2025 Race to the Castle: Insider tips for the 40km SUP challenge with Tanja Ecker

With participation capped at 500 paddlers, Race to the Castle, the 40km Nottingham to Newark SUP event held on 26 April, stands as the blockbuster-style endurance challenge on the UK racing scene, consistently selling out fast.

It was created by Cassie Salter, Founder of SUP Fitness: Adventure & Wellbeing, Coach and endurance paddler herself, in response to the limited availability of ultra-endurance paddling opportunities in the UK while showcasing the picturesque waterways of the River Trent in Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, and raising funds for the Wellbeing on Water Initiative.

While the organisers are managing a waiting list, prospective riders can still sign up, as spots are becoming available and announced on the event’s social media pages.

In the lead-up to this unique (inflatable-SUP-only!) challenge aimed at all SUP enthusiasts, TotalSUP sought firsthand insight and were fortunate to receive it from the 2024 Race to the Castle Winner, Tanja Ecker, the 11-time National German SUP Champion, ultra-endurance paddler and 404 and Hippostick Europe Boss, who smashed the distance in 5 hours and 24 minutes!

Hi Tanja! What’s rad about the 40km paddle down the river from Nottingham to Newark Castle? Could you share your highlights from last year?

I loved the whole atmosphere around the event with so many people who made their way to Nottingham to paddle 40km down the river. I liked the versatile scenery with all the meadows and hilly landscape. It was different than I expected. Actually, I also liked the locks haha, because some of them were so high and you had to get creative, how to get your board out of and into the water again.

Image source: Race to the Castle

The headwind was gruelling, especially with an inflatable, but once you made it to the castle with a big brass band playing and Cassie in her element, screaming at the finish line with her megaphone, it makes you forget about the efforts. You are just happy to have joined this amazing community Cassie has built with her club. Such a fun and friendly group of paddlers. Another favourite was the After Party with great food, music, dancing and to time catch up with everyone.

Cassie Salter | Image source: Race to the Castle

Race to the Castle (R2TC) is a paddleboarding event designed with international focus. What drew you to this unique format?

Mark and Cassie Salter invited me to join the first edition of the R2TC on their home waters and made me curious about the race and the location. I wanted to support Cassie’s own event, visit them and I knew they will have lots of people joining, as they have a big SUP club there. Something I don’t have at my home waters, so I wanted to experience it.

From left: Mark Salter, Tanja Ecker and Cassie Salter | Image source: Race to the Castle

I am grateful that Cassie and Mark took me in and allowed me to be part of their group. We also went for breakfast all together the next day. It’s always nice to exchange with likeminded people. Also, I like to paddle longer distances and there are not that many races longer than 30 km.

Can anyone participate? Are there any specific challenges SUP enthusiasts and first timers can face?

Yes, everyone can participate! Cassie created, and event made for everyone with different categories, so it’s fun for every level. Everyone is paddling on inflatables to be save at the locks, which could be a bit of a challenge as some are pretty high. But they are very well organized, so you will always have someone to help.

Image source: Race to the Castle

The weather, of course, can also be a challenge. In 2024 there was heavy head wind and it was a bit chilly. You just have to make sure to have appropriate clothing (also extra in a bag) as well as enough water and food. It’s fun for everyone, for the experienced racer or for the first-time adventurers who want to have a nice and save day with friends.

Image source: Race to the Castle

Based on your experience, could you share your top 5 tips for paddlers looking to enter?

>Check the map to see where the locks are. This also helps you mentally, because you can cut the whole distance into smaller pieces. Also check the locks on Google Maps to see what you have to await and to think about a way to get your board out.

Image source: Race to the Castle

>Bring enough water and food. Although, it’s maybe chilly, you have to keep the hydration and nutrition on a constant level. E.g. drink every 30 min and eat every hour, to make it save to the finish line and to be well rested for the afterparty.

>Dress well. The weather can change a lot from cool temperatures to warm sunshine. So be prepared to use everything, from a drysuit to shorts and shirt. But keep in mind, that the water can still be cool as well.

>No reception: If you don’t have your buddy with you and you have to paddle all by yourself, I like to have some distraction, such as podcasts or music which you have to download to use offline (no reception anywhere along the route).

>For inflatable SUPs only: If you are normally paddling on a hard board, keep in mind, that on an inflatable you are slower, and you will need a bit longer paddle (if you use a dugout) which is also better for 40 km paddling. You will also have to adapt a bit your technique. The inflatable has less glide, so you will need more power from your arms and back.

Image source: Race to the Castle

Thank you for these super helpful tips Tanja and we hope to see you in Nottingham!

Revisit our conversation with Cassie Salter, Race to the Castle Founder, here

Find out more and register race2thecastle.com

Follow R2TC on Facebook and Instagram 

Follow Tanja Ecker on Instagram and Facebook