SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 71

What’s the biggest BaySUP
achievement to date and what are
your goals for the club moving
forwards?
There are probably a few but number one has to be winning the Club
Championships at Eton Dorney in August last year. We may have
only won by one point over Waterborn (who have some phenomenal
paddlers) but a win is a win hey? Why I think this is our biggest
achievement is because of the effort and club spirit that the team
showed for their club on the day. We trained hard and some people
had not been paddling for very long but they gave it absolutely
everything. To come out with a win at the end was just amazing and
we look forward to the event again this year.

SUP Instructor / Coach
Round Island SUP Retreat 11th - 14th September

Another achievement, which is more personal, is seeing the club start
from zero and watch people join and progress in the sport – benefitting
from what the club offers. We are creating ‘paddlers’ and we have seen
people develop their fitness, boards skills and paddling skills. Our goal
for the future is to start outrigger canoe paddling and look to purchase
a three or six man canoe. This is a great team sport and it will allow
members to work together.

Many industry professionals believe
SUP clubs are the future of our sport
in the UK – do you feel this is the
case or could it grow organically on
its own?
I would agree, the more the clubs grow and work together the better
outlook for the future. Times are hard in the UK and SUPs are very
expensive, which prevents growth. Being able to secure funding
through Sport England to purchase equipment for members has to be
a key part to the growth. As I said earlier, we are not inventing the
wheel – clubs are how many sports evolve. Growing networks locally
with businesses, councils, universities etc will be key to building the
club and getting people involved.
We have helped many people start their own club as we are often
approached for advice. If you want any tips, please feel free to ask us
as we will be more than happy to help out.

For more info on BaySUP
head over to
www.baysup.co.uk

71

s

t

a n d

u p

p a d d

l

e

m a g

u k

- 4 Day SUP adventure
- Exclusive use of private island
- Full board in modern cottages
- Coaching from Sam Ross
- River trips, coastal paddling, downwinders, harbour tours
- Catering from professional chef
- SUPfit sessions

Coaching app with technique
Professional Instructor
videos, news and courses
Training
For more information head to:

View, contact or buy online at www.remixd.co.uk
Sold and distributed by remix distribution ltd –
contact 01792 582636