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Following the Nationals a big group of us headed out to Amsterdam for the Worlds. Firstly it was great to be heading off with a big group of friends and paddlers on a paddling adventure to Amsterdam (we had no idea what Amsterdam had in store for us), but secondly a great experience to be racing with paddlers from all over the world all one board design. There was an amazing atmosphere the whole weekend, the Friday night saw us take to the canals of Amsterdam with the likes of Robbie Naish and Chuck Patterson. The whole weekend was one to remember and holds a lot of memories that none of us will forget in a hurry.
After coming back from the worlds there were two more N1SCO races to go, Southampton and the season finale in Kingsbridge. Having made such a great group of friends throughout the season it was always great catching up at these races and racing against each other. Although being quite competitive I quickly learnt that I didn’t always enjoy racing and could often be heard saying how much I hate paddling. Despite this, it is safe to say I do love paddling, with the racing circuit offering a great opportunity to paddle in new places. The AV Sup race gave us a long hot slog round a stunning river and through some boat moorings, whilst Waterborn bought us a lot of wind and chop and a great end of season party.
The whole N1SCO season has given me a great experience of racing in all sorts of challenging conditions with a great group of paddlers, all of a similar standard, making the racing exciting and tense. It’s a great option for people that want to start racing but don’t want to spend loads of money on a board and to also race in a fun fleet.
“I can safely say that I am looking forward to the next season with hopefully a bigger and stronger fleet and will be training over the winter so I’m ready for it! Bring on 2016!”
Words – Jennifer Manning
Images – Jennifer Manning, Georgia Wharton and SUPboarder.
It’s great to see the enthusiasm that the N1SCO fleet has brought to SUP racing in the UK and here at SUPboarder we’re looking forward to seeing Jen’s, and the N1SCO fleets progress in 2016.
Great post, really interesting to hear about your first race seasons experiences. Would you recommend giving racing a go to people who are newish to paddleboarding?
I started paddleboarding last year but on flat calm water, would potentially be interested in giving racing a go.
Hi Amanda, I would definitely recommend giving racing a go. I’d only been paddling for about a year when I started and didn’t have a problem with any of the conditions, a lot of the races are on flat as well. If you want to improve your paddling it’s great as there’s so many people around to give you advice and you get a lot of experience paddling in different places. If you’ve got your own board then go for it! If not the Naish One Design Series is a great way to start racing and they’re looking for paddlers… Read more »
Hey Jennifer,
Thanks for replying. I missed the deadline for the Naish One Design Series but thanks for sharing the link. I’m going to try and hire a board and enter the Battle of the Thames race as a start.
Good luck with your racing this season, hope to see you on the podium!
Amanda