Haywood Newkirk is a 6th generation native of Wilmington, North Carolina and has been surfing since the early 1970’s. Haywood got the “SUP Bug” when his wife showed up for Father’s Day with a standup board in 2009. He is a Regional Team Rider for Hobie and the Carolina Paddleboard Company. He and his family are very water oriented spending most of their time on their boat the “Haelife’, fishing, surfing and paddleboarding. He is also involved in a number of community organizations that are concerned with maintaining public access to area waters, preserving the area’s aquatic culture and mentoring the next generation of ocean athletes. Haywood’s Motto – “Grow the sport, protect your area waters and give back.