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This July sees the 20th anniversary of Brighton’s Paddle Round the Pier event. Phil Plume has the details on what is likely to be one of the bigger SUP events in the UK in 2016;
2016 is the 20th anniversary of Paddle Round the Pier and we want to put the event back on the SUP calendar! PRTP 2016 will be something different; an inclusive event with a strong element of competition combined with a healthy dose of FUN!
The SUP Games will comprise of a variety of SUP events, each sponsored by a leading SUP brand. The Games will comprise a mixture of individual and team events, with each event being awarded points. These points will be accumulated over the weekend, with the winners in each category being the paddlers with the most points. Individual performance, team work and a healthy dose of luck will all be required to reach the podium. This is a truly inclusive event where anyone could walk away with the title of ‘PRTP SUP Games Champion!’
2016 sees the inclusion of a 20m X 15m pool in the heart or the Paddle village. This will serve as the arena for SUP Jousting, SUP-O-WAR, SUP Polo and SUP Yoga. It will also provide a back-up for the junior racing if the conditions on the sea are unsuitable, so no need to worry, everyone will be able to get involved despite conditions out at sea.
PRTP SUP Games events
6Km Technical Race (Sea)
A Traditional technical race providing close exciting racing. This is one for the serious racers! Six laps of a 1km course with multiple buoy turns and plenty of opportunity for places to be swapped. This race will really test the technical skills of the more experienced competitors.
14’ Male and Female and 12’6” Male and Female racers will complete at this distance
3.5Km Cruiser Technical Race (Sea)
A three lap version of the 6km technical race. The same course, the same bouy turns, but this time for first time racers or those who don’t own a dedicated race board. Male and Female racers will compete on none displacement, surf shape boards under 12‘6 in length. Come and give it a go.
Juniors aged between 14-17 will also complete this course on max 12’6 boards, unless they feel up to taking on the 6km course that is.
Kids Technical Race/Sprints (Sea) –-1Km
The future stars of the sport getting involved in some serious racing. The kids will race either one lap of the technical course or complete sprints in the pool. The format will be adapt to sea conditions on the day. However one thing is for certain; these rippers are ultra competitive and will be going all out to get that win! The event will be sponsored by Red Paddle, who will also be providing their 10’6 Max race board fleet. There will be two age categories Stingrays – Ages 8-10 and Sharks – Ages 11-13
Sup Team Sprints And Mega Board Challenge (Sea)
With teams put together using finishing times from the Technical races, each team will contain a real mix of abilities; with Men Women and Children working together to cross the line first. Teams of between 4 and 6 will individually sprint out to a buoy and back to the beach. Once all paddlers have completed their laps, the whole team will grab a mega SUP and sprint as a team for their final lap. Teams will be announced at the Paddle party on Saturday night giving you plenty of time to talk tactics over a cold beer.
Sup Polo (Pool)
The ultimate SUP team sport played out in our 15 x 20m pool, and so much fun it’s just unreal! Teams of three will be drawn at random from all entrants, Husband against Wife, Brother against Brother, children out to thrash their parents. Why wouldn’t you want to be involved in that!!! Work together in your team and pull in that win.
Sup Jousting (Pool)
We’ve all seen the epic medieval joust contests in films and on TV, Well move over Arthur! now it’s our turn to battle on boards. Boards supplied by Fatstick and dedicated joust paddles supplied by VE Paddles.
One on One! last man/woman standing wins!
Sup-O-War (Pool)
A simple format! Two boards, two paddles and two competitors linked together by a rope. The rules are simple; start back to back in the middle of the pool and paddle like mad till you drag the opposition over to your end. First to hit the nose of their board on the side of the pool, or last man standing, is the winner.