SUP Funk – The Story Behind Our Brand
When you first hear the name SUP Funk, you might wonder what it means. Does it represent something groovy? Is it a playful take on stand up paddleboarding (SUP)? Or is there a deeper story behind the name? Well, it’s a little bit of everything.
At its core, SUP Funk is more than just a brand, we wanted to create something that also promotes a lifestyle. It’s a celebration of the freedom, fun, and connection that stand up paddleboarding and other water sports like wild swimming can bring. At the same time blending in the stylish, functional, laid-back vibe that we embrace through our clothing and culture.
So, let’s dive into the heart of what SUP Funk stands for, the inspiration behind the name, and how it reflects the spirit of the paddle boarding community.
What does SUP Stand for?
SUP is an acronym which stands for ‘Stand Up Paddleboard’ or ‘Stand Up Paddleboarding’.
What is a SUP?
A SUP, or Stand Up Paddleboard, is a versatile watercraft designed for standing on while paddling across the water. A simple yet fun exciting way to enjoy nature from on the water promoting fitness and wellbeing.
The “SUP” in SUP Funk
The idea behind SUP Funk emerged from a love of this rapidly growing water sport that is accessible to just about anyone. As active paddleboarders we the founders of SUP Funk were inspired by how stand up paddleboarding transcends from being just a sport into a lifestyle choice that promotes physical health, mental wellbeing and a deep connection with nature.
Stand-up paddleboarding is a unique activity because it doesn’t require a certain level of skill to get started. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day out on a calm lake or you want to test your limits by paddling through ocean waves, SUP has something for everyone. It’s an activity that can be as mellow or as challenging as you want it to be. That versatility is why we fell in love with paddle boarding and part of what inspired the creation of ‘SUP’ in SUP Funk.
‘SUP’ is also internet slang for ‘Whats Up’ and we loved the idea of using this for our future Urban clothing range creating a brand that can be enjoyed in, on or out of the water by anyone and everyone.
Putting the “Funk” in SUP Funk
So, why “funk”? While SUP represents the technical side of what we love and do, the “funk” represents the creative, fun, and carefree side of our brand. Funk is a genre of music that breaks boundaries, encouraging people to dance, express themselves, and let loose. Similarly, SUP Funk as a brand seeks to break away from the stiff, performance driven expectations often found in extreme sports clothing and focus more on the self expression, enjoyment, relaxation, and freedom that SUP brings.
When you think of “Funk,” you think of something fresh, a little quirky, and always fun. This is exactly the vibe we wanted for SUP Funk. We wanted to combine the tranquility and challenge of stand up paddleboarding and other watersports with a vibrant, playful energy, a kind of creative fusion where adventure meets fun.
Fashion for the fearless in, on or out of the water! Water sports are anything but boring so why does your clothing have to be? This is where we put the “FUNK” into clothing and where SUP Funk was born.
The Essence of SUP Funk: A Blend of Sport and Style
When we founded SUP Funk, we wanted to stand out from the crowd. Yes, we’re a brand with paddleboarding at its core, but we’re not just your average outdoor or athletic brand. We wanted to capture the unique spirit of SUP and other watersports that are not just about performance but also about feeling good, having fun, enjoying the moment and nature.
What makes SUP Funk different?
What sets SUP Funk apart is that we don’t just view paddleboarding and other watersports as just a sport, we see it as a lifestyle choice. For many of our friends and colleagues, paddleboarding isn’t just an occasional activity it’s something they do to unwind after a long day, a way to explore new places, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. It’s about enjoying life at your own pace, whether that means a slow paddle or wild swim at a peaceful lake or catching waves in the ocean.
Our clothing reflects this lifestyle. We are designing SUP Funk apparel not only for functionality on the water but for style off the water as well. We want our gear to feel just as comfortable lounging on the beach, wearing around town as it does during a paddle session. SUP Funk is for those who live life with a sense of adventure, but who also know how to kick back and relax in style.
The Funk Philosophy: Fun and Freedom
1. Embracing the Funk Spirit
When we talk about “funk,” we’re really talking about a state of mind. Funk is all about breaking out of the mold and embracing life’s spontaneity. Whether you’re paddling through a calm lake or riding the waves, there’s something freeing about being on the water. It’s this sense of freedom and fun that we wanted to capture in our brand.
