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Paul Simmons and Tanja Ecker reign supreme at SUP Twelve held on the 12th April in the UK! The event is an endurance race format where competitors paddle for 12 hours around a set course. Whoever completes the most laps wins.
Press Release: Starboard UK
SUP Twelve brings in paddlers from many different backgrounds in a gruelling 12-hour challenge, where the aim is to complete as many laps as possible. 2025 saw a choppy course, especially around high-tide where the swell reverberates off the sea wall and rocks in Paignton, making for challenging conditions.
Paddling her All-Star, Emily King was top UK female (2nd female overall behind impressive endurance athlete Tanja Ecker from Germany). In the men’s competition, also riding a 14ft All Star, Starboard’s Paul Simmons, in the twelve-hour period came close to his 100km target, with a solid 95km (28 laps). He achieved the fastest lap of the event by over a minute and an average lap time 3min 40s faster than his nearest rival.
Emily King:
I’m really pleased to be back racing, and even more thrilled to have taken 2nd overall and 1st UK female over the line! It’s a real privilege to be competing again and mixing it up with some of Europe’s top paddlers.
SUP Twelve was an amazing experience, tough both mentally and physically, but so much fun and a great learning opportunity. Huge thanks to everyone who made it happen!
Paul Simmons:
“I felt prepared thanks to plenty of time on the water in coastal environments, challenging my balance and core strength. This year more running for training ensured my legs were strong enough to cope with constant work both on the water and through the beach transitions. I was pleased with my performance, notably refuelling a little (almost) every lap to maintain energy levels.
The 14’0” x 23” All Star was perfect for the sea-state, with outstanding secondary stability saving me from numerous potential falls and the high-volume nose popping over bumps easily. I stuck with the Starboard Lima PrePreg Carbon Large paddle all event, delivering power and precision with every stroke.
It was fantastic to see many paddlers persevering all day despite a sea-state somewhat different to their usual paddling conditions. It was great to have encouragement yelled by supporters through each transition, also thanks to event organiser Brendon and his team of volunteers who made SUP Twelve 2025 a pleasure to take part in, particularly Karl Hobbs and his legendary board-butler skills!”
To see the full results and event information, click the link below.
Pictures: courtesy of Annagail Leaman – “The Happy Snapper” @annagaill