AN AMAZING RACING SEASON COMES TO AN END

As we close out 2024, SIC Maui celebrates a year of incredible achievements both on and off the water.

From standout podium finishes to the inspiring efforts of instructors, guides, philanthropists, and grassroots leaders who create future paddlers and share the love of watersports. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics was a landmark for surfing and SIC Maui Ambassador Joan Duru. Competing at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, Joan placed 5th overall, earning the competition’s best total score (18.13) and highest single-wave score (9.10), showcasing his elite mastery.

"I surfed well. I left nothing out on the water. It was an amazing experience, and I'm happy with myself.", Joan shared.

The 2024 ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota was a milestone for SIC Maui, earning the team its most medals ever and showcasing both athlete skill and cutting-edge raceboard performance.

4x GOLD - 1x SILVER - 3x BRONZE 

SPRINT RACING WINS 

Anne Little (GBR): Gold in Women's Masters 50+ 
Seychelle (USA): Silver in Women's Open 
Ryohei Yoshida (JPN): Gold in Men's Masters 40+ 

TECHNICAL RACING WINS 

Ryohei Yoshida (JPN): Gold in Men's Masters 40+ 
Soryn Preston (USA): Bronze in Junior Girls 
Rika Okuaki (JPN): Bronze in Women's Open

DISTANCE RACING WINS

Kotaro Miyahira (JPN): Gold in Junior Boys 
Soryn Preston (USA): Bronze in Junior Girls 

“This was my first U.S. race, and thanks to SIC Maui’s incredible support, I won the challenging 11 km long-distance race, pulling ahead in the final sprint after leading the group, showcasing the sprinting skills I’ve worked hard to develop this season; I’m proud of this result and motivated to train even harder to achieve my goal of becoming an Open Class world champion” 

- Kotaro

“This achievement is the result of the incredible hard work of Team SIC. From board construction and preparation to competition support, every aspect was truly gold medal-worthy.  It’s a privilege to stand on the starting line healthy and injury-free, which is no small feat. I hope we can continue to be athletes who celebrate these moments together."

"The RST offers impressive acceleration and transitions to planning (gliding) remarkably quickly. What’s truly amazing is that this isn’t a custom product—it’s accessible to anyone, making high-performance attainable for all!” 

- Ryhoei 

The 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championships in Copenhagen welcomed elite paddlers from 30 countries, crowning two new world champions and debuting the RST race board. 

"The sprint race is always an exciting and a great show, with lots of spectators and the best paddlers in the world in the game," 

"I am happy to win the world title for my country and to paddle for SIC." 

- David Leao 

WORLD CHAMPIONS:

David Leao (BRA): GOLD Men's Sprint Champion 
Kotaro Miyahira (JPN): GOLD Junior Boys' Technical Champion 
Soryn Preston (USA): Bronze in Junior Girls' Technical

The Defi Wing in Gruissan, France, saw over 370 participants competing on top-tier wing foiling gear, with SIC proudly represented. SIC Junior Athlete Anae Rio claimed GOLD in the U16 division, showcasing her remarkable skills just a few years into wing foiling, thanks to her strong sailing, windsurfing, and surfing background. 
 
“The Défi Wing is a true battle against the wind, the sea, and yourself. The Tramontana delivers powerful gusts, the rabbit-start is absolutely wild, and every kilometer of this long-distance race challenges me to tap into my mental strength. Thanks to SIC Maui, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to ride alongside professionals and push my limits. This race fuels my dreams throughout the year and reminds me why I am so passionate about wingfoiling” - Anae 

In 2024 we celebrate those who inspire the #SICSUPlife and give back. Joel Yang, SIC Maui guide and philanthropist, leads the Hood River 24 Paddle for Cancer every year, supporting fighters and survivors while growing the downwinding community and embodying the SIC Ohana spirit.  

Lastly and not least, we celebrate YOU, the growing paddling community and grassroots leaders who are always sharing the stoke. You are part of the #SICohana!