One of SUP racing’s biggest returns starts in Hood River: Connor Baxter is back, aiming for the ICF Worlds

Fresh off his appearance on LENNY BROS – the podcast hosted by Kai and Ridge Lenny – Connor Baxter opened up about the mindset behind dominating a sport for over a decade, while reflecting on the many transitions shaping this next chapter of his life: from a global SUP-erstar to fatherhood and becoming a Maui firefighter.

Building on these themes, we caught up with Connor to learn more about his plans for the season ahead, the latest moves in the SUP world and his perspective on the current state of the sport across both the American and European racing scenes.

This conversation feels particularly special – catching up with an athlete who is not only a multiple-time world champion across major international federations and race circuits, from the APP World Tour and ISA World Championships to the ICF SUP World Championships, but also a figure synonymous with modern SUP racing and the explosive paddling style.

TotalSUP has followed Connor’s achievements for years, and I’ve personally been lucky enough to witness two of his Gold Medals (Sprint & Tech) at the ICF Worlds in Gdynia, Poland, as well as his APP World Tour smash in London. Now, just as he prepares to return to Europe and re-enter the international racing scene, we spoke with the Starboard Dream Team Rider at another pivotal moment in the story of one of the sport’s defining athletes.

Before that happens, he is first confirmed for the Gorge Ultra Distance on 12 July – a demanding 17-mile endurance challenge set in one of the world’s most iconic downwind arenas, the Columbia River Gorge.

The event also marks a fresh new direction under the leadership of Bodie Von Allmen – elite racer, next-generation waterman, and new owner of Stoke On The Water – with a clear vision to “bring the focus back to totally SUP (pun intended)” through a dedicated SUP-only challenge.

Ahead of the event, Connor will also host a three-day downwind camp in Portland, Oregon, from 8-10 July, giving paddlers the opportunity to train alongside one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. With limited spots available, demand is expected to be high!

Photo by Georgia Schofield

Hi Connor, we’re stoked to have you here – what’s been keeping you busy lately? What is it that keeps pulling you back to the water – and back into competition?

I am stoked as well to be here. As of lately, family life, and the new job as a firefighter have been keeping me very busy. Spending lots of time with the kids and sharing the knowledge in the sun for the ocean like how my dad did for me. So lots of body surfing and playtime at the beach.

As well as the normal dad-life duties – packing school lunches, school drop-offs and pick-ups, and taking them to after-school activities like jiu-jitsu and soccer.

Water is in my DNA and it is something that I have always done and will always do whether it’s paddling surfing or foiling or any type of water activity. I am always down to get in the water and have some fun with friends.

As far as competition goes the last few years off have been super nice but that feeling you get on a start line is like no other drug. Plus the atmosphere at these big competitions or any competition for that matter is amazing. The stand-up paddling community is awesome and the people involved are what keep making me come back.

Last season, your focus shifted more toward US-based events – what drove that decision?

Last year, I did a few events in California in Oregon mainly because I didn’t want to be away from family too long and with the new job as a firefighter, I didn’t want to take off too much time. I went into these events with very little if not, no training, but it was still fun to see everyone.

How did that change your perspective on the current SUP racing scene, especially comparing the US and Europe?

Going to the events in the US is a dramatic difference. Rewind 10 years ago events in California and Oregon were some of the biggest events on the SUP calendar.

Nowadays, it’s a lot less elite, paddlers, and more recreational / weekend warriors. I haven’t been to any races in Europe for a bit, but just seeing what is going on over there that’s definitely where most of the top paddlers are traveling to and competing.

Photo by Georgia Schofield

There seems to be a push to consolidate the European SUP scene – what’s your take on that? Drawing on your experience across both scenes, what could be still strengthened in Europe and how could those ideas translate to North America?

Seeing the European SUP scene come together and try to consolidate a united league is awesome. It’s what the sport needs and considering most events are over there right now, it makes a lot of sense. Something like that in North America would be awesome.

I think the biggest problem is most of the top paddlers are from Europe or are close by which makes it easy to travel to. I don’t think there’s much budget in the SUP industry like it used to be so traveling around the world is not as easy or accessible to most of the paddlers.

