Yearly Round-up of SUP / 2024

With a forecast that was looking epic, the 50 competitors were amped to get this competition underway. However, tricky conditions greeted everyone on race day with only about 10 knots of wind. This did not deter the field which consisted of world class foilers and it was James Casey who eventually took the win. See more info and full results via the link above.

Over the last five years, the rapid growth in recreational paddling by a broader and more diverse audience has resulted in a change in the interests of members. The new name reflects the demographics of the evolving membership and is far more inclusive as it captures more fully the breadth of paddling activity that falls under Paddle UK’s responsibility, including kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and paddlesport. 85% of members are recreational paddlers, who take part in paddling activities for fun, enjoyment and to be close to nature.

Click the link above to learn more about Paddle UK.

The Longboard SUP Revolution 2024 is a pivotal event that facilitates the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices across countries, enriching participants with fresh ideas and perspectives. Winners included Benoit Carpentier, Camille Dubrana, Dimity Faulkner, Mathieu Carpentier and Richard Wain

The Amazon SUP challenge is a 330km endurance paddle race through the Peruvian jungle along the Amazon River. It’s hot, humid, filled with animals and treacherous rapids and those who take part are in for one of the toughest mental and physical challenges in paddling. However, it’s not all about the race. The event engages with local river communities and understands their daily routines and threats, all whilst competitors fundraise to support the local area. The schedule involves stops at the Shintuya and Shipetiari communes in the Manu and Ene-Tambo regions of Peru and over 80% of the support crew for each team will be from the local communities.

Between June 2 – 10, 2024, Caroline Dawson (SUP Lass), Jonathan Gill and Matthew Phillips paddled the challenge and became the first team to cross the finish line at the end of the race. A huge congratulations for their achievement and mental strength!

SUP Lass made history becoming the first female to undertake this route on a stand up paddle board. The team also raised the most money for the local Peruvian communities in this year’s fundraiser. You can still donate and the team are looking for individuals or businesses who share their ethos – creating a POSITIVE IMPACT through adventure.

All details of how you can support us are on the SLPA website: www.suplass.com or visit the JustGiving Page.

A paddle I’ve wanted to do for a few years. The non tidal section of the Thames I had planned for this year but injuries prevented it. But last week I found out that a race was organised but having missed registration cut off thought my opportunity was lost. The organisers of the first Thames200ultra gave me a last minute place so that was it no training and a chance to see if I could make it down the Thames.

44 locks, no real flow, 29:16 hours, 52,637 paddle strokes later I crossed the finish line in first place making it the fastest known sup down the Thames.

Big thanks go out to @lisa_red for taxi service and generally putting up with me and @jonny_n_the_hat for midnight crew chief and also big shout goes to the organisers and volunteers of an amazing event so well run hopefully more suppers get inspired to give it a go next year @thamesultra200

A huge congratulations to Gavin!! We have been supporting Gavin throughout his SUP journey recently and you can see more videos of him in the link above.

USA’s Candice Appleby, a five-time World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Champion and Pan American Games Gold Medalist, has been appointed to be the Chairwoman of the commission.

Jakob Faerch, ISA Executive Committee Member and President of Surf SUP Denmark, will serve as Ex Officio member.

The ISA SUP Commission will operate with the following objectives:

·     To represent the interests of SUP to the ISA Executive Committee
·     To ensure opinions are heard at the highest level of governance of SUP
·     To proactively consider issues relating to SUP and give advice to the ISA on SUP-related matters
·     To provide current and past international Athletes, Coaches, Managers, and Race Directors with the opportunity to contribute to the continuous development, evolvement and growth of the sport of SUP
·     To liaise with Continental Federations, National Federations and other sporting organizations to enable the sharing of information, rules, judging and event structure