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SB / What are the aims of the club over the next 12 – 18 months?
TT / We want to continue to expand and see more people getting on the water for the first time. We want to work with more youth groups and help to give more young people access to the water, and we plan to expand our offering for our members – offering more advanced training and trips further afield. We also plan to expand our instructor training, working closely with Water Skills Academy to train up the SUP guides of the future.
SB / Is there anyone in the club that SUPBoarder should keep an eye on over the next season or two?
TT / Martyn Kirby is feeling strong from a winter’s kayaking in Uganda. He’s now planning on giving the pro’s a run for their money at SUP 11 City Tour Race in September. One to watch perhaps!
SB / Do you paddle with anyone who particularly inspires other paddlers?
TT / Nick, one of our instructors, didn’t start paddling until his 50’s. I think this is pretty inspiring for newbies as it shows it’s never too late to start something new.
SB / What age range does the club span, youngest paddler and oldest paddler?
TT / We’ve taken people paddling from age 7 to 77. That’s really the great thing about SUP – it’s just so accessible.
SB / How would you describe yourself and role in the club?
TT / My girlfriend and I are joint owners of SUP Bristol and right now we do everything from the running sessions and taking bookings to sweeping the floor. So part manager, part dogsbody I guess. I love being my own boss and the variety that comes with that.
SB / What got you into SUP and when did you first get involved with the club?
TT / I’ve been paddling in various guises since I was eight, so 23 years now. I started off with flatwater kayak racing, progressing to freestyle (tricks on waves) followed by years of whitewater expeditions all over the world. Kate and I first tried SUP in New Zealand in 2011 and were hooked. It’s the perfect way to get people on the water as (unlike kayaking) there’s no issues with ‘what happens if you go upside down’ – you just get back on! We were inspired to bring it home and start SUP Bristol.
SB / Do you have any affiliations to a particular brand, what kit do you use?
TT / We use Red Paddle inflatable boards as they seem to be very durable. You need that when you’re surrounded by concrete! Kit wise, we use Palm Equipment – it lasts for ever and looks great. Both companies are based super near (Torquay and Clevedon) and run by paddlers which is pretty rare these days.
SB / Is there club kit available for new paddlers to try?
TT / Of course, we have a range of boards and kit to use.
SB / Do club members have any other sporting aims, for example triathlon or SUPBikeRun?
TT / Yes, many of our paddlers run and bike too and several took part in SUPBikeRun events last year. We loved working with them to achieve their goals.
SB / If you had to describe the club as a food item what would it be and why?
Hmm, we’d be an egg. Small, easy to crack and full of energy.
SUP Bristol are blessed with a unique base for their paddling, Bristol harbour is as good as it looks and they have relatively easy access to spots over a large area. They are certainly on the list of places to paddle in the UK. You can get in touch with them through their website or Facebook pages.
About the club:
Membership fee. £25 (or free with taster session)
PAYG sessions from £12 including kit hire
If you would like your local club to feature in SUPboarders ‘Club Focus’ series then please get in contact with us here via our Contact us form or email Chris Jones at chris@supboardermag.com.