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Sarah Marshall
Last thoughts from Sarah Perkins ...
Sarah is also from Wales . Cycling and mountain biking were her passions in her early 40 ’ s and then cyclocross racing . She ’ s also dabbled in XC MTB races . These sports “ toughened me up and taught me a lot .”
Having spotted SUP through a friend ’ s holiday photos on social media and whilst taking a break after an injury , Sarah wanted a gentle exercise to keep her moving . She wanted to strengthen her back and core and also loved water . So , a friend gave her a whistlestop tour of the basics and safety aspects and Sarah then turned up at her local SUP social event in Cardiff . Paddling with like-minded people in and around Cardiff and Barry gave her the confidence to attend a weekend adventure trip , where she was motivated to develop her skills and knowledge further .
Cardiff hosts one of the GBSUP National Series races so Sarah decided to enter the One Design class in 2019 . She enjoyed the preparation , whilst improving her fitness and picking up race tips along the way . She said “ It was quite daunting getting to a start line for the first time but the race was brilliant and I found the community really welcoming .” Since then , she has been regularly training at the Cardiff International White Water Centre , who have invested in race boards . Sarah has been able to road test them all and found that invaluable in then deciding on her own , recently purchased , race board . There has also been a huge amount of help from local athletes too who are always generous with their time and knowledge .
“ Don ’ t worry about where you might place in a race , but instead think of it as an adventure paddle with great safety cover . I entered one of my first races with my sister with us paddling SUP surf boards . We came dead last but laughed our way round the course . The GBSUP race scene offers lots of events and is very inclusive , with age categories from juniors to 60 +. Take the plunge , enter a race , your 80-year-old self with thank you .”
These ladies started on inflatable boards and had a great deal of fun competing in one of the many events around the UK . They have since transitioned to race specific boards . The fun is there , whatever board you race . It ’ s all about the SUP community who are welcoming , especially to first-time racers .
We very much look forward to seeing you on the water and at a SUP racing event !
Sarah has since dabbled in flat water , ocean tech , SUP-bike-run triathlon and white water SUP at Hurley Weir . She ’ s a self-confessed “ dabbler , who likes to mix things up , not a focussed athlete but I can turn up to a competitive event with my own personal goals . That sense of achievement and progress can be addictive , and there ’ s usually good coffee , cake and company .”
Canoe Focus Early Summer 2023