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Way back in May, SUPboarder introduced 10 paddlers who had been given the chance by Naish to have the use of a free Naish One board for the year and to then take part in the N1SCO one design National Championships and race series. The 10 paddlers that were selected included everyone from first timers through to seasoned competitors and all of them learnt and progressed as they made their way through their season. Having now reached the finish line, some of those paddlers were now keen to share their thoughts, opinions and advice and to ‘pay it forward’ to others possibly looking to take their own paddling into racing in the future. Here’s a few of them and what they got out of their year…
Rebecca Littlewood
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
It’s been absolutely brilliant. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve been and the variety of races that I’ve taken part in have all contributed to one of the best experiences of my life. It really has felt like a community. It’s been nice racing with the same boards too. Not only does it seem like its fairer – it’s kinda cool to belong to (and see) an army of yellow and black!
What did you learn from it?
I learnt that you don’t have to be an amazing paddle board racer to take part. I’d not been paddling for a year when I started and some people took part in races after having only been on a board for the first time the day before! I also learned that it is so much fun – and it doesn’t matter if you come first or last – you are respected for being there and taking part.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why?
I absolutely loved the sprint races. I’m not the best at longer endurance races so these were definitely my thing. This surprised me as I wasn’t into sports at school and never liked sprints in anything! Your place in the tables depended on your speed, turns and the performance (or slight slip ups!) of others, meaning anything could happen, which was quite exciting!
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general?
Don’t be hesitant – just do it! And when you do, it’s up to you how much training you do, but believe me it helps – even a little bit counts. Also think hard about nutrition – very important. I learnt the hard way!
James Thornby
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
N1SCO Racing was a big challenge for me as I was quite inexperienced in SUP and have never done any kind of racing but I absolutely loved it! I grew in confidence with each race and became more and more comfortable on the board. Each race venue and format brought something different so there really is something for everyone.
What did you learn from it?
I have learnt plenty of new SUP skills from members of the N1SCO team and other paddlers in the UK SUP Club fleet. Most of all, I have found a sport that I enjoy immensely and a class of racing that I love competing in.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why?
Taking part in the N1SCO races this year has given me the opportunity to paddle some great locations and I have really enjoyed the unique views of Hampton Court and the Millennium Stadium from the water. However I think my most memorable moment would be the end of my first race when after a tough 6 miles (for me) I was approaching the finish line when my legs gave way and I went in. As I was struggling to get back on the board I could hear my family, friends and other paddlers cheering me on to get past the finish line. I had made it and had the biggest grin on my face!
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general?
SUP racing is not as scary as you’d think. There is a real camaraderie in the N1SCO fleet with all the racers being really welcoming and willing to help you out with hints and tips. N1SCO caters for all abilities and the close racing makes it really fun to compete in.
Amanda Kelsey
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
I have absolutely loved N1SCO racing this year, the variety of races has been brilliant and I’ve loved travelling and paddling in places that I haven’t been to before. This has been my first year of racing and I was really nervous but I needn’t have been as everyone has been really welcoming and friendly.
What did you learn from it?
It’s probably better to have more practice on the board before you enter a race, but if you are determined then you will get round. I only got my board a couple of weeks before the first race so I had only been out on it once. The first race (BOTT) was slightly terrifying as I’m not used to paddling with so much boat traffic but once I relaxed it was great. I’m planning to get out on the board as much as I can over the winter so that I don’t lose the skills that I’ve built up over the season.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why ?
There are so many to choose from as I’ve loved every minute of it and met some really awesome people who I will definitely keep in touch with. The last race of the season in Weymouth was pretty epic, the windy conditions and added waves made the course even more interesting. I really enjoyed paddling with Rebecca (another Naish racer) and we worked together to get round the course. It was brilliant crossing the finish line with her and a great way to end the season.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general ?
If you are nervous or worried about trying it, don’t be! The races are great fun and everyone is really friendly – so many of the other racers have shouted tips to improve my paddling as they passed me on the course. The N1SCO races are also brilliant for beginners as it’s more of a level playing field and if you want to try racing before buying a race board, you could hire the N1sco boards at a few of the races which was great.
