Bray Lake Watersports SUP Festival

On the 15th and 16th of June, Bray Lake will be running a full weekend of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) events for paddlers of all abilities. There are three main competitive events running throughout the weekend as well as board demo’s, introductory ‘have a go’ sessions, fitness sessions and advanced coaching for those looking to improve their paddle skill and technique.

The main events are:

A 10k SUP/Run Duathlon

The first event of its kind in the UK, this race requires participants to run and paddle two 5k distances, 10k in total. Similar to many ‘Battle of the Paddle’ style SUP races, the Duathlon will be split into five segments – 1.6k paddle, 2.5k run, 1.6k paddle, 2.5k run, and 1.6k paddle. Competitors are invited to register for this race as an individual or as a team of two (with one runner and one paddler).

200m Sprints

This popular race format will have paddlers sprinting down 100m buoyed lanes, turning around a mark and sprinting back to the start/finish line with the top 2 going through to following heats. A tournament style race format will help to dictate the fastest man and woman on the water.

The sprints will be on One Design equipment (supplied) and run in heats of six.

Adventure Race

This is a 12-18 mile race on the River Thames from Hurley to Windsor (final distance to be confirmed based on condition of river flow).

There will be a competitive race category and non-competitive adventure paddle category in order to complete a set 12-18 mile distance (based on river conditions). Our goal is to set a course between Hurley and Runneymede passing many iconic Thames River Valley towns and landmarks including Marlow, Maidenhead, Eton Dorney, Windsor Castle, and Runneymede.

Please note that the Adventure Race is highly dependent on Thames River Conditions and the final course will be set prior to the event.

A glassy early morning paddle at Bray Lake Watersports

Registration and Point Accumulation:

All are welcome to join and participate in the Bray Lake SUP Festival Weekend events, board demos and introductory sessions.

Event registration is only required for participants wishing to participate in one or more of the core events of the SUP Festival Weekend: SUP Duathlon, Sprint Event, Adventure Paddle and Distance Race. Registration is available for single days or whole weekend. Registration is NOT required to demo boards and paddles.

There will be prizes available for each separate event entered; points will also be accumulated throughout the weekend to determine the top three overall male, female and junior finishers. All participants will be recognized for their participation with prizes being given throughout the weekend.

Board Demo:

A variety of board brands will be on hand with SUP equipment on display and for demo. All are welcome to try out the different boards and speak with industry experts.

Introductory ‘Have a Go’ Sessions:

There will be SUP taster sessions and BSUPA ‘Ready To Ride’ courses running through out the day so if you have friends that want to give SUP a try then this is the time to do it. As a special ‘SUP Festival’ weekend offer we are offering the 1hr ‘Intro’ sessions at £15 and a 2 hr ‘Ready to Ride’ course is £39.

SUP Party:

At 7pm all are welcome to attend the Bray Lake SUP Festival Party and BBQ. Each registered competitor will receive one entry each. Tickets may be purchased at the registration desk for all non-competitors.

Rules and Regulations

All participants will be required to have 3rd party insurance; those paddling on the river must have a valid Thames River Licence or BCU membership and attend a mandatory race meeting at 8am on Sunday, 16th June. All rules and river etiquette will be discussed at that time.

All paddlers must wear either a buoyancy aid or leash

All boards must be mono hulled and powered by a single bladed paddle. Paddlers must remain in a standing position for the entire duration of the race.

Adventure Race paddlers are required to carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch/container as well as a minimum of 1.5 litres of fluid.

A strict protocol will be enforced throughout the designated course to ensure all rules and river etiquette is followed. Failure to adhere to the set rules will result in disqualification from all competitive classes.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the centre.

Note: Duathlon teams must ensure both participants are fully registered for the event.

There will be 7 adult categories available to enter with a 9th junior category also available final results depending on entries.

1. 12’6’’ Men’s

2. 14’ Men‘s

3. 12’6’’ Women’s

4. 14’ Women

5. Youth boy’s (under 18)

6. Youth girl’s (under 18)

7. 12’.6 Junior (under 14)

8. 12’6’’/ 14’ Men’s Team (Duathlon only)

9. 12’6’’/14’ Ladies Team (Duathlon only)

10. 12’6’’/14’ Mixed Team (Duathlon only)

Final positions will be recorded and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers within each race category.

