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To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’ve put the spotlight on the 11 most influential women in the SUP world right now. These women have made significant contributions to the sport of stand-up paddling, both on and off the water. From breaking world records to advocating for environmental causes, these women have not only excelled in their athletic pursuits but also paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport. Their stories of resilience, determination, and leadership inspire others to push their limits and make positive changes in the world. Join us as we honour these incredible women and their achievements in SUP.
1 | Fiona Wylde
Despite facing the challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes, Fiona has become one of the top SUP athletes in the world. A multi world champion, Fiona has won at some of the most prestigious events in the sport. However, her commitment to giving back to the SUP community is equally impressive. Fiona uses her platform to raise awareness about diabetes and inspire others to pursue their dreams. She is a sought-after coach and mentor, and passionate about helping young paddlers develop the skills they need to succeed. Fiona is also a talented artist and photographer who captures the beauty of the natural world and shares it with others. Whether competing at the highest level or working to make a positive impact in her community, Fiona’s tenacity, perseverance, and passion are truly remarkable.
2 | Lizzie Carr
A true champion for the environment, Lizzie dedicates her time and energy to fighting pollution on the waterways of the UK, even going so far as to fight for change at government level. But Lizzie's impact doesn't end there. She's also an accomplished athlete, having completed numerous long-distance paddling expeditions both in the UK and abroad. Lizzie is a sought-after speaker and coach, and she's even created her own online training program to help paddlers of all levels improve their skills. She's paddled across oceans, navigated treacherous rapids, and explored some of the most remote corners of the planet. Through it all, she's remained committed to her mission of protecting the environment and promoting positive change in the paddling community.
3 | Cal Major
A truly inspiring ocean advocate and a passionate environmentalist, Cal uses stand up paddleboarding as a way to raise awareness about the devastating impact of plastic on our oceans and marine life. But Cal's impact doesn't end there. She is also an accomplished adventurer and author, having completed a solo paddleboarding expedition around the coast of the UK and written a book about her experiences. She has also paddled across the English Channel and even attempted a crossing of the Gulf Stream from the Bahamas to Florida. Through her activism and adventure, Cal inspires others to take action and make a difference in the world. She regularly gives talks and workshops to schools, businesses, and community groups, sharing her knowledge and passion for the environment. Cal's unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm make her a true force for positive change.
4 | Samantha Rutt
An incredible paddling athlete who's always pushing herself to new heights! In 2022, Sam broke the Guinness World Record for a SUP sea crossing, but she's not done yet. This May, she's setting her sights on breaking the English Channel record - and we have no doubt that she'll succeed. Having spent countless hours learning from the best coaches in the world, Sam now runs her own specialist race coaching business, helping other athletes reach their full potential. In fact, she's been instrumental in getting the UK's racing SUP athletes qualified for the World Championships. Sam's dedication to her sport and her community is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.
5 | Marie Buchanan
The ultimate water woman, Marie has been dominating the world of SUP racing for the last 13 years! With her incredible talent and determination, she has become the UK's most prolific medal winner, earning numerous Gold and Silver medals for her country. When she's not busy crushing the competition on her SUP board, she's out catching waves on her surfboard, mastering the winds on her windsurfing gear, or soaring through the air with her wing foil. It's no wonder she's been sponsored by Starboard for so long! And to top it all off, she’s recently celebrated a milestone birthday. Keep your eyes on Marie because she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
6 | Sian Sykes
Sian Sykes is a true inspiration in the world of SUP, having achieved remarkable feats both on and off the water. Having left her London life to return home to North Wales after 15 years, Sian trained as a SUP Instructor, Adventure & Expedition Guide and established Psyched Paddleboarding to share her love of SUP and the great outdoors with others, offering courses and trips that empower and inspire. As the first person to complete a solo and unsupported SUP circumnavigation of Wales, covering 1000km along canals, rivers, and the sea, highlighting the scale of the single-use plastic problem in our waterways along the way, Sian has proven herself to be a fearless adventurer with an unyielding spirit. With her boundless energy and unwavering commitment to her goals, Sian is a true force for positive change in the world of SUP and beyond.
