Blackfish Paddles announces sponsorship of the Ontario SUP Series, one of Canada’s longest-running regional circuits. 

With our eyes firmly set on home turf, we're delighted to announce our sponsorship of the Ontario SUP Race Series - one of Canada's longest-running and most respected regional SUP circuits.

Built around a simple philosophy of making racing fun, accessible and competitive for paddlers of all levels, the series has become a cornerstone of the Canadian SUP community, welcoming everyone from first-time racers to seasoned elite athletes.

Peter Allen, General Manager of Blackfish Paddles, racer and endurance paddler, said: 

"Sponsoring the Ontario SUP Series this year was an easy decision. We really value the great work they do in growing grassroots SUP racing and building community.” 

At the heart of that success is Glen Buchanan, a familiar name to many in the Ontario paddling scene. Racer, organiser, promoter, race director, and community builder, Glen has played a pivotal role in the growth of grassroots SUP racing across the province and has been instrumental in shaping the Ontario SUP Race Series into what it is today.

As we look ahead to another exciting season, we caught up with Glen to talk about the the series and what continues to drive one of Canada's most passionate paddling communities.

Hi Glen, could you tell us about your watersports background and how you first got into SUP racing?

I started SUP Paddling  around 2005, there wasn’t a whole lot people on SUPs at the time, it had just started to emerge. I had an old windsurfing friend that introduced me to it and I was hooked immediately.  

In 2012 I started working Rogue Stand Up Paddle boards out of San Clemente, California, where I got more involved with the overall industry, and really took a liking to the racing aspect of SUP. 

The Ontario SUP Race Series has built a reputation as one of Canada’s longest-running and most community-driven circuits. What do you think makes the series unique?

One of the driving factors behind our series is the variety of races that we can out on with our host partners. In most of the locations that we host a race the body of water that we work with can produce everything from pure flat water conditions to epic downwinds. 

There’s a strong balance between competition and accessibility across the series. How important is that “everyone welcome” philosophy to you?

There’s always been a bit of “there’s no way that I could that” aspect of SUP racing, but the truth is that everyone you see at these races had to start somewhere. 

SUP racing is still in its infancy and there is a ton of growth still to come. One of the things that I still see all over the world is the welcoming nature to the athletes.  

How have you seen the level of paddling evolve in Ontario over the last few years?

We’re seeing athletes develop to the point of world championship levels. Tim Oliver from Thornbury Ontario is the reigning World Champion in the Ultra Distance category, and the 2025 M20 Champion. 

Maddi LeBlanc from Welland Ontario had an epic year in 2025 competing on the European Tour. Cam Carney from Kincardine Ontario has been competing in South America all winter and we have one of the world’s most influential and iconic coaches, Larry Cain. 

Do you think Canada has the potential to become a bigger player on the international SUP racing stage?

Absolutely. There are lots of athletes across the country that can contend on the world stage, such as Mike Darbyshire, Dan Miller, Tamas Buday, Edith Turcotte, Ariel Amaral, to name just few. The biggest hurdle that we face in the SUP racing is that there is a large gap between what the athletes are capable of doing and their financial limitations.

Could you tell us more about your collaboration Blackfish Paddles? 

We are big proponents on supporting as many Canadian business as possible, and bringing great brands to gather to succeed together.

From your perspective, what shared values made this partnership feel right?

I’ve been working with Peter for the past few months and his work ethic and commitment to SUP matched our energy. 

The Ontario SUP Race Series kicks off a packed calendar - what are you most excited about heading into the new season? 

Meeting new athletes and helping give our sponsors a push for more market share! 

Thank you Glen - we can't wait to catching up with you on the circuit! 

Upcoming events in the Ontorio Race Series: 

June 20th - Niagara on the Lake - Niagara River Challenge

July 25th - Kincardine - Great Lakes Paddle Games 

August 7-9 - Collingwood - Side Launch Challenge

August 22 - Bracebridge - Falls to Falls

Sept 13 - Quarry Redemption

Follow Ontario SUP Series on Facebook and Instagram 

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Photos by Warren Won - Courtesy of Ontario SUP Series