As the start and finish of the Adventure Race will likely be up and down river from Bray Lake, competitors will be required to arrange board transportation to the start and back from the finish lines. There will be limited transport available on the day.

The event will finish on Sunday, 16 June after the finish of the Adventure Race. TBC.

Schedule:

Friday, 14th June

* 4pm – Industry Set Up and pre-registration for early birds plus warm up paddle.

* 6pm – PaddleFit session with Susanne Lier

Saturday, 15th June

* 8:00– Registration Opens

* 8:30– Start of Board Demo’s

* 9.00-Race Briefing

* 9:30 – SUP Duathlon Start

* 12:30 – Sprint Event Qualifiers

* 16:30 – Spring Event Finals

* 19:00 – SUP Festival Party, BBQ, and Duathlon/Sprint Awards

Sunday, 16th June

* 8:00 – Adventure Paddle and Distance Race Meeting

* 9:00 – Shuttle to Race Start

* 15:00 – Adventure Paddle and Distance Race Awards

Check out the event Facebook page here for all the information and book here on the Bray Lake Watersports website. 

Made in Chelsea star Andy Jordan recently took a short trip to Totnes in Devon during a break in filming for the hit E4 show, to try out some of the latest Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards available from local distributor Starboard.  Andy is planning to paddle the 200 mile length of the river Thames this summer in aid of the Princes Trust and was looking at what will be the best equipment for his challenge.

Andy Jordan with Sam Ross

Luckily top UK SUP coach Sam Ross was on hand to help refine Andy’s technique as they paddled the 10km distance from Totnes to Dittisham down the River Dart and discussed the best ways to train close to his London home in preparation for the event, whilst also being joined by an inquisitive seal along the way.

Andy Jordan, SUP time!

After the paddle Andy surprised local teenagers where he attended and cooked the BBQ at an 18^th birthday party for Bronti Hackford making it a day never to be forgotten for the birthday girl.

The following day Andy went for his final paddle at Bigbury beach. With the backdrop of Burgh Island behind him (the subject of local boy Ben Howards recent EP) he enjoyed the sunshine in the quiet location before heading back to London after his whistle-stop tour of South Devon.

At the end of the challenge Andy will auction the board off at the finishing event to help try and raise further funds for the Princes Trust.

All images courtesy Starboard SUP UK. Check out more about Starboard SUP here.

RIVER DART CHALLENGES THE KEENEST OF UK STAND UP PADDLEBOARDERS

Stand Up Paddleboarders came from around the UK to attend the most prestigious of all events on their calendar – The Head of the Dart Challenge. Saturday 20th April was a fine day.

The organisers had to change the start procedure because getting 98 paddlers in a line on the narrow stretch of the river at Totnes was impossible to control. They introduced a rolling start sequence which allowed the lead start boat to accelerate during a count down of 3 minutes towards a start line. It was a colourful and spectacular sight for all spectators.

Like most water sports, paddleboarding is best suited to fair weather, and this Saturday was the best day of the year.  Jeremy Robinson of Dart Adventures who helmed the lead rescue boat said “ I have never seen the Dart so picturesque.  I had just bought a new lens for my camera, and as the racers came around each meander I was snapping away like mad. Thankful the weather was so good we were not busy rescuing”

The event was also a very special tribute to a local paddler Andy Cole.  He was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago and kindly offered to donate trophies for the key classes. He died just five days before the event.  He will always be remembered.

Dave Hackford from Starboard, the key sponsor commented on the race. “The reason the event has become so popular is because it is a personal challenge for many, rather than an out-and-out race.  And being associated with the rowing clubs gives it a great, friendly feel. I am sure some paddlers set off from Totnes not actually realising that their destination will not be where their car is, so everyone joins together with car lifts back, and paddling back is out of the question”.

The UK’s best racers did come as well. Ryan James, who competes on the World circuit led the race from the start and never missed a stroke.  Race officials thought this was the year for the record time to crash, with an outgoing tide with flow of river. It was 1hour 8minutes.  And it still is. The south easterly breeze, which was discussed in detail by every participant at Dartmouth, was enough to peg back times.  Ryan James crossed the line in 1hr 24mins.

Check out the rest of the report here on the Starboard website. 

