Lara Claydon

LARA CLAYDON

Hang out with Lara Claydon for ten minutes, and you’ll be stoked on SUP. The Maui native has a contagious enthusiasm for all things board riding. From SUP wave-riding to long-distance races, and free surfing, she’s making it her mission to inspire others to discover a passion for the ocean.

“As I was growing up, there were incredible women role models that made a huge difference in my life. They were strong and confident. They taught me how to love the ocean, the importance of giving back, and so much more. From those women, and through my parents, I understood the value of being a great role model for the next generation of water-women here on Maui.

Lara upholds her responsibility as a youth role model through her involvement in local surf teams and Young Life, an organization her family has led in the area for over 20 years. “My father, Andy Claydon, is the Young Life Area Director for Maui County. He oversees the organization on Maui, Moloka'i & Lana'i. As our entire family is involved in Young Life, this mission has always been a part of my life. Over the years, I have volunteered at Young Life camp to serve for a month at a time, and I am still involved with it to this day!”

Currently enrolled in remote studies through Bond University in Australia, Lara is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in public relations. But when she has free time, you can find her volunteering as an assistant surf coach for Lahainaluna's High School Surf Team. “I really enjoy getting to coach the up-and-coming generation of water-women on their surfing, helping them improve their skill levels and ocean knowledge.”— two things Lara has no shortage of. And she has the titles to prove it.

Lara is the 2019 Women’s SUP Surfing US National Champion, a bronze medalist for Team USA in the ISA Stand-Up & Paddleboard World Championship, and runner-up in the 2021 Women’s 18+ Longboard USA Surfing National Championships. In addition, she has won 1st Place in the Molokai2Oahu World Championships 2-Woman Relay, 2nd Place in the Womens' SUP Surfing Santa Cruz Paddlefest, 2nd Place in Junior Girls Stand-Up Paddle at the Maui2Molokai World Championships, 5th Place overall in Women's SUP Surfing at the 2019 Sunset Beach Pro APP World Tour, 5th Place at the Elite Womens’ OluKai Ho‘olaule‘a Race, 6th Place overall at the 2019 Women’s SUP Surfing APP World Tour, and 6th place in Longboarding at the Legends Of The Bay Open.

But for Lara Claydon , it is not just about the competition, it’s about enjoying the ocean and all it has to offer with family and friends.