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of those sports that makes you feel like a kid again. You can’t help but smile when you’re out on the water, gliding under the sun, and feeling the rhythm of the waves. This carefree vibe is what we call the “funk” in SUP Funk, and it’s the energy we infuse into every aspect of our brand.
2. Encouraging Adventure
Another pillar of SUP Funk is adventure. We believe life should be filled with moments of exploration and discovery, and that’s exactly what paddleboarding offers. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day paddleboarding adventure, exploring a hidden cove, or just discovering a new route on your local river, SUP gives you the opportunity to connect with the world in a new way.
We encourage our community to step outside of their comfort zone, try something new, and create memories. With that in mind, SUP Funk isn’t just about looking good on the water (though we make sure you do!). It’s about empowering people to explore, whether that’s a new location, a new skill, or a new perspective.
3. Bringing People Together
At the heart of SUP Funk is the belief that paddleboarding is something that brings people together. We want to create a community driven brand, and we want to encourage people to share their love of SUP with their friends, family, and fellow paddleboarders. This is important to us and why in the future we will host events, share stories from our customers, and create content that highlights the social side of paddleboarding.
From casual meetups to SUP festivals, we believe that paddleboarding is more fun when done together. It’s a sport that fosters community and creates lasting bonds. Whether you’re paddling with friends or meeting new people on the water. At SUP Funk, we’re all about building those connections.
So don’t be afraid to reach out to us and say hi!
4. Protecting the world we love
Here at SUP Funk, our love for stand up paddleboarding goes hand-in-hand with a deep respect for the environment, particularly the waterways that make this sport possible. From the beginning, we knew we wanted sustainability to be a core part of our brand philosophy. After all, the health of our oceans, lakes, and rivers is essential to the future of paddleboarding, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect these precious ecosystems.
SUP Funk isn’t just about style, it’s about ensuring that the clothes we make are gentle on the planet. That’s why we are doing our best to carefully select eco-friendly, sustainable materials for our clothing wherever feasible.
By using recycled and renewable materials, we aim to lower our carbon footprint and minimize waste. This not only helps conserve resources but also prevents harmful chemicals and microplastics from leaching into the environment during manufacturing or washing.
SUP Funk Clothing: A Reflection of the Brand
Our clothing line is a natural extension of the SUP Funk ethos. When we first started designing clothing, we knew we wanted it to be more than just functional. Yes, you need gear that performs well on the water, clothing that’s quick-drying, UV-protective and comfortable. But we also wanted our clothing to represent the funky, laid-back spirit of our brand.
Combining Fashion with Function
The clothing you wear while paddleboarding should be more than just something that keeps you dry. It should reflect your personality, your sense of adventure, and your style. That’s why our SUP Funk apparel blends the best of both worlds, fashionable designs with the practicality you need on the water.
Whether it’s a day of paddleboarding or an evening bonfire by the beach, SUP Funk clothing is designed to take you from water to land without missing a beat. Our signature styles include:
- Specialised & Quick-Dry Leggings: Perfect for staying cool or warm on the water depending on the season, but stylish enough to express your personality.
- UV-Protective Shirts: Designed for long days on the water, our shirts protect you from harmful rays without sacrificing style.
- T-Shirts & Hoodies: T-shirts and hoodies that offer the perfect balance of cool & warmth and breathability depending on the season.
- Wetsuits: Specialised stylish high quality wetsuits made from the best materials to keep you dry in the water.
SUP Funk is More Than Just a Name
As you can see SUP Funk is much more than just a brand name, it’s a celebration of what makes outdoor watersports special. It’s a fusion of adventure, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re out for a relaxing paddle, pushing yourself to new limits, or just hanging out by the water with friends, SUP Funk is there to bring style, comfort, and a little bit of funk to your experience.
We hope that when you think of SUP Funk, you think of more than just stand up paddleboarding. We hope you think of a lifestyle that celebrates the freedom of the water, the joy of exploration, and the connections that bring us all together.
After all, life’s better with a little funk!
About Us
SUP Funk was born from a shared passion for water, adventure and style with a desire to break away from the mundane. Founded by husband and wife duo (Nigel & Kiriaki), the brand is dedicated to creating bold, eye-catching, and functional high-quality clothing for the modern paddleboarder.
