Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), one of the fastest-growing international sports, will be showcased October 13-15 in Sarasota County when the International Canoe Federation and Visit Sarasota County host the SUP World Cup at Nathan Benderson Park. Spectators are welcome to watch the events for free and enjoy the festive atmosphere with food trucks, vendors and a beer tent. Athletes from around the world will compete in three professional hard board and inflatable events including 10K distance, 200-meter sprint and 800-meter technical races for prize money of $3,400 in each race. A recreational 5K paddle and costume contest will also be held and is open to all groups, ages, and experience levels. Athletes who register for the professional events will be invited to practice at the event venue on October 12 and attend a welcome party in the evening. Registration will close soon, so SUP athletes and recreational paddle participants are encouraged to sign up now on the paddleguru.com website. The 5K race is a rare opportunity for recreational paddlers to be part of an international competition while having fun and building team unity. It is a great activity for companies looking for team-building ideas, families, and social clubs. With Halloween around the corner, the optional costume contest adds to the playful atmosphere. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and best group theme. Scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, the 5K is BYOB (bring your own board). Professional races will begin at 8 a.m. on October 13 and will be held each day throughout the event. The full schedule is available online here. The global SUP market size is expected to reach $2.39 billion by 2030, according to a recent research report by Skyquest. The growing popularity of water sports, rise in adventure tourism and interest in environmentally friendly activities are among the fueling the sport’s growth.