Amazon SUP Challenge 2024

The Amazon Canoe Challenge is one of the most unique endurance paddle challenges. Caroline Dawson, Jonathan Gill and Matthew Phillips recently completed it on SUPs as part of team SPLA and created history in the process.

The Amazon SUP challenge is a 330km endurance paddle race through the Peruvian jungle along the Amazon River. It’s hot, humid, filled with animals and treacherous rapids and those who take part are in for one of the toughest mental and physical challenges in paddling. However, it’s not all about the race. The event engages with local river communities and understands their daily routines and threats, all whilst competitors fundraise to support the local area. The schedule involves stops at the Shintuya and Shipetiari communes in the Manu and Ene-Tambo regions of Peru and over 80% of the support crew for each team will be from the local communities.

Between June 2 – 10, 2024, Caroline Dawson (SUP Lass), Jonathan Gill and Matthew Phillips paddled the challenge and became the first team to cross the finish line at the end of the race. A huge congratulations for their achievement and mental strength!

SUP Lass made history becoming the first female to undertake this route on a stand up paddle board. The team also raised the most money for the local Peruvian communities in this year’s fundraiser. You can still donate and the team are looking for individuals or businesses who share their ethos – creating a POSITIVE IMPACT through adventure.

All details of how you can support us are on the SLPA website: www.suplass.com or visit the JustGiving Page.

Caroline Dawson: Owner of award winning adventure business, SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, Caz is an accomplished paddler and coach, who has successfully completed several long-distance SUP challenges. Her recent overseas trips include paddling the Vjosa in Albania and working as a guide in Scandinavia. Caz will be the first female to paddle this stretch of the Amazon on a paddle board.

Jonathan Gill: An experienced river paddler and partner to Caroline, Jon has previously taken part in a number of team paddle challenges. He is keen adventure photographer and professional drone pilot. Jon will be responsible for capturing and documenting our journey down the Amazon.

Matthew Phillips: A seasoned paddle boarder and natural leader, who is currently guiding river expeditions in the tropical north of New Zealand. Matt has also spent several seasons guiding SUP adventures in the Panamanian jungle, exploring unmapped areas. Matt will be our jungle expert.

Team SPLA were supported by;