Kai Lenny is hosting a special SUP event for kids this Friday at Hood River, Oregon. The Positively Kai Grom SUP (or “Grom-a-thon”) includes a paddle technique clinic and SUP race, and the event is for kids 17 & under only.

Kai (and half the world’s other elite SUP racers) are in town for the Gorge Paddle Challenge, which is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest events. The addition of a groms-only day is pretty cool, with youngsters finally starting to jump on the SUP racing bandwagon in decent numbers. Up until recently the average age was 40+ at a lot of SUP races, so it’s good to see more kids getting involved. A record 41 groms aged between 4 and 12 turned out to race at the Tahoe Nalu on the weekend, for example. Events like this can only help grow participation from the younger generation, which is mildly important for the future growth of SUP racing as a sport.

Joining Kai Lenny @ the Positively Kai Grom SUP will be “Naish Pro Team” members, which no doubt means king-of-the-kids (and official teeth-whitening spokesman) Chuck Patterson will be in there somewhere. We’ll keep you posted with pics straight after the event.

More info on the official site.