Race to the Castle 2026: UK’s Frangipani SUP Team returns in numbers, showcasing growth in women’s endurance racing

It seems like UK paddlers often have to take the “high way” – no strangers to unforgiving conditions, they continue to put in the work, hold their own, and consistently show up – not just for races, but for endurance challenges where water and wind can (and will) be unpredictable.

Touring around the UK with TotalSUP, one group truly stood out, building strong women participation and now returning in full force – that’s Frangipani SUP, launched in 2017 and led by Founder and Coach Anni Ridsdill Smith – one of the UK’s top paddlers with multiple national and international titles.

We caught up with Anni and her Race and Challenge team ahead of this year’s edition of Race to the Castle (R2TC) – the carefully capped 40km Nottingham to Newark SUP event, held on Saturday, 25 April – which has established itself as a blockbuster endurance challenge on the UK racing scene and consistently sells out fast. While organisers are managing a waiting list, prospective paddlers can still sign up, as additional spots are released and announced via the event’s social media channels.

Created by Cassie Salter, founder of SUP Fitness: Adventure & Wellbeing, Coach and endurance paddler, the event was born out of a need for more ultra-endurance opportunities in the UK, while showcasing the scenic waterways of the River Trent in Nottinghamshire and East Midlands.

We caught up with Anni to gain deeper insight into the UK SUP scene, her club and initiative focus as one of the most established SUP clubs and training centres in the UK, and this year’s Race to the Castle, which will see strong participation from her fellow team riders: Nicola Morris, Anya Williamson, Jacky Fenton, Leanne Bisson aka Pinky Paddles, Jo Burne, Fabienne Paul and Cate Faulkes.

Anni at the 2024 ICF SUP Worlds in Sarasota, Florida | Photo by Si Crowther

Anni Ridsdill Smith said:

“This is my 14th year of SUP racing and although I now focus much of my attention on the overseas circuit, I am still very connected to what’s going on in the UK. How has the scene evolved over the years in terms of participation and the overall skill level? Great question. The short answer is that it is unrecognisable!

I was by no means an early adopter as there were plenty of pioneers already doing great things for years before I started racing, but my memories are of a splendid sense of  ‘Let’s just do it! Let’s chuck out a few cans to race round, fling off our flip-flops and have a laugh! Nobody was particularly fussed about kit, as there wasn’t much around, so you kind of paddled what you had to hand.

When you look back at photos from 15+ years ago, the boards were heavy, the paddles were long, the blades were large and the shorts were lairy! But there were some skillful and inspirational paddlers in the mix who drove things forward. Praise be to them. It is much more professional now and there are many more races and events to choose from.

Competitors invest time, energy and money into preparing for and participating in race and endurance events around the country and scoring themselves the best kit that they can get their hands on. Visionary race organisers have found their own special niches, based on what they feel passionate about, and their creativity at grassroots level has built some truly fantastic events and competitions, such as Race to the Castle.”

Reflecting the growing number of endurance and challenge events in the UK, Anni explained how the team rebranded, bringing a stronger focus on structured support, community and preparation around events such as Race to the Castle:

“At the end of 2023, we rebranded and renamed to the Frangipani SUP Challenge & Race Team. We then worked collectively on our team values; we strive to be a friendly, inclusive, respected and supportive Team. I coordinate our community via an App with chat rooms, supported by twice monthly team meetings on Zoom and a year’s plan of coaching activities, called the Frangipani SUP Success Series.

The R2TC chat room is very active and as a coach I have been privileged to help people prepare for ‘Race to the Castle’ both as individuals and teams. It is a very popular and successful event, so respect to Cassie and Mark Salter, and their team for making it happen.”

Anni also highlighted the growing participation of women in the sport and the focus on supporting it, adding that where the focus needs to be is on the inclusion of young paddlers and the development of youth talent in the UK.

“As a racer, my deep motivation, the thing that gets me out of bed, is to try to encourage and support others into my beloved sport. To give people the confidence to have a go. Having a woman at the team helm seems to have attracted other women to join the team, but we are open to all! Women’s participation in SUP racing has traditionally been less than men’s but the number of women participating here has really improved over the years. I think that’s very healthy and long may it last.

For now I think the place we need to be focusing our collective energies in the UK is on the inclusion of young paddlers and the development of youth talent. On the continent, you don’t have to travel far to see many gutsy youngsters racing their hearts out on very decent kit. GBSUP is working very hard in this area though it is not an easy one to sort.

I feel privileged to collaborate with such lovely people in this sport and I am impressed with how dedicated everyone is. I would personally like to say a massive thank you to all the race organisers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to put on races in which Frangipani SUP team members and I have participated. You are legends! Here’s to a fantastic 2026 ‘Race to the Castle’, good luck everyone… paddle like you stole it!”

We asked the Frangipani team riders why they’re returning to Race to the Castle, how they’ve prepared for the 40km, and what challenges – and moments – they’re most looking forward to.

Frangipani’s SUP Team: Nicola Morris | Image source: Race to the Castle

Nicola Morris said:

“I’ve been training in the gym to build strength, alongside long paddles at Bewl Water and on the River Medway, using the locks to practice. I’ve also been focusing on nutrition and completed an Energy for SUP course with Frangipani SUP.

My preparation has included a mix of longer paddles and distances between 6K and 10K, with a strong focus on technique and footwork – especially important when standing on the board for such a long time.

