Get Ready for the Fourth of July SUP Squatch Invitatational
Jul 03, 2025 07:40AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Sure, other cities may have their Fourth of July parades, fun runs, or "Ironman" competitions, but Manhattan Beach has the SUP Squatch Invitational.
Local surf shop Nikau Kai, along with Eco by Ry,
will host the 9th annual SUP Squatch Invitational starting at 7:30 a.m.
on Friday, July 4, on the north side of the Manhattan Beach Pier.
What's
a SUP Squatch? It's a giant (16 feet by 6 feet) inflatable stand up
paddleboard that can hold a crew of people (or not!). Teams of brave wave riders show up with paddles and oversized inflatables attempting to catch the best waves.
The "competition"
is ostensibly to see who can pull the "sickest" maneuvers, but honestly,
the real challenge is just to stay on board.
Nikau Kai owner/founder Jason Shanks has described the SUP Squatch event
as "carnage on almost every wave, but smiles on every face."
(If you want to get a better sense of what it looks like, check out our video of last year's SUP Squatch outtakes.)
All are welcome; if you're brave, you can volunteer to try your luck on the waves.
(Photos via Nikau Kai)
Looking for other ways to celebrate? Manhattan Beach is hosting a Fourth of July pool party starting at 10:00 a.m., and the Golf Cart Crew will host a Golf Cart Parade starting at 2:00 p.m.
