National SUP Day
Gliding on water, paddleboarding merges tranquility and fitness, creating an immersive experience in nature's embrace.
Activate September with free or discounted SUP experiences and charity tie-ins to drive trial, fitness engagement, and brand loyalty among outdoor enthusiasts.
- 'Try SUP for free this September'—partner with local water sports retailers and fitness brands for beginner-friendly demo events
- Charity paddle campaigns: host a branded SUP race or yoga class that donates proceeds to environmental or health nonprofits
- User-generated content challenge: #MySUPStory—encourage customers to share their first paddleboard experience on social media
- Fitness + wellness angle: highlight how SUP builds strength, coordination, and mental health benefits in email and influencer partnerships
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a sport that offers a great deal of versatility, taking on a wide range of activities such as touring, racing, nature exploration, fishing or even yoga.
No matter how it is practiced, this sport can be for just about anyone who simply likes to be out on the water and appreciates the autonomy provided by a stand up paddleboard.
While modern SUP got its start in Hawaii in the 1940s with a connection to surfing, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it began to gain popularity and recognition as a sport. By 2013, stand up paddleboarding was named as the outdoor activity with the most first time participants.
National Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Day was founded through an idea with the charity AquaPaddle. The day was established with the purpose of encouraging more people to try out and engage with this fascinating, enjoyable, and healthy sport.
Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Those who are new to the idea of SUP, or who have seen photos but have never tried it, should absolutely use National SUP Day as a motivation to get out on the water! People of all ages and fitness levels can be involved with SUP with minimal training, helping burn calories, build muscle strength, improve coordination and more. Though it’s not a difficult sport, some people may feel more confident by having a lesson or at least some pointers before they actually get out on the water.
Join AquaPaddle for SUP
AquaPaddle is one of the supporters and founders of National SUP Day, provides free access to stand up paddleboarding on waterways across the United Kingdom. They work with partners to provide free-of-charge, timed 5km paddle board experiences with the desire to encourage people in their physical and mental well-being.
SUP for Charity
Some of the different SUP organizations have hosted a range of different events and activities that raise support for charities and people in need. National SUP Day is a perfect time to participate in or host an event that will help others in need, whether through SUP races, SUP city river tours, or SUP yoga classes for mental health. Some of the many different charities that have been helped by SUP events in the past include environmental change charities, social change organizations, health nonprofits (such as cystic fibrosis support), SUP programs for people with disabilities and more.