1) Don’t go too small too soon. Although there is an obsession with using the smallest board possible at the performance end of competition paddle surfing is this really the right way to go for your average intermediate? This type of board affords the rider very little volume (float), can be very tricky to balance on in any kind of chop, suffers from minimal glide which often translates into lots of scratching versus maximising your wave count. As a general rule think about multiplying your body weight by 1.5 so if you’re 80kg you ‘should’ be able to paddle a 120L surf sup. That said other factors do come into play. Width is a key element. If you’re light (<65kg) then you should be able to get away with a board of circa 27-28.5” wide, for the majority (75-90kg) 28.5-30.5” is a good place to start and for the heavier paddler we’d recommend 30-33” although a lot will be governed by balance and ability.

2) Match your board to your style of surfing and prevailing conditions. If you only get slow powerless waves at your local break there’s little point having an aggressive surf shape as the board won’t work in those kind of conditions. You’d be much better off with a longer more voluminous stick that can pick up the slightest ripple. If you’re home spot gets lovely pealing glassy conditions but at the expense of offshore wind is a feather-light carbon board really the best option? You’ll struggle to drop in on a super light board unless you can effectively cross step to the nose and force the issue which take a bit of practice. If you favour longboard type surfing you’ll probably feel most at home on a 9’5”-10’6” board where you can still nose ride and cross step around with those old skool type moves. If you’re more radical and want to smack lips and lose the fins then sub 9′ board is going to offer you better carving options.

3) Double Leash Plugs. These come in very handy as you start pushing yourself in larger surf. Until you’ve done the 300m swim of shame back to the beach with a paddle in one hand you can’t appreciate how valuable double leash plugs actually are! Essentially if one cord snaps the other ‘should’ ensure you manage to make it home without too much egg on your face. Always a good idea to check your equipment before each session to make sure leash and attaching cords are in good order.

Check out more tips from Loco SUP here. 

The Blue Mile

The news follows last week’s announcement that Ecover is to incorporate a percentage of reclaimed sea plastic into its packaging and to communicate their message in a bottlevia major art and cultural events such as Glastonbury Festival and the Royal Hampton Court Flower Show.

The Ecover Blue Mile will support the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) as its new official charity partner. MCS is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife, and champions the need for marine wildlife protection, sustainable fisheries and clean seas and beaches.

The partnership with MCS aims to encourage people across the UK to connect with their local beach and waterway by doing a sponsored mile either in or next to water, in return for support from family and friends. We want to inspire a new generation of sea champions who enjoy getting active in support of our seas and would like to take on the challenge of paddling, swimming or even zorbing a blue mile for MCS.

How to Take Part
1.    Sign up to the Ecover Blue Mile flagship event on the 14^th-15^th September 2013.
2.    Organise your own Blue Mile or ask your local club to get involved.
3.    Take part in our Ecover Schools Blue Mile Challenge 2013

Andre Le Geyt. Image credit ISA/Michael Tweddle

Day 2 

Andre is a rider for Loco SUP, check out more about Loco here.
Check out more round ups from previous days on the next page.

Bray Lake SUP racing

Bray Lake Christmas Coke Bottle SUP Race (16th December 2012)

February 4th, 2013

December saw the final Bray Lake SUP Race of 2012 and the year ended in style, great conditions, around 20 competitors and some new demo kit to race on. The days racing differed slightly from the usual format, with a 3K race circuit followed by a 200m sprint tournament, as the main events and a short warm up circuit to start.

Bray Lake race action

We ended up having some amazing conditions for racing with very light winds and above average temperatures for December. All the racers arrived about 9.30am ready to go and met with a stash of demo race boards from Nah Skwell, Starboard and Red Paddle Co. Big thanks to Richard and John from Nah Skwell and Sam Ross from Starboard and Red paddle Co, the kit went down a treat.

Healthy Turn Out

Race – 3K

The Bray Lake 3K course was more technical than most, with a total of 5 right and 3 left hand turns. The fleet of 18 set off on a mixture of 12’6, 14’0 and cross over boards, some inflatable and some hard boards. 3K is not an easy distance to pace, but everyone gave it there all and we had some great results from the locals.

Check out the results below (broken down into race class).