I would love to see the sport grow and get back to how it used to be in the US, but everything takes money and dedicated people to help organize these kind of things.

Photo by Pablo Franco

You’re confirmed for the inaugural Gorge Ultra Distance 2026 – a 17-mile, SUP-only downwind endurance race. What excites you most about taking on this challenge?

I am super excited to be heading to back out to Hood River. I have always loved this town and when the downwind run is on, it has to be one of the best downwinders out there. The river flows one way and the wind goes the opposite, so the bumps stand up nice and tall creating some incredible step rides.

I’m excited to be going out there to take on the longer distance. I will also be teaching a three day downwind camp which will be amazing for all levels. Be sure to email me if you are in town and are interested > info@connorbaxter.com

Image source: George Challenge 2022

The organisers – Bodie von Allemen and the Stoke On The Water team – set out to bring back a dedicated SUP event. With more races shifting toward multi-sport formats, do you feel something is lost for paddlers and do SUP-only events bring out a different level of competition?

I’m really stoked on what Bodie is doing and making this a SUP only race. With all the new watersports out there and events trying to host all of them. It definitely spreads the organizers out thin. Hopefully, it brings back the stoke and energy that Hood River had back in the day

We’ve noticed you’re running highly focused clinics this June – around sprint and downwind. How important is it for top athletes like yourself to stay connected to the grassroots side of the sport?

I’m really excited to be hosting clinics in California and in Hood River. It gives me a lot of joy and fulfillment sharing my knowledge and teaching people. I feel like it’s really important to stay connected with the community and also sharing tips and tricks.

Photo by Georgia Schofield

Let’s talk gear. With your long history with Starboard, have the latest designs (Gen R, the all-new All Star) made you switch boards, or do you still rely on the models you know best?

As far as gear goes, I am still very dedicated to the All Star. This board is definitely the best all-around production board on the market – if not among custom boards as well

Showing up to a race and knowing that no matter what the conditions are on race day, your board is going to perform gives you a peace of mind and one less thing to worry about.

And for aspiring racers looking to follow your setup – or “ride what Conbax rides” – what’s your advice when it comes to choosing gear?

At the end of the day, something I have always told myself is “it’s the engine not the equipment” meaning if you get your mindset right, your body in shape and you stay disciplined. It shouldn’t matter what you’re riding, you will be a force to be reckoned with.

But at the same time, it is always good to try everything if you have the opportunity. I have always been a big believer in using all types of gear and water crafts, which help you have a better understanding and see the water in a different perspective.

The boards I mainly train on are either old big, wide, waterlogged with holes in it, but it allows me to not worry about the equipment and just focus on the training.

Connor Baxter bombing waves in Chile

Do you feel SUP has carved out its own culture yet, or is it still evolving compared to other board sports?

I definitely feel that SUP has carved out its own culture. At the end of the day, we are all athletes that are going to push our limits and go for gold, but it seems to me that we’re always down to have a good time and celebrate whether we win or lose after.

Everyone is always incredibly helpful, whether it’s with the small things or the big ones – from transporting boards to and from races to helping find places to stay.

Photo by Georgia Schofield | ICF Worlds Gdynia, Poland

Post-Gorge Ultra Distance 2026, what does your race calendar look like – any European stops lined up? With Sabaudia hosting the ICF World Championships in Italy, is that on your radar?

After the Gorge Ultra Distance, I am planning on doing the ICF World Championships in Italy. Going to try my best to train hard and be as prepared as I can for this race.

But with daddy duties in the new job, it is definitely hard to find the time like I used to to really put in the work. After that if ISA can ever release their race dates and location, I am potentially going to do that as well.

Thank you Connor, we can’t wait to cross SUP paths with you in Italy!

Visit the Gorge Ultra Distance event page and REGISTER for the event here 

*In the run-up to the Gorge, Connor Baxter will be hosting a 3-day downwind camp in Portland, Oregon (July 8–10). Spots are limited and will fill fast – to secure your place, contact info@connorbaxter.com and bodie@stokeonthewaterllc.com 

Find out more about Starboard 2026 range at sup.star-board.com

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*Images courtesy of Connor Baxter