Racing, resilience, representation: Eric Amada’s path through the GBSUP National Race Series

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

Whoever has attempted the transition from recreational SUP to racing has faced their own set of reservations, I know I had plenty, with simply showing up at the start line being my biggest. Therefore there’s something truly inspiring about paddlers who just go for it: showing up, competing and paddling their hearts out, turning the most challenging conditions into something remarkable.

When a SUP racing series like GBSUP (GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series) becomes ‘your family’, showing up takes on a whole new meaning. It’s a testament to what the series has built: not just competition, but community. The podiums aren’t always the ultimate goal – it’s about fighting our own battles (a sentiment shared by many paddlers we have had the pleasure of talking to): shaving off minutes, finding our sea legs and catching that wave to carry us to the finish line.

There’s an rising wave of paddlers out there, making their mark every time, never missing a stop and travelling to the far corners of the country. And if there are paddlers who resonate the most, the ones who can make others (myself included) show up on the start line, these may be just it.

Eric Amada aka The River Ninja is one such paddler. At 53, based in Colchester, Essex, Eric’s SUP experience bridges both his local community and his home country, the Philippines, which he proudly represents.

His entry into stand-up paddleboarding is one many grassroots paddlers can relate to: starting out in an affordable kayak, a chance encounter with paddlers on the river, trying it for the first time and getting hooked, connecting with local clubs and the SUP scene, discovering amateur racing, then investing in gear and gradually stepping into the performance side of the sport while fine-tuning both his setup and skills along the way.

By 2021, Eric was already pushing himself with solo long-distance challenges, including the 24.5-mile River Stour Sudbury-to-the-Sea route, which he completed in 10.5 hours on his very first board. That achievement marked a turning point, sparking a drive toward performance and racing.

In January 2022, he entered his first-ever SUP racing event, part of popular race series in the East of England region, with that stop held on the River Orwell. With a borrowed touring board and a three-piece aluminium paddle, he came last. But instead of being discouraged, Eric made himself a promise: never again. From that day, he’s been focused on training and showing up with determination.

We caught up with Eric to chat about discovering GBSUP, establishing himself as one of the most committed paddlers on the race series, and stepping up as its Ambassador in 2023.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

Hi Eric, welcome to TotalSUP! You’re a household name in the GBSUP racing series – when did you first enter, and how have you seen the series evolve since then?

I’m not sure how or why, but I never expected my name to somehow become a household name. Really? It can’t be! Lol. What I do know is that I’m just having fun with all the races I join. I record almost all my races to see how I did, check the conditions, and share them online.

The reason I got involved with GBSUP started when someone asked if I was going to the Medway River Raid. I replied, ‘Where is that?’. It turned out to be a GBSUP race in Kent. I said yes without really knowing what to expect, but I was excited to discover a new race.

I registered for my first GBSUP race in the novice division and planned a trip to Medway to train and familiarize myself with the route. On race day, I was surprised – GBSUP races are massive events. It was my first time seeing so many race boards. I was nervous, but excited. I met lots of racers and watched them overtake me again and again – they were fast! I ended up first novice to cross the finish line, went home with a medal, and felt proud of my personal achievement. That was 2022, when I officially became a SUP race addict.

After that, BeacuseSUP sent me a new 14’x25″ race iSUP to use for my next GBSUP race. I also got involved in the Paddle Skeddadle and the Norfolk Ultra Endurance Race. Later, I was lucky enough to use a 12’x23″ Quroc hardboard, the only one in the UK, courtesy of Oli Jordan from East of England Paddlesports. I used it for a few races before buying my first hardboard.

Since joining GBSUP races, I’ve noticed improvements like rule changes aimed at supporting the future of the sport, as well as location changes that give other local SUP clubs a chance to join. These efforts help promote SUP racing nationwide.

Although some racers have become inactive, it’s great to see new people joining the sport and becoming competitive. I’ve even encouraged a few people to try SUP racing themselves. Through GBSUP, there are many talented UK paddlers who also compete internationally.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

None of the races on open water are easy, and UK waterways can really test you too – but the most recent GBSUP’s Big Dippa looked brutal. Could you tell us more about this race?

This year’s GBSUP series was far from easy. It was either too windy and choppy or just completely mixed up, all hard, all challenging. None of the races broke me, except for the Big Dippa.

My local sea, where I train, doesn’t have conditions like that. We have big chops and a washing-machine effect with strong winds, which I can usually handle standing on my board.

But at the Big Dippa, this race literally put me on my knees. To be honest, I don’t consider it my full achievement. Both the long-distance and technical race were brutal. I completed the long-distance, but I did not finish the Technical Race. I probably spent 30% of the time under water, 30% on my knees just getting through the waves, a few turns, and approaching the shore. The rest was standing on my board while navigating the course loop.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

I tried to ride the waves, but they were massive and I don’t know how to surf. It even took me about 10 minutes to finally get through a set of waves. In the end, I was brutally battered after falling, too exhausted to get back on my board, and had to quit for safety. The plan now is to train harder in preparation for next year. I’ll be back stronger.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

Racing all over the UK for GBSUP must be quite the experience – what’s it like, and what could make it easier for racers to take part and finish the full series?

