The SUP scene is in for some serious stoke as theGBSUP National Paddle Racing Seriesis revving up with four back-to-back weekend events, bringing high-octane SUP competition to every corner of the UK! From coastlines and historic city docks to purpose-built watersport venues, this action-packed series has it all.
Dubbed the GBSUP Summer Slam, this four-weekend series kicking off tomorrow (Saturday, 28 June in Christchurch, Dorset), creates a friendly, welcoming battleground for elite athletes and newcomers alike, shines a spotlight on junior paddlers, and features AquaPaddlesessions with 5km race formats to help SUP enthusiasts transition into the competitive side of the sport.
The organisers have also announced the return of the fan-favourite Beadnell Belta event hosted by the Northern SUP Race Club. With dedicated junior and novice categories and demo zones featuring the latest gear from leading brands, there’s something for every paddler to enjoy.
This Summer Slam is more than just a four-race series – it marks the exciting first step in GBSUP’s bold new strategy. As they invite everyone to Join the Future of SUP Racing, GBSUP is doubling down on their commitment to delivering thrilling, accessible, and community-driven events across the UK.
As GBSUP puts it: “We’re building a pathway for every paddler, from their very first strokes to standing on a national podium.”
GBSUP Summer Slam events:
Saturday, 28 June: GBSUP National Series Round 3 – Battle of the Bay hosted by BaySUP (Christchurch, Devon)
AquaPaddle will be present at Battle of the Bay, offering a fantastic opportunity for newcomers and seasoned paddlers alike to experience the community spirit. https://www.gbsup.co.uk/event-details/national-series-rd3-battle-of-the-bay-hosted-by-baysup
A dynamic mix of coastal technical racing and sprints. Expect thrilling racing with potential beach starts/finishes and a challenging technical course!
Sunday, 6 July: GBSUP National Series Round 4 – Beadnell Belta (Northumbria, North East)
Race formats: Technical, Distance, and Sprint races. Expect thrilling racing with potential beach starts/finishes and a challenging technical course.
12 & 13 July: Black Project National Sprint Championships (National Water Sports Centre, Midlands)
Race format: Flat water Sprint race
Race categories:
Elite (Male & Female): Experienced and highly competitive paddlers aiming for the overall win and National Championship title
Open (Male & Female): Competitive paddlers looking to test their speed and race against others in their category
Junior (Boys & Girls): Young, aspiring paddlers ready to showcase their talent.
19 & 20 July Liverpool SUP Festival presented by Black Project (Liverpool Docks, North West) – GBSUP National Series Round 5
Race format: Flat water Long Distance race
Saturday, 19 July: The AquaPaddle event will take place as part of the festival, providing a relaxed and welcoming entry point to the water. Find out more and register >Â
Special Ticket Deal: Beadnell Belta and The Big Dippa
As GBSUP gears up for the thrilling final stretch of the season, they’re heading back to the Northeast — and to celebrate, they’re offering a special discounted ticket package for two standout events: the Beadnell Belta and The Big Dippa. It’s a unique opportunity to race at two spectacular northern venues — for less. Find out more and grab the deal >Â
We love a good shake-up in the SUP world – and the GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series Championships held at the beginning of June, serving as the qualifier for the World Championships, didn’t disappoint. The spotlight definitely shone on 14-year-old Selwyn Pritchard from Makkum, the Netherlands. Selwyn, the U12 Dutch SUP Champion 2022 (Tech, Sprints […]
Will Keetley, the 20 year old standout racer from Kingsbridge, Devon (UK) repping Black Project and Infinity, has steadily grown in the GBSUP National Race Series spotlight – climbing the ranks, learning the ropes, and now showing a real appetite for high-level competition. Will’s path reflects the growing shift in the SUP world. There seems […]
In stand-up paddleboarding, it’s often the crossover athletes – the ones who blend wave instincts, raw endurance and refined technique – who tend to make the biggest impact. At just 20 years old, Devon’s Annabel Page has become one of the most talked-about names in British SUP racing. A former competitive surfer with podium finishes […]
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 […]
The UK SUP racing scene has long been one of the most established in the sport, but to stay ahead, it needed a fresh approach. The challenge? Retaining top local talent, growing grassroots participation, and developing the junior division – all while strengthening key stakeholder partnerships. From the very beginning, the GBSUP National Paddle Racing […]
British SUP Race Circuit GBSUP is set to introduce an exciting new addition to its 2025 National Series: the Starboard Airline Cup. Following a successful trial at the end of the 2024 season, this new competition—made possible through GBSUP’s partnership with Starboard SUP UK—aims to provide a dynamic and competitive platform for paddlers using Starboard’s […]