PADDLER 62
Beth Morgan The SUP race Oli Cooper
Words : Hollie Norman Photos : Hollie Norman
Over 400 like-minded people came together for multiple days of fun and competitive events sponsored by NRS , Palm Equipment , Radical Rider and many others .
PADDLER 62
Beth Morgan The SUP race Oli Cooper
CARDIFF
PaddleFest 2023
Words : Hollie Norman Photos : Hollie Norman
Over 400 like-minded people came together for multiple days of fun and competitive events sponsored by NRS , Palm Equipment , Radical Rider and many others .
Lots of trade stands supplied demo boats such as the new Firecracker , Ripper 2 and Ripper Evo from Pyranha , and the Supernova from Dagger . Dewerstone also had their fresh summer colours and SurfPlugs , keeping all our ears clean and healthy .
The day started with the GB SUP Race ; the weather was grey and rainy , but it didn ’ t stop them from turning up in force ! One hundred forty paddlers showed up to the race , ranging from highly competitive athletes to friends who only started paddling last summer ; it was open to all . Once the SUP race was underway , all the white water paddlers started to arrive and sign in , ready for a day full of events on the course .
SHINY NEW DEMO FLEET
Starting on 4 cumecs , paddlers could play on the course and test the shiny new demo fleet from Waka , Pyranha and Dagger before signing up for events throughout the day . At 11:30 , the events began . Upping to 6 cumecs , the day ’ s first event was Ducky Derby , a mixture of ages , single and double duckies . It was a recipe for laughs and carnage and did not disappoint ! Noon brought us onto the downriver play , where the paddlers showed us our best and silliest tricks ; multiple members of staff and sponsored athletes judged who they thought had the best moves .
Throughout the day , Matthew Houghton was on the decks keeping everyone in the mood . Coffi Pass kept the caffeine flowing , and Blue-Light Caterings cooked delicious pizzas . You could feel the buzz on and off the water .