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| Location: | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type: | SUP Race |
| Tagged: | Martin Rendle, Norfolk SUP Racing, The Paddle Skedaddle |
| Date: | 9 May 2026 |
| Organiser: | Norfolk SUP Racing |
| Website: | https://www.norfolksupracing.co.uk/the-paddle-skedaddle |
| Social Media: |
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| Email: | norfolksupracing@gmail.com |
Powered by the Norfolk SUP Racing crew and led by endurance adventure paddler and Coach Martin Rendle, the Paddle Skedaddle is a 26.5km (16.5 miles) ‘Point to Point’ Single…
…OR…
A MONSTER 53km (33 miles) ‘Double Trouble’ Ultra Race…
…OR…
A 7km PRONE Paddle Race (SLS Mals Only)…
All in the heart of the stunning Norfolk Broads National Park…!
The Paddle Skedaddle is 26.5km (16.5miles), a MONSTER 53km Ultra or a novice friendly 7km point to point race for SLS Prone paddlers – a fun, beautiful and watery-joy for Stand Up (SUP), Prone and Seated paddlers alike…!
With a course that winds it’s way along the well known three rivers that make up the majority of the northern broads network, taking in some of the most iconic areas and features of the Norfolk Broads.
The event is totally unique in it’s a ‘point to point’ or ‘out & back’ nature, and the only race of it’s type in the UK.
Single ‘Skedaddle’ Route Map
The route starts at Sutton Staithe Hotel and first covers the still and quiet tree-lined backwaters of the River Ant which after a couple of miles of paddling leads on to the first big expanse of water which is Barton Broad, so if it’s a tad breezy here hold on to your hats..!
Then you’ll cruise through the chocolate box waterside village of Irstead and on to How Hill, under Ludham Bridge, and then on to the River Bure and past the hugely historic and 1,000 year old St Benets Abby. You’ll then steam on past the only white painted water wind pump of Thurne Mill on the River Thurne, and then on to Potter Heigham where you’ll have to duck under the medieval stone bridge (which of course this is haunted…!).
The last part of the course is different this year..!
For those that have done the Skedaddle in previous years, they’ll know what to expect when it comes to the finish – however, for this year it’s different…!
After passing through Potter Heigham Bridge you’ll paddle a further 1.6km (1 mile) before this time taking a ‘hard left’ (yes, it’s an additional left turn..3 in total now) and then it’s the last 5km (3 miles) following the river which first widens out across what is known as ‘Heigham Sound’ – and then the finale….the crossing of the stunning Hickling Broad..!
If Hickling is playing nice, then you’ll have the most beautiful finish across the biggest of all the Norfolk Broads – however, if she’s playing nasty – then it could be a case of hang on to your hats, paddles and anything else you want to keep with you as when she’s angry, she can be Very Very Naughty…!
Hickling Broad is proudly owned and managed by The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, who we are working very closely with in order to further promote their greater vision for Hickling Broad.
The Skedaddle Double Trouble Course Route
The Paddle Skedaddle ‘Double Trouble’ is exactly what it says on the tin….it’s a ‘Double Distance Skedaddle’ – an Out and Back paddle of the Single Skedaddle course!
Starting at the finish on Hickling Broad around 3 hours before the main Skedaddle fleet – it’s a paddle to near the start of the regular single Skedaddle, before making a turn around ‘Double trouble Island’ before going the Single Skedaddle fleet in paddling all the way back to the finish and where you started – the imposing Hickling Broad…!
In order to take part in the 2026 Paddle Skedaddle and Paddle Skedaddle ‘Double Trouble’ – you must read and understand the following event terms and conditions:
You and Your Ability:
If taking on the ‘Single Paddle Skedaddle’ – you should have the ability and to have appropriately trained to reach the 15km checkpoint (Thurne Mill) within 2.5 hours of your start time and that the total amount of time allowed to complete the course is 5 hours – This equates to 5.3kph or 3.3mph average paddle speed – (an added 30 mins for Prone Paddlers – total 5.5 hours allowed).
If taking on the ‘Skedaddle Double Bubble’ – you should have the ability and to have appropriately trained to reach the 26km checkpoint (Double Bubble Island Turn Around) within 3.5 hours of your start time and that the total amount of time allowed to complete the course is 7 hours – This equates to 7.43kph or 4.62mph paddle speed – (an added 1 hour for Prone Paddlers – total 8 hours allowed).
Should this not be the case and in extraordinary slow paced paddlers, then the organisers have the right to ask all participants who do not make these cut-off allowances to withdraw from the event. Paddlers may wish to carry on after this point, but accept that they will not be listed in the event results, no longer be covered by the event insurances or safety cover and complete the event at their own risk – please note that this is without prejudice.
Minimum Age Restriction:
The minimum age for participation in The Paddle Skedaddle is 16 and 18 for the Double Trouble. The paddler must be of that age on the day of the event. This age restriction is due to the challenging environment of the Norfolk Broads and by the request of the event insurers.
The Paddle Skedaddle is organised by Norfolk SUP Racing, and insured through affiliation with Paddle UK. First Aid responders, water safety and rescue craft will be present throughout the duration of the event.