14 foot – 3K

• 1st – Sam Ross
• 2nd – Mark Hatton
• 3rd – Simon Hemsley
• 4th – Ali Pereira
• 5th – Sandra Elston

12’6 – 3 K

• 1st – Charlie Grey
• 2nd – Colin Elston
• 3rd – Simon Frost
• 4th – Phil Richards
• 5th – Miles Jones
• 6th – Tom Hicks
• 7th – Mark May
• 8th – Lucy Mccormick
• 9th – Richard Marsh
• 10th – Candice Betts

Ladies – 3K

• 1st – Ali Pereira (board size: 14′)
• 2nd – Lucy Mccormick (board size: 12’6)
• 3rd – Candice Betts (board size:  12’6)
• 4th – Sandra Elston (board size: 14′)
• 5th – Susan Jones Cross

Inflate – 3 K

• 1st – Sam Ross (Board size: 14′)
• 2nd – Phil Richards (Board size: 12’6)
• 3rd – Lucy Mccormick (Board size: 12’6)

The Sprint

Based on 3 and 4 man heats, the sprint tournament was run in a knock out fashion with the first from each heat proceeding to the next round. To make the sprints fare all competitors used 12’6 Red paddle Co race boards.

We ended up with a close final, with Charlie Grey winning with Sam Ross in second. Sam and Charlie faced each other in their first heat and finished at exactly the same time putting them both through. In the final they were both itching to get one over on each other.

Well done to Colin and Mark for winning their races in the B fleet finals (fastest loser’s finals from the opening heats).

Lucy put in an amazing performance in the ladies tournament to come first. See the results below;

Mens Sprint Final

• 1st – Charlie Grey
• 2nd – Sam Ross
• 3rd – Simon Frost

Mens Sprint (B) Final

• 1st – Colin Elston
• 2nd – Mark Hatton 2

Sprint Ladies

• 1st – Lucy Mccormick
• 2nd – Candice Betts
• 3rd – Susan Jones
• 4th – Sandra Elston

A different format from normal, but enjoyed by everyone. The day was topped off with a prize giving, with all the winners in their respective classes receiving Bray Lake branded shot glasses. I think shots were the last thing on everyone’s mind after a long days racing, but the prizes went down well. The next big SUP race will be in the New Year, with our winter race series finals in March and the Bray Lake SUP festival on the 15th – 16th of June. Till then we look forward to seeing all the competitors at the Lake over the coming weeks in preparation.

Join us on facebook.com/braylake and at www.braylake.com

Joe in action on his Loco SUP

Loco is comprised of a number of collaborators; some paid, some stoked to be part of something new and exciting, some just along for the ride. The main driving force behind the brand is Joe Thwaites who’s been teaching people to paddle surf through his Tynemouth based school (Boardskillz) for almost five years. Bouke Becker from Witchcraft Sailboards Fuerteventura transforms Joe’s ‘often demanding’ concepts into reality. He also acts as Loco’s construction consultant ensuring that strength is key but not at the expense of weight. Current National Paddlesurf Champion Andre’ Le Geht continues to test all of our boards and he’s taking an increasingly more active role in R&D.

Joe started the brand just over a year ago as he felt the first and second generation offerings from the usual suspects weren’t cutting it in the surf, weights were poor, the aesthetic was lacking and prices were prohibitive for the average person wanting to get into SUP. He wanted to simplify the buying process offering a core line of boards that could work differently depending on rider weights, ability and aspirations.

There's a SUP for any conditions

Loco is home grown so our boards have been designed specifically for European conditions. All our boards have surf optimised rocker lines that simply outmanoeuvre other boards of similar size. We manage to achieve the impossible by packing more volume into shorter outlines but not at the expense of performance, making our boards really user-friendly. We provide GoPro mounts, double leash plugs, ¾ deck pads and proper fins as standard (most don’t). We offer a personal, friendly service and can offer time-served advice on everything from board selection to more advanced information on optimised fin set up. We primarily sell direct so we can offer bleeding edge, lightweight constructions at sensible price points, frequently offering package deals on full carbon paddles and other accessories.

Andre' Le Geyt at the BSUPA finals

In the future we’re looking into distributing the brand internationally. Hopefully Andre competing for Team GB at the World Championships in Peru this month will be a step in the right direction. R&D never stands still at Loco. We’re currently developing two very different, radical surf shapes which we’ll look to put into production in 2014. We’re also playing around with various elements of our race boards in our quest for the ultimate glide. We’re making real progress with our accessories and interest in our merchandise has been fantastic so we’re looking to offer these more widely in 2013. We’re also looking to recruit fresh talent and motivated brand ambassadors to spread the Loco love in the UK and further afield. We’re also interested working with more SUP savvy retailers in key areas to compliment our demo days that will be kicking off in the spring.

