Garrett Fletcher, a standup paddle board racer from Destin, Fla., recently placed first overall in the Big River Regional, a 13-mile race down the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, La.

Fletcher, a former college football player, is a new member of the Santa Rosa Beach-based YOLO Board Race Team. He is the defending champion of the 2015 East Coast Paddle Board Championship (14’ Elite Division) and also received the Michael O’Shaughnessy Triple Crown of standup paddleboard  racing for Florida by earning the lowest combined times in three major state events: the Florida State Championship, the Key West Paddleboard Classic and the East Coast Paddleboard Championship.

“It’s exciting to add such a passionate and talented young racer to the YOLO family,” said Jeff Archer, YOLO Board founder and CEO.

“Garrett is a hometown boy with natural ability, an admirable work ethic and unstoppable enthusiasm. We look forward to watching him shine in competition nationwide.”

Fletcher attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala., on a football scholarship where he became a record-setting starting tailback while studying athletic training and exercise science.

The lifelong athlete was introduced to SUP in 2010 and participated in his first race in 2011. He has been dedicated to training and competing at a professional level since 2014. Fletcher is currently ranked #68 in SUP Racer’s World Rankings.

“I have had a passion for the water since I was a child whether it be fishing, surfing or any water-related activity and have always admired the waterman lifestyle,” said Fletcher. “It’s an honor to be racing on the YOLO Board team, and I look forward to growing and learning on this new adventure with the support of Jeff and the rest of the YOLO tribe.”

For more info, visit YOLO Board or call 850-622-5760.