On 4–5 July 2026, paddlers across the UK are being invited to take part in Hunters Day—a nationwide initiative encouraging everyone who plans to be on the water that weekend to dedicate their paddle to hospice care. The concept is straightforward. Whether you're heading out for a SUP session, joining your local club, paddling with friends or simply enjoying a solo trip, you're invited to add a pin to the Hunters Day participation map to show your support and appreciation for the care that hospices provide to thousands of families across the UK.
Unlike many charity events, there are no fundraising targets, organised routes or entry fees. The aim is simply to create a visible show of support from the paddlesport community.
Hunters Day was created in memory of Gary Hunter, whose family experienced first-hand the compassion and care provided by hospice services. The initiative hopes to bring together paddlers from every discipline—including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and dragon boating—for one shared message of thanks.
If your local SUP club is already running a session that weekend, or you’re planning to get out for a paddle anyway, taking part couldn’t be easier:
- Paddle on 4 or 5 July
- Paddle safely and responsibly
- Add your location to the Hunters Day participation map
- Share your paddle to help spread the message
At SUPboarder, we’re always keen to highlight opportunities that bring the paddle community together. This is one of those occasions where simply doing what many of us already love—getting out on the water—can become part of something much bigger.
If you’re paddling next weekend, why not add your pin and be part of it?