SUPconnect 2024 Award Winners

Japan’s Shuri ‘Shrimpy’ Araki is the future of SUP racing. At just 18 years old, he has officially solidified himself as one of the best in the world. In 2024, Shuri accomplished an incredible feat by becoming undefeated and winning the EuroTour. His rise to the top began in 2023 when he stepped up his game, competing in both junior and elite race categories, consistently beating the best in the world.

Shuri made history at the ISA World Championships in 2023, becoming both the youngest World Champion in his division and the first male to win the SUP Technical & Distance Races in the same year—a feat he repeated in 2024, remaining undefeated in every discipline he entered at the ISA.

But Shuri’s record-setting achievements started even earlier. At just 13, he became the youngest-ever finisher of the coveted Molokai-2-Oahu race and went on to become the youngest member of the APP World Tour at 15. His list of accomplishments continues to grow, making him a clear choice for our 2024 Man of the Year.

When not paddling, you’ll find Shuri helping his family organize SUP downwind races at home or enjoying time fishing with his family. Shuri’s bright smile, positive attitude, and immense talent make him a true standout, and we’re thrilled to name him as our 2024 Man of the Year.

Mariecarmen Rivera, sponsored by Infinity SUP, has been a force to be reckoned with in the SUP race scene in recent years. Her recent victory at the Sancti Petri on the Euro Tour and her bronze medal at the Pan American Games in October 2023 are just a few highlights that demonstrate her exceptional prowess as a paddler.

With her incredible skills, strength, and determination, Mariecarmen consistently showcases her talent on the water, earning her recognition and respect across the sport. Her dedication and achievements signal a bright and promising future in the world of SUP, making her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Woman of the Year award.

Claudia Postiglione discovered her passion for stand-up paddling in June 2021 at the SUP Academy in Taranto, quickly excelling under the guidance of Mario Tagarelli. By mid-2022, she fully dedicated herself to the sport, winning almost all Italian races and making her mark in European competitions. Among her notable achievements are victories in the under 15 and under 18 categories at the Odra SUP Race in Poland and winning the Kids race at the ICF World Championship in Gdynia.

In 2023, Claudia represented Italy at the ISA World Cup in France and the EuroSUP European Championship in Portugal, competing in the Senior Category. She capped off the year with two Gold medals in the Junior Long Distance and Technical Races at the ICF World Championship in Pattaya, Thailand. Training at Lido Gandoli in Puglia, Claudia continues to rise as a standout athlete in the sport, making her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Grom of the Year award.

The Goat Boater is a driving force in the growth and development of SUP, both internationally and at the grassroots level. This outstanding shop consistently engages the community with SUP education and events, ensuring that the sport is accessible and enjoyable for all. Their expertise in SUP brands is unparalleled, making them a go-to destination for paddlers of all levels.

The Goat Boater is also deeply committed to giving back. They work with outside organizations, consulting on community fundraising events centered around SUP, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact. Additionally, they are champions of the SUPKids program, providing eco-initiatives that teach our youth the importance of clean water and protecting our waterways. By fostering an appreciation, respect, and understanding for the environment, The Goat Boater not only grows young paddlers’ passion for nature and SUP but also instills in them a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship

.For their unwavering dedication to the sport and community, we proudly name The Goat Boater as our 2024 Shop of the Year.

When selecting the Brand of the Year, we consider numerous factors such as product excellence, community engagement, dealer relationships, and more. For the fourth consecutive year, Starboard has emerged as the standout choice, consistently displaying innovation and a deep commitment to the sport of SUP.

Starboard continues to push the boundaries of product development, unveiling new and cutting-edge gear annually while providing unwavering support to top athletes on a global and local level. Their dedication to environmentally-friendly production is noteworthy, as is their proactive engagement in beach and waterway cleanups, showcasing their strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Positive feedback from dealers highlights Starboard’s exceptional customer service and backend support, further solidifying their reputation as a leader in the industry. Beyond these qualities, Starboard’s enduring support for the SUP community is evident through their collaborations with global media publications, active involvement with industry associations like SUPIA, and partnerships with organizations like the ICF to promote environmental initiatives and advocate for SUP safety.

These compelling attributes make Starboard our unequivocal choice for the 2024 SUP Brand of the Year.

Brent Ackland embodies the perfect blend of character, sportsmanship, and professionalism. As an Infinity Paddleboard brand sales representative, Brent stands out for his deep knowledge of the technical aspects of paddling gear, offering invaluable advice to help customers choose and use the right equipment. His commitment to customer service is exceptional—he’s always available, prompt, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure that people have the right gear for their chosen activities and conditions.

Brent is more than just a sales rep; he’s a passionate advocate for safe, fun paddleboarding for fitness in the community. He’s a strong supporter of competitive paddleboarding, offering his expertise in training and events at local, national, and international levels. As a coach, he’s made a significant impact on the paddling community.

Their Ontario-based Infinity SpeedFreaks team proudly nominates Brent Ackland as the Sales Rep of the Year for 2024, recognizing his dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support for the sport we love.

Sarah ‘SUPJunkie’ Thornely is an ex-GB Women’s Champion and has selflessly supported the sport since she retired from the UK race scene. She took on varied responsibilities and continues to present live streaming of the GB SUP National Series and a large number of other international and UK-based events. She writes knowledgeably and coordinates contributions to support SUP Media publications in the UK while being an advocate for new brands, events, and racers both in the UK and internationally. Sarah is a passionate role model and supporter of the sport and has given her time generously for years to not only build up the vibrant racing scene but to contribute to all flavors and levels of SUP and is the face of the sport and the biggest and most effective advocate of the sport in the UK.

At just 18 years old, Donato Freens from the Netherlands is making waves in the global SUP race scene with a string of impressive achievements. His dedication and hunger for success have been evident in every event he competes in. Recently, Freens secured the 3rd overall position on the Euro Tour 2023 and clinched the title of junior vice world champion at the ISA World Championships in France. Now transitioning into the Open Men’s category, Freens is poised to continue his ascent and carve out a name for himself among the sport’s elite competitors.

Csillag Kocsis is a standout talent in stand-up paddling. At the 2023 ICF World Championship in Thailand, she earned a silver medal in the technical category and a bronze in long-distance in the junior class. She also placed 5th in junior technical and 7th in open sprint at the ISA World Championship in France last year. Recently, Csillag won the junior ECA European Championship in Hungary, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.