I love racing and it keeps me fit. Having GBSUP races all over the country gives me a reason to travel, and I choose to look at that positively.

The GBSUP community feels like family to me, and I’m always excited to meet and compete with everyone. We look out for each other during races to keep everyone safe, and I’ve learned so much from them along the way.

On the other hand, I sometimes wish we had one central location for the races, but I also know that could take away some of the challenge and variety of conditions we need. It might be hard too for some racers to complete the series if the location is too far, considering the logistics and travel expenses. But that’s how it is.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

How does racing against both local and international paddlers in the GBSUP series push your skills?

Yes, of course but I’m just a regular paddler who enjoys chasing the person in front of me to challenge myself, then shouting ‘I’m behind you!’ for fun. Normally, I don’t stand a chance against them, but if I’m right behind, it usually means they’re slowing down, so in a way, I’m giving them a little push, haha.

I always try to keep my distance and don’t really draft. I’ve tried, but I struggle with it. Instead, I’ll stay behind to save energy and then use it in the final stretch. I always give my best.

Competing with local racers is exciting because you see the difference in how they train. Sea paddlers are usually much stronger, ocean races look like flat water to them! Racing against other clubs is also when I find out if I’ve improved. Competing alongside the UK’s top racers is inspiring for me too. I never imagined I’d be lining up with them, but it’s always a pleasure. You can really see the difference between professionally trained paddlers and amateurs.

I’ve also met a few international racers and had the chance to ask for tips, they’re all super nice. I watch and try to learn from them, even if it’s from far behind during the race. They’re a different breed altogether!

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

You have a martial arts background – how has that influenced your approach to SUP racing?

I used to teach Aikido, and now I practice only Filipino Martial Arts. They’re the foundation I carry into SUP racing. Focus, patience, posture, balance, and adapting techniques to your own body and capabilities are essential—especially since I’m not as young anymore. With past injuries, my strength and movement are more limited, so understanding my situation is important.

Like in martial arts, I face challenges head-on: I fight, and I accept that I might get hurt too. My goal is always to do better than my last race, and if luck isn’t on my side, I just try again.

When a race is hard or demanding, I set my mind on the distance ahead. The tougher the course, the higher the rank I feel I earn. For me, crossing the finish line is the highest rank. So really, I compete against myself. If I fall in, I get back on the board quickly and paddle harder to catch up. The wind and sea conditions are part of the race.

The racecourse is like a battlefield: you plan, you fight according to the plan, but you also learn to accept defeat. Then you heal, grow stronger, and prepare for the next battle. Win or lose, I always smile after a race, because above all, I’m having fun.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

Could you tell us the meaning behind the ‘Damnit!’ catchphrase on your apparel during races?

The ‘Damnit’ is the fun side, whether I’m having a bad day or a good day on the water, paddling or racing. It’s my way of telling people that even when things go wrong, there’s always something to learn. Look at the positive, not the negative. Work hard, but don’t take it too seriously if it doesn’t go as planned.

For example, you head out for a paddle, but it’s too windy and choppy, and you fall in. What you really gain is strength, balance, and self-rescue practice, that’s the positive side. I often train with my friends Paul and Neil, and I named our group ‘The Wrong Team’ because something always goes wrong when we paddle. But we always end up laughing, even on the toughest days. And that’s a Damnit!

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

We’ve noticed you’ve recently switched to the NSP Ninja board – what are your first impressions so far?

I bought it second-hand after it popped up on my social media. I’d seen that board in action last year, at the SUPTweleve event, and it performed really well at sea, so I knew what the NSP Ninja was capable of, it had already been battle-tested by the previous owner. The real question is whether I can manage it in all water conditions and make it fast. Right now, I’m still learning how it responds to my strokes and balance. It might take a while, but I already love the board.

Images by SUP Junkie; Courtesy of Eric Amada

Looking ahead, which upcoming GBSUP events or other races are you most excited about?

I’m not exactly sure what GBSUP has planned for SUP the Creek Technical Race in Salcombe in the last race series. Last year was brutal, the hardest race I’d done at the time, so I don’t know what they’ll throw at us this time. But I’m going back for unfinished business.

That was my first true ocean race with waves, and it left its mark. I finished, but not without injuries, cramps in both legs, plus hurt knees and hips that kept me out for a while. Hopefully this year brings a better day, unless Salcombe decides to unleash even stronger winds and bigger waves than the Big Dippa!

I’m also thinking about joining The Surge this year and tackling Paddle Skedaddle’s Double Trouble next year with the NSP Ninja. But let’s see how things unfold.

Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Eric. Wishing you an epic finish to the GBSUP series and all the best with your plans ahead!

To find out more about the GBSUP National Race Series, visit gbsup.co.uk

Register for SUP the Creek, 18 October in Salcombe, here 

Follow GBSUP on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube 

Follow Eric Amada on Instagram 

*Photos by Amanda Roberts, P3T Photography