7 | Sarah Thornely
Founder of SUPJunkie, Sarah is a true force to be reckoned with within the paddling community. Although she discovered the sport later in life, Sarah has thrown herself into it with all her heart and soul. At the age of 58, she won the women’s overall UK National Champion - an impressive feat for anyone, let alone a relative newcomer to the sport. But Sarah's talents don't stop there. She's also a skilled commentator and interviewer, providing streaming coverage for UK, APP, and international events. And if that wasn't enough, she's also an accomplished writer, contributing to SUP journals and magazines around the world. But perhaps what's most impressive about Sarah is her dedication to pushing for change and progress in the paddling community.
8 | Jo Moseley
A paddler who has accomplished more in just a few short years than some do in a lifetime, Jo first stepped onto a board in 2016 and never looked back. Since then, she's paddled Coast to Coast, made a film, launched a podcast, and even written a book. But Jo's not just a talented writer and filmmaker - she's also an ambassador for several trusts and companies that are close to her heart. And to top it all off, she's just started writing for Stand Up Paddle Mag UK, sharing her knowledge and experience with paddlers around the world. But perhaps what's most impressive about Jo is her unwavering support for her fellow females in the paddling community. As she likes to say, "We rise by lifting others," and she's always there to lend a helping hand or a word of encouragement to those she's met on her own SUP journey. Keep an eye out for Jo - with her talent, drive, and kind heart, there's no doubt she'll continue to achieve amazing things in the world of SUP.
9 | Katie Simmons
A true example of passion, hard work, resilience and determination, Katie has worked tirelessly throughout her career to achieve an impressive number of outdoor qualifications since the age of 18, and recently qualified as the UK's youngest worldwide SUP Expedition Guide. Balancing her love for paddlesports with her role as an A&E nurse, Katie is also a nursing soldier reservist for the British Army. Her dedication and drive are truly remarkable, and she now manages her day job alongside her paddlesports business, Basecamp Paddleboarding. She has won numerous races from white water to endurance, but her greatest joy comes from guiding others. Katie has big plans for the future, including continuing to explore and educate her clients, growing her business, and showcasing her talents on a personal and professional level. Her unwavering commitment to both her work and her passions are an inspiration to us all.
10 | Seychelle
An incredible SUP racing athlete, Seychelle has achieved some remarkable feats in her career. From winning the prestigious Pacific Paddle Games to setting the record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel by a female paddler, Seychelle is a force to be reckoned with on the water. But her journey has not been without its challenges. As someone who struggled with anxiety and depression, Seychelle knows firsthand the power of using sport as a tool for mental and emotional wellbeing. She has turned her passion for SUP into a way of giving back, and now works to inspire and empower other paddlers to achieve their goals and overcome their own obstacles. Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and online courses, Seychelle is changing lives and making a real difference in the paddling community. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and we can all learn something from her incredible journey.
11 | Anni Ridsdill Smith
A long-term powerhouse in the world of SUP racing, Anni has recently pushed her limits even further by competing in both the European Champs and ICF World Champs. But Anni isn't just a top-notch athlete. She's also the owner of a SUP business, and as the Director of BSUPA, she's dedicated to getting more people, especially women, out on the water. Having worked tirelessly to improve her skills, with the help of none other than Seychelle SUP, her impressive CV and unwavering dedication make Anni a dominant presence in the realm of stand-up paddleboarding.
And ones to watch…
Sarah Blues
A fierce advocate for body positivity in the world of paddling, Sarah has been pushing for clothing companies to create inclusive clothing options for all sizes and shapes, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She's recently become a Red Company Ambassador, and regularly holds lessons for ladies, giving them the confidence they need to get out on the water.
Juliette DuHaime
A superstar athlete from Argentina who's taking the world of paddling by storm. With her incredible skills on a board, it's no surprise that she snagged the 2nd place spot in the overall APP world tour last year. Juliette's dedication to the sport is truly inspiring, and her talent on the water is unmatched. Whether she's riding the waves or racing against the clock, Juliette is a dominant presence in the realm of stand-up paddleboarding.
Feeling inspired?
Fancy beginning your own journey towards becoming a skilled and passionate SUP enthusiast? Who knows, you could be the next inspirational paddler making waves in the world of stand up paddleboarding.
For free advice on how to get started personally or professionally, please get in touch with Water Skills Academy - a world leading SUP training provider.