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Sarasota County to Host Two Back-to-Back Paddleboard Tournaments at Nathan Benderson Park
Two international paddleboard tournaments return to Nathan Benderson Park this holiday season, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about the growingly popular sport.
Two international paddleboard tournaments return to Nathan Benderson Park this holiday season, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about the growingly popular sport.
From November 20th to December 2nd, two back-to-back paddleboard tournaments will take place at Nathan Benderson Park. The holiday series will begin with the 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, followed by the 3rd Annual Last Paddler Standing SUP race. These family-friendly events will offer attendees the chance to meet with world-renowned paddlers, gain insights into the growingly popular sport, and participate in various onsite activities.
"We’re thrilled to welcome the ICF Stand Up Paddleboard World Championships and Last Paddler Standing back to Nathan Benderson Park,” said Pete Harvey, Director of Sports for Visit Sarasota County. “These events underscore our commitment to making Sarasota County a premier stand-up paddleboarding hub, leveraging our top facilities and strong community interest to attract world-class competitions.”
As the demand for paddleboarding continues to rise, the return of both events to Sarasota County is made possible by its world-renowned facilities, including Nathan Benderson Park. Beginning with the 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, nearly 750 paddlers from around the world will compete in five days of technical, sprint, and distance races. The event will also offer attendees, including children ages 8 to 14, the opportunity to participate in recreational games and challenges. With growing viewer demand for the ICF championships, international audiences will be tuning in to watch the action at Nathan Benderson Park via RHS TV.
“It is an honour to welcome competitors from all across the globe to our area to enjoy our world-renowned 550-acre park located in Sarasota County,” said Bruce Patneaude, COO of Nathan Benderson Park and Chairman of the Host Organising Committee. “The city’s location on Florida’s Gulf Coast provides favorable weather and sunshine all year long. In addition, the Park itself is situated adjacent to a vibrant entertainment district called University Town Center (UTC), consisting of numerous restaurants, hotels, recreational activities, and an upscale shopping mall within walking distance from the race course. Our world-renowned paddling and aquatics facility has hosted multiple international and national events where thousands of athletes and fans have experienced unforgettable competitions.”
Coming off the heels of the ICF’s World Championships will be the 3rd Annual Last Paddler Standing, an endurance SUP race focused on stamina and strategy at Nathan Benderson Park. Ranked #1 in U.S. SUP races last year, attendees will see racers paddle a 3.33-mile loop course, starting and finishing the loop within a one-hour period, repeating it until the length of the loop increases up to 4.9 miles for paddlers still standing two days later. The event will wrap on December 2nd, declaring the Last Paddler Standing 2024 winner.
“Last Paddler Standing is unique for many reasons,” said Greg Wingo, event founder. “Its format offers athletes of all ages and abilities a chance to compete on an even playing field. Unlike other races, where strength and speed often take center stage, this event prioritizes endurance and stamina, fostering fair competition for all men and women. It’s an incredibly tough challenge, creating amazing storylines throughout the intense multi-day event.”
For more information regarding both of these events, visit: www.visitsarasota.com/things-to-do/sports-recreation
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About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. It is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). VSC meets the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, fiscal management, and ethical principles. Visit www.visitsarasota.com for more information.
Media Contact
Visit Sarasota County
Elizabeth Knight
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