Head of the Dart SUP Challenge 2026: Fast Times, Tight Racing

Fast conditions and a flowing course set the tone early, with current-assisted lines and clean water helping produce some standout times across the board.

Race Highlights

14’ Race Fleet (Men)

• 1st: Donato Freens — 58:25.8
• 2nd: Will Keetley — 1:05:08.3
• 3rd: Charlie Wagg — 1:06:33.1

A dominant win from Freens, the only paddler under the hour mark.  

14’ Race Fleet (Women)

• 1st: Annabel Page — 1:07:53.2
• 2nd: Holly Pye — 1:08:38.0
• 3rd: Alexandra Tyrer-Lomas — 1:08:59.9

One of the closest battles of the day, with under a minute covering the top two.  

12’6 Race Fleet Winners

• Men: Alistair Hughes — 1:13:29.7
• Women: Clare Elliott — 1:26:47.0  

Inflatable Standouts

Inflatable racing continues to grow within the Dart field, with dedicated recognition across both race fleets:

• 1st Inflatable (Men): Robert Crowshaw
• 1st Inflatable (Women): Clare Elliott

Starboard Airline Cup

Men

• 1st: Robert Crowshaw
• 2nd: Andy Clarke
• 3rd: Matthew Knight

Women

• 1st: Sophie-Rose Fanner
• 2nd: Chloe Hurst
• 3rd: Kasia Stunt

Beyond the Race Fleet

Dragon Boards

• Winners: Dragon Drifters — 1:08:27.2  

Leisure Fleet

• Top Male: Rob Crookall — 1:12:23.5
• Top Female: Lee-Ann Williams — 1:26:42.8  

Multi-Person Board

• Winners: Paddle Up Club — 1:32:14.2  

Event Atmosphere

As ever, the Head of the Dart balanced competition with community. From elite race boards to inflatables, dragon boards, and even fancy dress entries — won this year by Paddle Up Club’s Power Rangers — the event continues to reflect the full spectrum of UK SUP.

Fast water, tactical river racing, and a deep field made the 2026 edition another standout.

Even with post-race adjustments, the event reinforced its place as one of the UK’s key SUP fixtures — where performance, participation, and atmosphere all meet on the same stretch of river.