Interview: SUPM
Pics: Dave White, Ian Phillips, Steve Pye and
Georgia Wharton
Ben Pye is Starboard UK’s young gun paddler who’s
as keen as a bean and looking to make a name for
himself within UK SUP. Starting his journey as a
paddle surfer Ben quickly crossed over to the race
scene and now mixes his time between the two.
SUPM caught up with Ben for a natter.
Slice of Pye Ben Pye
interview
1 When did you discover stand up paddle boarding and
what appeals about SUP?
I got my first taste of SUP in 2008, in Tenerife. Nigel Howells had an 8'0 custom even
back then. I had a go, and I wasn't hooked straight away, and didn't have much
interest really, as I was into shortboard surfing.
Fast forward to 2012, we were on holiday again in Tenerife, staying in the small town of
El Medano for some windsurfing and kiting. The waves were too small to surf my
shortboard and dad had his SUP with him, a Starboard Pocket Rocket. I took it out
because I was going crazy without any waves, and from then on I was hooked!
For me, what appeals about SUP surfing is the challenge of surfing that bigger board, it
makes it much more fun. With the bigger board, you also get to catch far more waves
and you can ride any size waves and make it fun.
The part of SUP racing that appeals to me is the community within SUP racing.
Everyone is loving it and pushing themselves, but also the sport! Everyone is cheering
each other on, and it is a great vibe. It's also the addiction of speed for me; I just want
to go fast all the time! I am hooked on the glide.
2 Did you find it easy to learn or was it an uphill struggle?
Fortunately, I picked it up pretty quickly – and for the rest of the holiday I didn't touch
the surfboard! SUP was all I wanted to do.
3 Which area of the sport do you prefer? You race and
paddle surf but is there one part of SUP that’s more
fun for you?
At this moment in time, and at my age, I don't want to have a favourite – and I don't. I
enjoy both equally. I am also looking this winter at pushing my white water
experience. I had one session last winter on the river with Channel Adventure. I love
learning new things! Downwinding is also a really fun discipline.
s
t
a
n
d
u
p
p
a
d
d
l e
m
a
g
u
k
52