Sup statistics and history

Sup statistics and history for stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years, enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels. In more modern times orriginating in Hawaii, SUP has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has evolved into a modern water sport with global appeal. In this article, we will explore some interesting SUP statistics and take a look at the history of this popular activity. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a mainstream sport, we will delve into the fascinating world of stand-up paddleboarding.

Dockslocks locking system

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2023

According to "Bard" here are some key 2023 statistics about stand up paddle boarding globally:

Market size: 
The global stand-up paddleboard market was estimated to be worth $2.6 billion in 2023. This is a significant increase from previous years, and the market is expected to continue growing at a steady rate in the coming years.

• Growth rate: The global stand-up paddleboard market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% between 2021 and 2026. This means that the market is expected to double in size over the next five years.

• Popularity: Stand-up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that it is a relatively easy sport to learn, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, and it is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

• Regions: The North American market is the largest for stand-up paddleboarding, followed by Europe and Asia. However, the market is growing rapidly in other regions, such as South America and Africa.

• Trends: Some of the key trends in the stand-up paddleboarding market include the growing popularity of inflatable boards, the increasing demand for high-performance boards, and the rise of niche markets such as yoga paddleboarding and SUP fishing.

2022

https://youtu.be/BXqjXdXKc3Q
A brief history of stand up paddle boarding by Robert Stehlik

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Sup statistics and history continued

SUP statistics and history is widely available on the internet and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. However, some countries may have a higher concentration of SUP enthusiasts and may be more likely to feature such content. Countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada are known for their thriving SUP communities, and it's possible to find photos, articles, and videos related to SUP statistics and history from these locations. Additionally, many popular SUP brands and athletes are based in these countries, making them a great resource for SUP-related content.

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2015

According to Statista, the chart below shows comparison and interest over time (2015 – 2020)

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"Profiling the sport of stand up paddle boarding" report released in July 2015 from the "Journal of Sports Sciences". See the following link:

https://www.standuppaddleboardingguide.com/support-files/profiling_sup.pdf

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Guinness World Records

Human and dog paddleboarding - Guinness World Records

The longest Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) ride on a river bore is 1,690.5 metres (1.05 miles) and was achieved by Ivan Moreira and Bono the surfing dog from Brazil at Mearim River, in Arari, Maranhão, Brazil.

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The following statistics according to published artice by sunplay.com March 21, 2014 - https://www.sunplay.com/blog/stand-up-paddleboarding-facts

• In 2008 US Coast Guards classified SUP boards as vessels, similar to canoes and kayaks.

• In 2009, SUP became the single fastest growing paddle sport in North America.

• The largest demographic is 35-44 years old for both men and women.

• In Brazil, SUP grew 500% in one year.

• There are now over 150,000 SUPers in the US, a number that is expected to grow 10 times by 2016

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John Zapotocky SUP/Surf Legend - passed away 2013 at the age of 95. John SUPed and Surfed for 65 years.

http://www.supthemag.com/news/sup-pioneer-john-zap-zapotocky-passes-away-at-95/

Honolulu Star-Advertiser Obituaries  - John Zapotocky Sr. http://obits.staradvertiser.com/2013/10/13/john-zapotocky-sr/

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Video released in 2012 — the "Greats" talking about SUP

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2011

According to Reuters: written by Dorene Internicola

About 1.2 million people tried stand up paddle boarding in 2011 – up 18 percent from 2010 (stated by the Outdoor Industry Association's 2012 report.

The highest percentage tried paddling boarding for the first time in 2011 (60 percent).

More interesting facts (August 2011) from Svein Rasmussen 

According to Starboard International (August 2011) - Estimate statistics.

Germany - in 2011 SUP paddle board sales are expected to double

France - currently the largest market in Europe for SUP sales is expected to be 3 times as large as German market at 9000 boards per year.

USA - the largest market at 50,000 boards per year. 

• • Note: women make up half of this number! 
• • There are currently 57 SUP fairs held in the U.S.
• • It is expected the U.S. market will not reach its peak for another 5 years.

In the next 5 years SUP growth in Europe is expected to exceed that of the U.S. because it has been promoted by kayak companies for use on rivers.

Although SUP has a surf image, 90 percent of SUP riders use paddle boards for flat water or fitness training.

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2011 survey conducted by SUP Magazine

See below the stand up paddling survey conducted June of 2011. Statistics are taken from 937 volunteer paddlers located with the U.S.A. This is a thoughtful compilation presented via an easy to following graphic presentation. 

Right-click to download this PDF file here.

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2010

According to Laird Hamiliton in an article from The Wall Street Journal July 2010:

"Nearly 50% of the buyers of our stand-up boards are women, which is a much much higher percentage than" conventional surf boards, says Mr. Hamilton.

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2008

July, 2008 read the interview supglobal.com did with Rick Thomas.
Rick was the first person to bring Stand Up Paddle Surfing to mainland America.

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2005

SUPsports.com declares:

"We are the first fully dedicated all SUP shop in the Americas and we’ve been making and selling SUP’s since 2005."... 

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2002

Surf legend Laird Hamilton on video in Malibu using a stand up paddle board. At this time few people knew what a SUP was.

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Duke Kahanamoku surfing wooden longboards

and a standup paddleboard (SUP) at Waikiki . Experience the Hula and say hello to the Duke. This clip was made from an ancient piece of 1930's 8mm 'Castle' film supplied by Mr John Mellor of Swaylocks. 'Tom Bloke' makes a cameo appearance ;

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1912 — Brandenburg Germany
A pneumatic structure used to propell a board over water—refered to as "water shoes". 1912 Brandenburg, Germany.

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1770's — Karakokooa, Owyhee
Sketch by John Webber, published 1785. English: A view of Karakokooa, in Owyhee. J. Webber del. W. Byrne sculp. (London, G. Nicol and T. Cadell, 1785).her. [reference Wikipedia]

Look carefully in the forefront at the bottom left, you'll see what appears to be a paddle board.

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Ancient SUP statistics

The following link is an article by exminer.com on the history of paddle boarding dating back to 7000 BC

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back to SUP info

Home – where it all started

SUP statistics

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