A world class paddleboarder has helped ease Subaru enthusiasts into the transition of swapping the comforts of their car's interior for a wetsuit and board on Pilot Bay this afternoon.

Annabel Anderson, current double world stand up paddleboarding champion, is on the road as part of Subaru's national ‘Get on Board' promotion, working her way around the country and helping give loyal Subaru customers a free two hour SUP lesson.

Double world stand up paddleboarding champion Annabel Anderson at Pilot Bay. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Stopping in Mount Maunganui for the afternoon, a small group of Subaru owners got the chance to brush up on their SUP skills with the athlete in perfect Bay of Plenty conditions.

Wanaka-born Annabel is currently one of the fastest SUP racers in the world and a leading outdoor figure in New Zealand.

After quickly learning the basics, paddlers tested their new found skills on the water with the help of local paddleboard company East Coast Paddler.

'This is a brilliant day,” says Annabel. 'The Mount is so perfect for this sport and we have a heap of people amped up to come here and get amongst it.

'It is very, very cool to come and share what I love to do with a bunch of people that are keen to get out there and give it a go.”

Anderson, currently in her off season, says along with the intensive competition SUP is one of the most enjoyable recreational and interactive sports for everyone.

And after spending six months in the US in 2014, she believes the sport is showing no signs of slowing down in popularity.

'Think what happened with the surfing culture 30 years ago - it's happening again,” she adds.

Bay Subaru specialist Darrel Nicholson was pleased with the turnout for the promotional day with everyone enjoying the once in a lifetime chance to paddle alongside Annabel.

He pays thanks to Anderson for giving up her time along with East Coast Paddler and Farmer Subaru for making the event possible.