Last Paddler Standing Countdown: Yster SUP and the event partnership that champions endurance

The SUP world hasn’t even had time to catch its breath after the ICF World Championships, and now it’s gearing up for another epic ride – this time in the most extreme format of our sport – the ultra-endurance. Anticipation is mounting as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Last Paddler Standing event, the most-watched SUP race of the 2023.

With growing interest in endurance races, all eyes are on this weekend’s showdown kicking off on Saturday, 30 November. And if there’s one brand that knows endurance – it’s the Yster SUP, the premium Swedish brand from Malmö. As a dedicated supporter and official sponsor of the Last Paddler Standing, Yster SUP has become synonymous with adventure and ultra-endurance paddling. Their boards have been tested in some of the world’s toughest ultra-marathon paddle races, from the gruelling Yukon 1000 to the recent Great Alabama 650, proving their mettle in the most challenging conditions.

Greg Wingo, Last Paddler Standing & Great Alabama 650 Founder and Race Director said: “We are excited to have Yster SUP back for the third year of Last Paddler Standing. Yster has been a steadfast supporter of the endurance SUP community and we are excited to be able to expose their brand to our large audience of SUP enthusiasts.” 

Per Vallbo with the new Yster SUP Basalty board

When we asked Per Vallbo, Yster SUP Founder and long distance paddler himself, about the phenomenon of Last Paddler Standing and the surge in popularity of endurance racing, he pointed out several factors that make the event so compelling:

“I think the Last Paddler Standing has become one of the watched SUP races for three reasons. Firstly the fact that the whole race is broadcast live from start to finish is unique. It becomes addictive in the same way as slow TV, which is kind of funny: it’s still a race. The commentary has been great and has provided engaging insights about the race and paddles. I am looking forward to seeing Craig Sawyer back behind the mic.

The interest for long-distance and endurance paddling is definitely growing. Not only long distance racing but also the touring category. For a brand like Yster, which has long-distance in our DNA, I am of course delighted to see that an increasing number of paddlers want to spend longer periods of time on the water.” 

About the Last Paddler Standing

Last Paddler Standing is an endurance SUP race taking place at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. Unlike any other paddling race in the world, Last Paddler Standing is a SUP racing competition of stamina and strategy. Racers will paddle a 3.33 mile loop course, starting and finishing the loop within a one-hour period. The next loop will begin on the hour and the race goes until only one paddler is left standing. At the 48 hour mark, the length of the loop is being be increased to 4.9 miles.

Photo by Tanja Ecker

Ultra endurance Champ and Yster SUP Rider Göran ‘Gossa’ Gustavsson returns for his 48 laps!

Göran ‘Gossa’ Gustavsson, (in between flights!) said:  “This is the third time I do it. I’ll be paddling Yster SUP 14x 25.  I’m looking forward to it – it’s always nervous before you get there with all the transport but I’m going to be in Florida on Friday night. It’s going to be pretty hectic with the delays and all the flights but I’m going to take as it I’ve done it before – take it easy, just paddle, have a good time, have fun.

I have a good set up with a good friend from Sarasota – they’re going to help me out with all the stuff so I’m really happy that this time I didn’t have to plan anything. My goal obviously has always been the 48 laps. I did 42 laps in my first year of participating and 44 last year. Hopefully this year I can do 48 laps, that’s my goal.”

Photo credit: Craig Sawyer

Craig Sawyer makes his return to the commentator’s seat

Craig Sawyer, SUP endurance athlete and Coach, said: “I’m really looking forward to Last Paddler Standing this year. First and foremost sharing the microphone and presenting with some absolute legends in the sport, we’ve got Jamie Cohen and Mathieu Astier, and I think between the four of us, we each bring our own unique background experience within the SUP world. Hopefully we can offer something to everyone, and to keep everyone engage over what can potentially go on for 50 hours. I think the expectation is 50 hours this year, so that’s going to be incredible to watch! 

As for the live stream, we’re always looking to enhance it but also keeping that backyard, garage nearly  ultra feel. It’s important to keep it real and organic in the way it’s being produced to not loose the sight of what it was in the first place. What’s also incredibly important is that we’re not putting a paywall, we want as many eyeballs on the live stream from around the world as possible engaging with us – its’s open to everyone and it’s free for everyone. 

This is also a great wat to show the support that Yster is giving to the ultra endurance world of paddleboarding: Last Paddler Standing, we’ve got the SUP 11-City Tour with Per Vallbo racing it, myself racing it in 2023 on the new Yster Basalty and of course the success of the Yster boards we’ve had on the Yukon 1000! 

Explore Yster SUP quiver at www.ystersup.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about the Last Paddler Standing, visit lastpaddlerstanding.com

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