I took on Race to the Castle last year and loved the whole weekend—from the Friday night get-together, to the early start, the choir at the 10-minute break, the brass band at the finish line, and the after party. Being part of the SUP community is something really special. This year, the goal is simple: improve my time.

I remember being told by a man that a woman on a 12’6 board would never finish the race. As a stubborn 56-year-old, that was all the motivation I needed to prove him wrong. Not only did I finish – I beat his time. This year I feel more confident, stronger, fitter, and better prepared.

The biggest challenges are the portages. The first two can be chaotic, but it eases as the race spreads out. I’ve also learned to pack lighter – this time, just one bag.

What I’m most looking forward to is being back with the SUP community. Crossing the finish line last year was and emotional moment – I was so happy to have completed it. I’m hoping to feel that again in 2026.”

Jo Burne said:

“I have been training all winter and spring, with two paddles a week, including some longer sessions from January to April 2026. Alongside that, I’ve been doing gym work, swimming, and building up my paddling time.

I did R2TC last year and really enjoyed it – well organised, great fun, with fantastic volunteers and a brilliant after party.

I prefer longer paddles and events, as endurance suits me more than short distance, and it’s a great day out. It’s also very sociable, as people have time to chat.

The ladders are my biggest challenge, but I’m most looking forward to chatting with paddler friends and new paddlers – and getting to the end.”

Frangipani’s SUP Team: Anya Williamson | Image source: Race to the Castle

Anya Williamson said:

“Preparation for the Race to the Castle has mainly focused on workouts such as weights and circuits and some paddling – though ideally, there would have been more time on the water.

I did the R2TC last year and would like to beat my own time but it is also part of training for the SUP King Marathon – Salaca 100.

I generally enjoy endurance paddles and 40 km feels fine. You start with one paddle stroke… The main challenge will be Keeping up a steady pace all the way and then crossing that finishing line.”

Frangipani’s SUP Team: Jacky Fenton | Image source: Race to the Castle

Jacky Fenton said:

“I’ve been training all through the winter on a weekly basis. During the week I focus on interval sessions to build fitness, and at the weekends I do longer paddles to build endurance. I started at around 10k and have worked up to 20-25k, which feels like a solid base for the race. In between, I’ve been training in the gym with cardio and resistance sessions, including Pilates, which is great for core strength!

And yes – endurance training is essential. You couldn’t attempt a 40k without it. You need to get your body used to many hours of paddling, but it’s not just physical – you need to mentally prepare for it too. It’s a long way and you need stamina to do these paddles.

I’d seen the race on social media for a couple of years – it looked tough but fun. It’s one of the big events of the year, and I wanted to challenge myself. The longest paddle I’d done before was 31k, and that already felt tough.

Having a race in the calendar really keeps you training through the winter. On those dark, rainy, freezing days, you’re still out there in all conditions. It’s great for mental health, being out in the fresh air – but the main driver is the challenge. You start asking yourself: ‘Can I do this? Will I make it to the end? Am I strong enough?’

I did it last year, and it was the longest paddle I had ever done. Crossing the finish line was euphoric. The last 2km is a bit of a sprint finish, with part of it against the flow. Somewhere you get this burst of energy after paddling 38k and you paddle like your life depended on it! I was quite apprehensive going in, but I have a super group of SUP friends around me that all like this sort of challenge and we entered together. The atmosphere and camaraderie are incredible- the SUP community are the best people in the world! We all loved it so much, we are doing it again this year!

Leanne Bisson aka Pinky Paddles said:

“I’m a distance junkie and love taking on something new. I also really value the sense of community, and I enjoy vlogging my experiences on YouTube and social media to inspire others – to show that no matter your level, age or limitations, there’s a place for everyone in SUP racing and challenges.

Last year I missed the Gunthorpe checkpoint by minutes. I asked the marshals to check with Cassie Salter, the Race Director, if I could continue “for fun,” as I knew I could still make the overall cut-off after checking my speed and doing the maths. Thankfully she agreed. I did have to give up my tracker, which was fair enough – and I still made the race cut-off.

I struggled with some of the longer portages due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which can flare up in my dominant arm and make carrying the board over distance really tough, meaning I have to stop frequently. That’s why I’m determined to make the Gunthorpe cut-off this year.

As for conditions – let’s see what the wind brings. We got lucky last year with the weather, even if there was no flow. I don’t mind more challenging conditions; it adds another layer. I’m not a fan of the longer portages but it is what it is and helps you grow. I’m most looking forward to seeing everyone again and challenging myself.”

Fabienne Paul said:

“I’ve been preparing with general fitness such as running and strength training during the week, then longer paddles at the weekends.

This will be the third time I’ll be doing R2TC. It’s such a well organised and fun event – Cassie and her team are fabulous in so many ways, and the after party is worth the 40km!

The first time was a challenge with friends just to prove to ourselves we could do it, but then you just need to keep going back to improve your time – it’s addictive!
40km is a long way, but chatting, reconnecting with old faces, and meeting new people on the water helps to make it go quicker.

The first R2TC was a difficult one with headwind most of the route, while last year was much kinder – however, I am expecting some headwind again. As they say… ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’.

I’m really looking forward to that sense of camaraderie, seeing familiar faces, and that welcoming cheer at the finish line. Oh, and of course, the after party!

Paddle safe and see you at the finish line… And that After party!

Register for the event here.

To find out more about the race, visit race2thecastle.com

Follow the race on Facebook and Instagram 

Follow Anni, Frangipani SUP, Nicola Morris, Leannne Jessica aka Pinky Paddles, Jacky Fenton on Instagram