Sarah Louise Smith
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
Exciting at first but as the time went on I got a little bit competitive. Off the water was really good fun meeting and talking to other suppers about race techniques….food…boys hehehe.
What did you learn from it?
I’m competitive… It has opened my eyes to what other sup races are…. long distances… I’ve learnt I can drive for miles without a radio in the van and stay sane.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why ?
The Naish Inland Championships in London. I got a session with Jo Hamilton-Vale and the techniques she taught me were a great tool to use when racing for the season.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general?
Buy clothes hangers as you’ll get lots of tees!
Sally Newman
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
A very sociable and friendly introduction into paddleboard racing for people of all ages.
What did you learn from it?
That I am not as competitive as I could be. I should push myself a bit harder. Maybe next year… I will just have fun. Having said that, I have done well just by having fun – I’ve won a medal in every race I entered, a couple of 1st’s too.
The other thing I learnt is to be careful of what I eat before a race. I am not sure what possessed me to be such an idiot but an hour before the Cardiff race I was suddenly starving. I had camped the previous night, so I went to my van and ate up all my left overs…a can of Mackerel in spicy sauce, a chunk of bread and handful of nuts and a slab of chocolate all washed down with a carton chocolate soya milk. My stomach churned the whole of the 12k race and continued until the following Tuesday. I have not touched a can of fish since…
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why?
I loved the last race of the season at Portland. The conditions were varied and challenging. From calm flats water, to a tough head wind, strong cross winds and a wonderful stretch of wind against the tide giving us all a fun few choppy waves to ride. Exhilarating.
The EXE Hammer race in Devon was good too. It was a very, very windy day and in parts almost impossible to paddle against.. Luckily for me I had my dog Tally on board ( I have entered the ExeHammer these past 3 years with Tally Dog on board). The final stretch of the race was out in choppy seas and Tally and I mostly paddle in such conditions off the beach from West Bay.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general?
Give it a go, take it at the pace you enjoy and are comfortable with. It is a great incentive to get and stay fit with a friendly helpful bunch of people. Everyone is very encouraging and supportive. Target the person you want to beat and go for it!
Stuart Dove
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
This was my first year sup racing and thought I was quite fit but the first race at the Thames was an eye opener – it was a different league of fitness! But the support from the other n1sco races and the crowd got me though which I found throughout the year of racing.
What did you learn from it?
Training when you can. You can never do too much training and this helped as the races were always different. Oh and never give up!
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why ?
Tamworth. It was all head winds, cross winds and rain which made for a great race.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general ?
Do not get intimidated – just go out there and do your own race. And have fun! Regular training has improved my fitness and speed.
Alex Perks
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
I found it fun, a good bunch of people that were out to challenge themselves.
What did you learn from it ?
How to SUP, I had never really done any specific training or knew what I was doing on the water.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why ?
Weymouth was an awesome and really tough race. BoTT was fab due to location but to be fair they were all really good I can’t fault any of them.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general ?
Get a garage….. as once you have one SUP you are going to get another or a bigger one !
James D. Roorda
How did you find N1SCO racing this year?
It was a blast and beyond my expectations. My main personal goals were to meet more passionate SUP people and to paddle in some different settings! Both of these goals were well exceeded and I can only hope that I am able to build on this going into next year.
What did you learn from it?
I learned loads about my mental makeup and my paddling abilities. I haven’t participated in a competitive sport for a long, long time. It was good to get back into that competitive paradigm, and to be able to do it in such a friendly and supportive environment made it much less intimidating and easier to embrace.
What was your favourite SUP experience of the year and why?
Cliche alert: but it was all so amazing. Head of the Dart was a great race (and an awesome way to kick off the season) and the Trent100 was an amazing thing to be a part of, and perfect close out to the season (even if I was only a marshal). The dinner before the inland nationals was when I really felt like I was becoming part of the N1SCO family.
What advice would you pass on to anyone looking to get into SUP racing in general?
Stay hydrated! And jump in head first! (Figuratively of course, unless you have previously checked to make sure it is a safe depth!)
Enjoy your racing. Whether you finished at the front or at the end, it’s equally hard for everyone so spend time swapping war stories. You’ll learn loads.
Words – Bryce Dyer