Standup for the Cure Awarded Top Philanthropic Effort Honors by SUP The Magazine; Ambassador Zane Schweitzer Wins Battle of the Paddle–Distance SUP Overall 12’6” Division

SEAL BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Standup for the Cure, an organization that raises funds for the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, was named Top Philanthropic Effort of 2012 by SUP The Magazine. The award honors a person or organization that exemplifies the Standup Paddleboard Industry’s ability to impact people’s lives in a positive way. Standup for the Cure received the award after raising the bar in fundraising and supporting breast cancer awareness through SUP.

“A mammogram saved my life and the Standup Paddling community is so supportive! I just wanted to help others. I’m so honored!”

Accepting the award on behalf of Standup for the Cure were Judie Vivian, Robin Vivian and Dan Van Dyck, event directors and partners in Standup for the Cure, along with Mike Muir and Wendy Rambo representing the title sponsor for the event, Riviera Paddlesurf. The prestigious 2012 SUP Awards were held on Thursday, September 27, in San Clemente, California, as athletes from around the world descended upon Orange County for the Annual Battle of the Paddle.

Ambassador for Standup for the Cure, Zane Schweitzer, won the 12’6” overall division at Battle of the Paddle–Distance SUP race. Annabel Anderson, a breast cancer survivor, won both women’s SUP events, earning her the overall women’s title – and was way ahead of her female competitors and many of the men. She organizes an event in New Zealand each year called Paddle for Hope.

“What a year! When we thought of starting a Standup Paddleboard event to raise awareness for breast cancer detection, we never dreamt we would set a world record and win an award,” said Judie Vivian, founder of Standup for the Cure. “A mammogram saved my life and the Standup Paddling community is so supportive! I just wanted to help others. I’m so honored!”

At Standup for the Cure’s inaugural event in May 2012, Schweitzer and other SUP instructors led more than 700 paddlers, donned in pink, through Newport Harbor and helped raise more than $60,000 for the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure while setting the Guinness World Record for the Largest Standup Paddleboard Lesson.

Standup for the Cure sponsors include Riviera Paddlesurf, Maui Jim, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Irvine, Kona Brewing Company and Victory KoreDry.

About Standup for the Cure

Standup for the Cure is a Non-Profit Corporation formed in 2012 which raised more than $60,000 at its inaugural May event for the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. More than 700 paddlers met up for the first Standup for the Cure in May this year to raise money and awareness for breast cancer detection. Founded by breast cancer survivor Judie Vivian, Standup for the Cure was conceived as a gathering to celebrate survivors’ recovery and support current cancer patients and their families for a fun and inspirational day on the water. More information is available at http://www.standup-for-the-cure.org.

The second annual Standup for the Cure event is scheduled for May 4, 2013, in Newport Beach, California, at Newport Dunes. Sponsors include Riviera Paddlesurf, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Kona Brewing Co. and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

To continue supporting Standup for the Cure throughout the year, donations can be made through the Active Giving Portal at https://fundraising.active.com/event/StandupfortheCure2013. Funds go directly to the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

About the SUP Awards

SUP The Magazine created the SUP Awards as standup paddling’s top honor, recognizing the absolute best that this sport has to offer. The editorial staff meticulously collects nominations from readers and fans. The public ranks standup’s top five male and female paddlers and picks the Movie of the Year, the Top Expedition and Top Philanthropic Effort.