Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - From May 10-17, 2015, Sayulita will play host to the most important competition in the world of Stand Up Paddle & Paddleboard - the International Surfing Association's World SUP & Paddleboard Championship.

Now in its fourth year, this will be the first time that Mexico will host the ISA competition — and there's no better place to host it than Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit's Surf Capital, which is also considered the country's SUP Mecca.

The fact the ISA brought the Championship to Sayulita is due in great part to the efforts of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau's Groups and Events department, working in conjunction with the Nayarit Tourism Secretary. Together they firmed up the sponsorships and other related arrangements needed to host this international competition with the full support of the Bahía de Banderas City Council.

A total of 32 countries will participate, led by three-time-champion, Australia. The list includes the United States, South Africa, Spain and France; together with the host country of Mexico, these are the favorites to occupy the winner's circle.

On an interesting side note, the Mexican team is comprised mainly of surfers and paddlers that hail from the Riviera Nayarit. Captain Fernando Stalla, who is currently ranked at #18 worldwide as an SUP Racer, and Javier "Bicho" Jiménez, who ranks at #20, both lead the team. Their trainer, Ryan Helm, is currently ranked #28, all of which indicates that another medal is well within the realm of possibilities.

The ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship Opening Ceremony will officially take place on Sunday, May 10th, with the Parade of the Nations and the Sands of the World Ceremony.

The Parade of Nations is a colorful and energy-filled event, complete with teams chanting, flags waving and locals cheering who come out to watch the celebration.

The Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizes the true fraternal spirit that bonds all members of the global surfing tribe. The union of the countries is symbolized through the mixing of the sands from the shores of all participating International Delegations, showcasing the ISA's desire for a better and peaceful world.

The competitions will begin at 8 am and end at 5 pm daily from Monday, May 11th through Sunday, May 17th. The different disciplines include SUP Surfing, SUP Racing Technical, SUP Racing Distance, Paddleboard Racing Technical and Distance and a special Team Paddle Relay event. Teams will be made up of 8 men and 5 women, plus 5 alternates. Each competitor can participate in a maximum of three disciplines.

Don't miss a heat by sharing the hashtag #SUPAnywhereYouCan. For more details on this awesome event, visit isasurf.org.