Will Keetley and Hector Jessie didn ’ t disappoint with a race-long battle for the lead despite both having a difficult start in the chop . Hector came out on top in the end , but both paddlers have a bright future if they carry on at this pace .
The GBSUP series isn ’ t just about the front runners . Races like the BoTT always remind me of the effort everyone puts into their racing or challenging themselves against their personal goals . A huge shout-out must go to our Challenge Tour paddlers , who showcase this with their determination to finish and spirit whilst out on the course . The Challenge Tour is designed to bring newcomers into racing and represents an opportunity for others to take part in a shorter distance . Mike Ridsdill-Smith is our ever-present Challenge Tour marshall . We can ’ t thank him enough for constantly paddling around and offering encouragement .
BaySUP Battle of the Bay
If the Beadnell Belter was well a belter and the BoTT was hot , then the Battle of the Bay sure was a battle . A forecast for some of the wildest conditions we have seen for years on the UK SUP racing circuit led to some very tricky conditions . With this year ’ s race representing the Distance Series , just getting out was an achievement , never mind completing the course . It was easy to spot the ocean paddlers amongst our competitors as they got to showcase their skills through breaking waves and large seas .
The Ladies ’ 14 ’ fleet was about Holly Pye and Ginnie Betts . They put their sea paddling skills to good use , coming in 3rd and 4th respectively in the morning distance race , and Ginnie repeated her 4th overall in the stand-alone technical race in the afternoon . The Battle of the Bay was perhaps better suited to our two prone paddlers . They once again showcased just how quick they are with some very competitive times that would have placed them 2nd and 4th overall in the 14 ’ fleet . had on the ground helping us pull this together made this happen .
With a blank canvas , we also had the opportunity to test the waters , so to speak , on an event format we had been thinking about since the start of 2022 . Whilst nothing new , it was the perfect opportunity to test our new event planning resources and run two full fleet races , two Challenge Tour events and the WSA Junior Clinic and racing . Run from the stunning Gylly Beach in Falmouth Bay with the local Surf Life Saving Club , with coordination from member and longtime GBSUP paddler Tom Hicks being instrumental in making the event happen . Paddle Logger kindly offered their support as our title sponsor . Director and local resident David Walker was on hand to offer his support , knowledge and help to cover all areas of the event .
After such a last-minute change , we can ’ t thank everyone who got stuck in and took part enough for their commitment to our series .
Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open
Originally planned for Carbis Bay , an unforeseen circumstance meant our second tech race of the year had to take a lastminute detour to the stunning coastal town of Falmouth . With just 12 weeks to create an entirely new event from scratch at a new location and build brand new partnerships , this one was on the rocks ! What came out of that frantic period was , as someone else put it , “ The best event of the series .” Quite how we managed that is still a small mystery , but one thing for certain is the people we
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