GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series , designed to bring together the UK SUP racing community across a range of disciplines and ability levels, promoting both competitive and inclusive participation, has reached another exciting milestone.
GBSUP has announced a new collaboration with AquaPaddle, a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being through paddle sports, to advance and grow the sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) across the UK.
This partnership aims to establish a clear progression pathway—supporting novice paddlers as they develop their skills, move into competitive racing, and ultimately aim for elite-level performance on the international stage.
Scott Warren, Head of GBSUP, UK SUP racer, Race Director, Founder and Head Coach at Haywood Sports, said: “We have been doing loads of work behind the scenes, especially around the growth of our sport for long-term stability. Speaking with AquaPaddle, it was clear we were on the same page, and our two separate organizations have overlapping goals in our sports pathway, connecting the grassroots entry into progressive and competitive paddling through AquaPaddle, leading into novice competition and beyond with GBSUP. Together we aim to inspire UK paddlers, and we are extremely proud of this partnership.”Â
Image source: Head of the Dart
As part of this exciting initiative, AquaPaddle’s free 5km time trials – often described as
‘Parkrun for paddlers’ – will be hosted at as many GBSUP events as possible. This means
that during GBSUP event weekends, any paddler, regardless of experience, can take part
and enjoy being at the heart of the action. Participants may even find themselves on the start line alongside some of the UK’s top SUP athletes.
AquaPaddle prides itself on being an inclusive community event, welcoming all types of
paddlers, not just those on stand-up paddleboards. Kayaks and canoes are also encouraged
to join in, and children and well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to take part in the fun of AquaPaddle.
Image source: GBSUP x AquaPaddle PR
Following the AquaPaddle event, participants and spectators alike will have the opportunity
to stay and enjoy a full schedule of thrilling GBSUP racing and activities, including:
The shared goal of this collaboration is to inspire more paddlers to explore the world of competitive racing, starting from the personal challenge of completing an AquaPaddle and potentially progressing to national and international competitions.
17 May, GBSUP National Series, Llandegfed Pursuit, Pontypool, Wales; Including AquaPaddle
28 June, Battle of the Bay, Christchurch; Including AquaPaddle
6 July, Beadnell Bay, Northumberland
19 July, Liverpool Docks; Including AquaPaddle
23 August, Big Dippa, Whitley Bay; Including AquaPaddle
18 October, SUP the Creek, Salcombe; Including AquaPaddle
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