For Infinity, SUP surfing isn’t just a discipline – it’s what they derive from. The culture, the vibes, the gear – it’s all in their roots. And when Infinity gets involved and supports SUP surf events, you know there are some real hitters in the pipeline.
The 34th Santa Cruz Paddlefest (28-30 March, Santa Cruz, California, USA): For over 33 years, the legendary Steamer Lane has been a magnet for elite athletes worldwide to compete in kayak, SUP surf, and waveski. Just down the coast, the famous Indicators surf break offers the perfect playground for paddle surfers to sharpen their skills and get stoked on the high-level competition.
Photo by Chad Jarae
Carolina Pro Am (7-9 November, North Carolina, USA) is ‘a contest put on for SUP surfers by SUP surfers’. Set against the stunning backdrop of Wrightsville Beach, this spectator-friendly, world-class competition, now in its 11th year, draws top professionals from around the globe.
As the Infinity Speed Freaks are gearing up to shred and relive epic moments at these premier SUP surf events, TotalSUP caught up with Dave Boehne, the brand’s Boss, one of the top SUP surfers in the world and a true modern-day waterman, to chat about backing gigs that have the SUP surf community talking.
Photo by Chad Jarae
Hi Anna, thank you for reaching out. The new year has been great so far super busy and always pushing! Santa Cruz Paddlefest (SCPF) and Carolina Pro Am are the two premiere SUP surf events in the USA and ones that we as a brand has always supported and Infinity is proud to be sponsoring both showing our commitment to the sport and supporting the core paddler. All of which has always been one of our mantras.
Photo by Chad Jarae
Infinity and the way we do things has always been with a grassroots and core approach and both of these events are the epitome of what SUP truly is about. Community and good times with good friends. The competition is high level but the vibes are even higher. No egos at these events just pure stoke. This is something we strive for through our products and in the water.
Photo by Chad Jarae
Still working on the details and calendars with the team but Sebastian Gomez, Vania Torres, Bernd Roediger, Anthony Maltese and Campbell Carter are all trying to make it out. Of course all of our regional crew all stars like Tiny Wahine (Mel Wygal), Boltz, Kapowscoe (Brent Pascoe), Chadson, Ojos Azul, Jack the Ripper and yours truly will all be there!
Photo by Chad Jarae
YES, this is a grassroots event there is no prize money and there are “first time” division and novice divisions so there is something for everyone. Plus in Santa Cruz you get the unique opportunity to surf a world famous wave with only a few of your friends in the line up. That alone is worth the trip! Carolina Pro-Am has a little prize money but really it’s more for the same reason of just an epic week of fun in North Carolina with the best crew!
Photo by Chad Jarae
I think it’s everything. We are a smaller independent core brand and I believe it is important to support the core events and paddlers. SUP surf is a big part of our DNA and feel we are a leader in that space. I participate myself in all of these events and I just think it’s fun to be a part of it all and help build the hype!
Photo by Chad Jarae
SUP surfing is the roots of the sport and there is a lot of SUP surfing going on here in the USA. More than I think people realize since the original “boom” happened. True that there is not as many SUP surfing specific events but that’s not really why we all got into the sport in the first place.
Photo source: USA SUP National Championships | Clash of the SUP Legends: From left, Danny Ching and Dave Boehne
I’d like to see more because the community we are building at events like these is strong and there is an interest for more. The ones that say racing is dead in USA are the people not attending any of the events. There is plenty of racing going on and people are active and stoked to participate, it’s just evolved into flatter water and the participation has gotten older 40s and 50s dominate the entries. It is true there is not a big junior participation in the USA which is both a bummer and a little strange. As the sport evolves we as a brand will continue to do what we do as well.
I like to think of it from a perspective of ‘what can we bring to the event’ type of way. There are many great events out there but how can Infinity make a positive impact beyond just some budget. If we can bring legitimacy and interest to an event because we are involved, it’s good for everyone. I hope we are at a point where people see Infinity is involved they know it’s going to be a world class event and the fun factor will no doubt be next level!
Photo by Chad Jarae
With the help of our international partners we already sponsor and support several events, paddle clubs, and athletes through our network which has been fun to watch grow.
Photo by Chad Jarae
*Images by Chad Jarae | Courtesy of Dave Boehne
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