54
Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open – event report Falmouth has quickly become our flagship event of the series . Set over two days , the event brings lots of racing and plays host to the team selections for the England and GB Teams for the ISA and ICF World Championships , respectively .
In 2024 , we aimed to transform our events into vibrant hubs of activity . Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors and partners , who generously contribute their time and resources , we ’ ve been able to create the Event Village . This dynamic space offers paddlers and spectators a chance to relax , explore the latest SUP gear , and immerse themselves in the event atmosphere . The Falmouth event showcased the concept perfectly , setting a high bar for the remainder of the series .
Making tough calls and working with our paddlers and NGBs We have been working closely with Paddle UK and Surfing England to develop a selection policy for selecting our best athletes for the ISA and ICF World Championships . Whilst most of the selections went smoothly , we did face a challenge with the ISA Selection Sprints as the weather closed in and created choppy conditions for our athletes .
Whilst the men ’ s selection race went without a hitch , things didn ’ t go quite so smoothly for the ladies ’ race . There was confusion at the start , and with a stronger wind blowing through , difficult conditions led to the paddlers converging and one paddler falling at a critical moment . Ultimately , as the Race Director , we are responsible for making tough calls ; this race was one example . The race was sub-optimal , and even before the paddlers had finished , the consideration was already being discussed that these results wouldn ’ t stand as we couldn ’ t run to a defined procedure . The decision was taken to re-run the race in the morning with the promise of better conditions .
What ’ s next in 2024 ? There is still plenty of racing to do after our summer break . The remaining National Series races are the Black Project Beadnell Belter and the Black Project Calshot Castle Trophy . Both events feature an 8km distance race and a 4km technical course in an action-packed day with Juniors and Challenge Tour fleets .
This year ’ s British National Championships is set for two days of full-on action as we head to Bewl Water for our premier event in the UK National Calendar . Expect Distance and Technical racing along with Tech Sprints as we look to crown the British National Champions for 2024 . Juniors will be fully represented this year , and whilst we don ’ t have a champions award for our novice fleet , the Challenge Tour , we have full inclusion of the fleet across the weekend , so be sure to get involved and come and give SUP racing a go .
2024 also sees the return of our National Sprint Championships as we head back to Nottingham to the National Watersports Centre to get involved in the September Regatta alongside the conne and kayak fraternity as we showcase the best of UK sprinting in the dedicated lanes and 200m course . To enter , you must hit the prequalification time and submit your times for validation on our website . We will publish a live list to create a UK virtual sprint ranking , so you can get involved , whether you are attending the champs or not .
The rest of 2024 is set to be just as exciting , with close racing and plenty of trophies up for grabs ! Don ’ t miss out – join us on the start line .
Remaining 2024 Series dates :
NATIONAL SERIES ROUND 5 : Black Project Beadnell Belter – September 7th ( Beadnell )
ROUND 6 : Black ProjectCalshot Castle Trophy – October 5th ( Calshot )
BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - September 28th & 29th ( Bewl Water )
NATIONAL SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS - September 8th ( Nottingham )
GBSUP thrives on your support . We ’ re a volunteer-run organisation for paddlers by paddlers . Join a Challenge Tour race , compete in the main events , or simply cheer on others ! Want to get more involved ? We welcome volunteers , advisors , and sponsors .
HTTPS :// WWW . GBSUP . CO . UK