On September 1-5, 2009, the ‘Anne-Marie invitational’ SUP 11-city tour  took place.  Athletes around the world with an impressive background in their own sport or SUP, were given the chance to be the first ones to set a presence. A total of 25 athletes that participated, some as young as Conner Baxter age 14 from Maui, Hawaii.  John Hibbard, Donna Badome-Raaphorst Byron Kurt to name a few.

(the athletes of SUP Fryslan)

(On your mark, get set, Go!)

It is the start of a yearly returning event, the beginning of a new tradition based on sports with a lot of history from different parts of the world. It is an honor and dream come true to organize, host and paddle the “SUP 11-City Tour”. “It is an event representing my life in Hawaii, my roots in Friesland together with the passion and challenge the ice skating “Elfstedentocht” has given me since I was a little girl. At the same time I like to inspire people in the Netherlands and around the world to try and experience this fairly new, fun, healthy and clean water sport.” stated Anne-Marie Reichman founder of this event.

Her first visit to Maui was in 1997 actively working on her professional career in windsurfing and in 2008 was when Anne-Marie was introduced to SUP.  “It’s a fun, healthy, ‘balancing’ and challenging sport that you can enjoy alone and with friends on flat water or in big waves.” she stated.  So it was no wonder that Anne-Marie wanted to share the experience.

SUP in Holland, was an emotional connection for her with the Frisian 11-city tour

and a big personal challenge combined, which had her paddling the 11city tour in 5 days, (about 38 hours) last August 2008. For 2010, Anne-Marie

(Anne-Marie Reichman- founder)

would like to set her sights to see the SUP 11-city tour as an event for everybody   

that would like to join and challenge themselves over the Frisian waters. The beauty and the fun sportive atmosphere of this province in the north of Holland won’t go by unnoticed!

(The weather wasn't always nice.....)

(A few of the challenges of going under bridges....)

(A time to rest.....)                                     (A time to paddle...)

To check out the other athletes that participated in SUP FRYSLAN check out their website by clicking on the picture below.