Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), a sport birthed by the ancient Hawaiians, is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the country. However, participation in SUP has several barriers to entry; access to waterways, the financial resources needed to buy equipment, and structural/systemic barriers that has prevented all from fully enjoying outdoor spaces.  Through the Frankfort SUP Adventure Club, Explore Kentucky is striving to help youth in Franklin County overcome these barriers by hosting a stand up paddleboard youth leadership development program. Our approach is focused on equipping students with paddling skills, environmental literacy centered on river conservation, basic meteorological awareness, and training in equipment care/maintenance.

This is the first of its kind program in the state of Kentucky for paddlesport leadership development. As members of the club go through the program, our hope is that their families and friends become more positively connected to the water along with them.  This in turn helps create greater representation and diverse leadership in paddlesports.