Kona Brewing Returns as Sponsor of Battle of the Paddle & SUP Awards in Orange County, CA

Now in its fourth year, the SUP Awards recognize the best paddlers, films, expeditions and philanthropic efforts in the standup paddling industry. Online votes have been pouring in to the SUP magazine awards site since July and the results will be announced at the awards ceremony at Casino San Clemente. The historic casino was once the stomping grounds of Hollywood entertainers and is located north of the famous Trestles surf break. Surfer Magazine, sister publication to SUP Magazine, hosted early SURFER Poll awards shows at the casino as well.

Two days after the SUP Awards is Battle of the Paddle, a race Kona has sponsored since its inception and also one of the most prestigious races in standup paddling.  Now at Salt Creek, the event offers updated racecourses, generous prize purses and a stunning backdrop. As well as being nominees of the SUP Awards, Kona’s athletes Candice Appleby, Jenny Kalmbach, Morgan Hoesterey and Jenny Waikikilove Lee are also racing at Battle of the Paddle.

"We’ve always shown up in force at SUP awards night as we pay tribute to paddling’s greatest endeavors and the progression of SUP,” said Kona Brewing Company brand manager Aaron Marion. “Not only do races start and end at the marina below our Koko Marina pub such as the Molokai to Oahu, but also many of us paddle in Kailua Bay, just a stone’s throw from our Kailua-Kona pub. We’re proud to take an active part in the SUP awards and be represented so well by many Kona ambassadors and great SUP projects.”