As a SUP coach or paddling in a group, at some point we may need to resort to towing. This may happen if a paddler becomes tired, equipment failure or you feel the need to train with some extra drag. Towing can be used to help or position group members as well as in a rescue situation.

Mistral, one of the most recognized water sports and lifestyle brands in the world, has been acquired by the Dutch brand equity investor NMG. The Haarlem-based investor will take over 100% of the shares and will take an active role in guiding Mistral in accelerating its international growth.

Earlier this year we introduced you to an incredible man from Brazil, Jonas Letieri. Jonas holds one of the most inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles and tragedies that are thrown at you in life and overcoming these obstacles against all odds. This short film from Quickblades about Jonas Letieri and his inspirational story is a must watch.

You might have been introduced to or heard the story of 30-year-old Jonas Letieri during the 2015 Payette River Games where he stole the show and made headlines as an inspiration to the spectators and fellow competitors of the event when he displayed an incredible performance during competition. Since the PRG’s, Jonas has been keeping busy training and perfecting his paddle technique and he’s so good that unless you knew otherwise, you wouldn’t know he lives and paddles with a disability.

Seychelle Hattingh has just accomplished an incredible task. Seychelle just broke the record for longest paddle (man or woman) in 24 hours, paddling 110 miles pretty much non-stop for 24 hours straight (her longest break was only around five minutes).  Seychelle broke the current record on December 5th and 6th, 2015 and did it all to raise funds to sponsor athletes from Florida Monroe County that participate in the Special Olympics.

This week at the annual Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, Utah, Supconnect announced the 2015 Gear of the Year Awards winners from our 2015 Supconnect Editor's Choice Awards. See the winners here.

2015 will see the worlds first SUP and Surf Coaching and Development conference.  The aim is to professionally update existing coaches, share ideas and develop together regardless of existing affiliations or associations. It is a unique opportunity for not only coaches, schools, clubs and professionals to come together but also those looking to develop their skills.

Happy Holidays! It's time to get something awesome for the SUP'er in your life so here at Supconnect, we have put together a gift guide to help you decide what to get for your lover, mother, brother, sister, friend, or anyone for that matter.

Mistral introduces it’s new 2015 Kailua Fit Inflatable iSUP.

After a near five-year absence, Mistral Windsurfing returns to being under the control of Mistral Red Dot Division Holland.

The Supconnect Summer Gear Guide for 2014, highlighting the best boards, accessories, paddles and extras.

Here is a video clip of Mistral SUP USA Team Rider, Jenny 'WaikikiLove' Lee, enjoying the summer surf in Waikiki, Hawaii with her Mistral "Take Off 8'0" SUP.