Infinity SUP returns to Santa Cruz Paddlefest 2026 (27-29 March) as the official SUP surfing division sponsor, continuing their tradition of showing up strong both at the start line and in the break.
The longest-running paddle surf competition on the planet, Santa Cruz Paddlefest has been setting the standard since 1985. Its iconic venue, Steamer Lane in the heart of Santa Cruz, California, attracts elite athletes from around the globe to compete in kayak, SUP, and waveski surfing. Just down the line, the world-class intermediate break, Indicators, offers the perfect turf for paddlers looking to test themselves.
The Infinity SUP Speed Freaks have been consistently arriving in numbers, showing up as competitors and supporters while bringing their trademark energy and explosive style to both surf and racing.
“Santa Cruz Paddlefest is a special event for myself and Infinity. This event embodies the spirit and community of paddling. Grass roots at its finest. I look forward to returning every year. Now with the race back along with the sup surf completion it feels like it’s truly back. Legendary surf venue and unique race course make it one of the most fun weekends in the sport. Love to see it.”Â
From left: Dave Boehne, Emre Bosut and Tony Powell-Phelps at the 2025 Santa Cruz Paddlefest | Photo by Toby Roessingh
As the festival heads into its 35th edition, organisers kicked off with major announcements: the return of one of its most anticipated elements – the ocean race – and the official appointment of Candice Appleby as Race Director.
“While this event started with kayak surfing over 40 years ago, it has grown over the decades to encompass all ocean paddlecraft. And while surfing has been the core of the event, ocean racing was also a major part of it for a very long time. Reviving the ocean race in 2026 feels like bringing the event back to its full potential.”
Photo by Scott Shannon Photography
“This event has always been a really fun trip up north for myself and many other Southern California paddlers. Coming back now as race director, while my current sponsor, Infinity SUP, is heading up the SUP surfing event at the Lane, really brings things full circle. I know there will be a strong contingent of Infinity racers, and other SoCal paddlers making the trip to Santa Cruz, including many of the athletes I coach through Ocean Academy, and I’m excited to see that energy carried across both the surf and race sides of the festival.
It truly feels like a full-circle moment for me. I’m also incredibly excited to have Duke Brouwer on board. Duke is a Santa Cruz local and was the original race director of the very first SUP race ever held as part of the Santa Cruz Paddlefest. Having him join me as assistant race director and beach marshal feels especially meaningful. Duke and I go way back — he was my team manager during my early years with Surftech — and his support played an important role in my development as an athlete. To now be working together again at an event he helped launch, and one that has been such a big part of my own career, really feels meaningful.”
Image source: Santa Cruz Paddlefest
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