If you have any queries on the changes or want to get involved , please reach out to Adrian , Phil or Scott directly or email info @ gbsup . co . uk .
Sprints
Separate sprint qualifiers were held in the afternoon on a 200-metre course with excellent viewing from a bridge over the river right on the finish line . Superfast semifinals had the crowds cheering , culminating in some great finals with results as follows :
Men :
First : Blue Ewer Second : Joep van Bakel Third : Ben Moreham
Women :
First : Emily Evans Second : Holly Pye Third : Alex Tyrer
It was a great day of racing and friendship – there was even a proposal of marriage before the raffle prize draw – it was greeted with a loud cheer and a huge round of applause ! That ’ s not something you see every day at a SUP race .
Regional races
GBSUP is slowly introducing the concept of regional races – this is something that has been long in the making and is now getting off the ground .
The idea is to bridge the gap between local / club racing and national events . It is sanctioned by GBSUP and uses standardised rules , entry and regulations . Scott Warren of GBSUP said , “ It ’ s a progressional step for paddlers new to racing and builds grass-roots possibilities . We are hoping it connects SUP racing communities across their regions .”
It offers competitive racing and the ability to have regional champions and extends to supporting national championships by being qualifiers in the future . There would be less dependence on paddlers travelling across the country to race , and they would be run using the new divisional system .
One of the first regional events is part of the Welsh SUP Series and will be held on 21st May in Dale , Pembrokeshire , with Windswept Watersports hosting .
The confirmed regional races are as follows : South East regional :
Medway River Raid : 20th March The SHAC Technical : 6th August Viking Bay Classic : 1st October
Welsh regional
21st May : Windswept Watersports ( Dale ) 11th June : Cardigan Bay Watersports 2nd July : Island SUP ( Barry Island )
If you would like to get involved with hosting your own regional or even national race , please contact GBSUP via their website .
A great start to the season ; next up , a new race ‘ up North ’, the wonderfully named Beadnell Belta – we cannot wait and look forward to seeing you all there .
s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k
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