Downunder to Host Stand-up Paddleboarding Fundraiser Sunday

, located on the Saugatuck River at 575 Riverside Avenue, will hold a special College “SUP” Off fundraiser, benefiting Save the Children, from 4 to 6 p.m., this Sunday, July 17.

College students are invited “to have some fun with their mates” and enter into a friendly Stand Up Paddling (SUP) competition with their friends and/or other people from the community and surrounding area.

Students can either put together a team of their own, or come as a single and be assigned to a team (up to six).

“This special event is designed for college-aged SUP and Kayaking enthusiasts who will compete against each other in SUP races and relays, and fun activities such as SUP Yoga and Paddle Fit,” a release states.

Some experience is necessary — participants must at least be able to get up on a paddleboard, which is similar to a surfboard. People who want to learn more and stand-up paddleboarding and perhaps take a lesson are encouraged to come to Downunder on Thursday evenings to see what this exciting sport is all about!

Downunder offers retail and rental of top of the line stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks; guided tours and certified instruction; as well as a membership program with board storage.

Participants must register for the fundraiser event and there is a $45 fee per person. All funds raised will be donated to Westport-based . Call 203-956-6217 to register.

Downunder is Connecticut’s only paddle sports business of its kind with two on-water locations: 575 Riverside Avenue, Westport, and 157 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton (on the Five Mile River). Downunder features yoga and fitness programs, camps and birthday parties for children, teen programs, SUP racing, and surf shops where you can purchase and rent for a “surf” themed party.