eager to explore the amazing local waterways while enjoying incredible exercise.