Boardworks Surf, the Encinitas, CA maker of stand-up paddleboards, is propelling the sport of stand-up paddling, or SUP, throughout Colorado and other landlocked states with its “Show Up & Blow Up” SUP demo tour, the largest SUP tour ever.
Anchored this weekend at Salida, CO's 64th annual FIBArk (June 14-17), the demos, clinics, and competitions will wet Coloradans thirst for all things water.
Referred to as “America’s Oldest & Boldest Whitewater Festival,” FIBArk will feature four days of SUP river events and activities.
Competitions will include three stand-up paddle events: Freestyle Surf SUP, the exciting SUP-Cross, and the thrilling downriver race.
The Freestyle SUP event will offer contestants an opportunity to express his or her creative side and wow the crowd. The SUP-Cross will be wildly entertaining as racers paddle head-to-head through downtown Salida’s whitewater park to the roar of thousands of fans. The Downriver race is the historic backbone of FIBArk, and this is the second year there is a dedicated SUP category, a 10-mile battle of the best.
Boardworks’ Show Up and Blow Up Tour Demo Tour, lead by SUP Pros Mike Tavares and Haley Mills, has brought a fleet of its latest boards to Salida and is hosting SUP clinics and demos throughout the long weekend.
Boardworks partner Badfish SUP, founded by Salida-based Mike Harvey and Zach Hughes, are also FIBArk sponsors and are showcasing their hugely popular river SUP designs.
Currently one of the world’s fastest growing sports, the sport has been riding a swell of popularity since first being introduced about a decade ago. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, more people tried stand-up paddleboarding for the first time in 2010 than tried any other outdoor activity. It’s not surprising that SUP appeals to all ages, and everyone from casual recreationalists to fitness enthusiasts to big wave riders.
