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Welcome to our collection of the biggest news and stories that have taken place in the SUP world from the previous month. Let's recap what happened in January.
United Utilities Bans SUP On 165 Reservoirs - North West, UK
United Utilities, who manage 170 waterway sites across the north west, UK, has released a statement banning participation in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in all but five of its locations. British Canoeing, Royal Yachting Association (RYA), BSUPA and other governing SUP bodies are encouraging United Utilities to change their stance on the issue. United Utitlies have expressed safety concerns citing that a small number of people have died on their waterways and they want to keep users safe so it doesn’t happen again.
Thoughts? We’d love to hear them below.
SIC Unveil XRS - Flat Water Race
SIC Maui officially presented the new XRS to the world at the Gla Gla Race this January. French athlete Ludovic Teulade tackled the 15 km long distance with the XRS 14’x20’’, landing him in 5th place, just 13 seconds shy of the winner Bruno Hasulyo.
The design of the XRS is inspired by the SIC X Series mixing with the multi-award winning RS. The XRS offers the best possible length/width ratio. It is a stable platform for the rider to take maximum speed. The flat bottom with the proportionally wide tail provides a solid base, with an efficient waterline.
Protected Ocean Highway - Feel Good News
The East Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor is being created by four Latin American countries, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Columbia and Panama. Ecuador just recently announced that a 60,000 square kilometre marine reserve called Hermandad has been set up near the Galapagos to aid in connecting this corridor between countries. It’s a step in the right direction to protect overfishing in the area and the protection of habitats for vital sea creatures.
What does this have to with SUP? Well you can now enjoy more marine life encounters and cleaner waters to paddle in off the coast of the these countries. We think that’s pretty cool and a great reason to book a SUP holiday.