SUP action

Joe Thwaites:

“I’ve been windsurfing from a very early age but got back into it properly in my mid 20s. Since then I’ve graduated through the ranks from flat water enthusiast to motivated wave sailor. I take a very active role in the local scene, acting as social secretary for the Northumbrian Windsurfing Club as well as teaching beginners through my windsurfing and paddleboard school. I also organise the Northumberland Wave Slam which is a forecast-driven amateur wave sailing competition which attracts wave heads from far and wide.

SUP is a great alternative for when you get skunked by the wind. It’s much easier to learn than traditional surfing. The paddle effectively replaces the rig so it kind of feels intuitive and the foot placement is very similar to carving a windsurfer out of the straps. It’s fantastic exercise and is proven to promote core strength and stability. The surfing side certainly helps as cross training for windsurfing and the extra no wind hours you get in the waves will give you the advantage next time you’re windsurfing! Typically I SUP two to three times more than I windsurf annually, as it provides so many more options.”

Joe Thwaites

Joe Thwaites

To check out their progressive 2013 shapes please visit www.loco-sup.com or to speak with Joe direct call 44 7779 127230. For the latest videos/snaps/competitions/news features find them at www.facebook.com/locosup and to keep up on twitter @loco_sup. 

There’s no doubt 2012 will ultimately be remembered as a great sporting year, as well as the year of the “wettest drought” on record! And as the country is once again being deluged by water, it’s an ideal time for us to review what we’ve been up to over the last few years, and if anyone has anything they would like to see us change, improve or keep going, now is the time to let us know your thoughts.

There have been many changes at the Centre over the last few years as we try to keep the place busy, and our heads above water (no pun intended!) and those of you that have been members for a while will have seen many new activities appear on, in and around the Lake. Bringing in other user groups and offering other activities has definitely helped us to keep going during this recession and I hope you will agree that these extra activities now on offer at the Centre have improved the feel and diversity of the place and I’m sure you will agree with us, that in many cases have provided a fair amount of amusement. I also hope that these changes have not affected your own enjoyment of the Lake and maybe even given you something else to do when the conditions haven’t been ideal for your own core activity.

Despite 2012 being a fantastic “year of sport” we, along with other similar centres, have seen a dramatic drop in new people get into water sports, lets hope that next year people will be fed up with watching sport and start to get up and do some.

Learning a new water sport has never been easier and if any of your friends or family have expressed an interest in having a go, now is the time to get them signed up! To make it even better we have put together a great offer, so you can now get them started for less. Buy your family or friends an “Intro to…” course and save £20, or buy a full “Start…” course and save up to £49.  There’s no need to worry about the cold weather either, as vouchers will be valid all through next year. While the offer remains you can purchase as many vouchers as you like and for every purchase we will give an hour’s free hire.

Festive Paddle

We are planning our regular Christmas Paddle down the Thames on December 16th (weather and river conditions permitting). If you are interested in joining us, please let us know as soon as possible. The paddle is open to all types of paddle craft and a mix of abilities. The trip will last between 2-3 hours and anyone coming along must be a competent paddler, and paddle regularly. We recommend you have a minimum BCU 1* or BSUPA L1 and have experience of paddling on the river. If you are unsure whether you have the necessary experience give us a call.

SUP Racing

Following on from our SUP race this month, we’ve decided to make the next race on December 16th a stand alone race. Results and prizes for the racing will be announced and presented on the day, with all scores still going towards the overall winter series points.

Gift Vouchers

Are you being bugged by your nearest and dearest to provide them with some gift ideas for Christmas? Fear not! Why not get them to buy you a voucher to use in the Bray Lake shop. And as an additional bonus we will give you an extra 10% as a special ‘Happy Christmas’ from us.

Festive opening hours

We will, as usual, be closed over the Christmas period from midday on the 24th December until 4th January.  Emails will be monitored, so if you need to contact us you can give that a go (although we don’t guarantee a prompt response!) and you may find us at the centre during this period carrying out some site maintenance.

More here

Bray Lake

Charlie Head

Charlie is stopping at various beaches along the way, and is currently on a push to make it to Poole before the bad weather hits this weekend. If you’re out on the water why not join him for a paddle? You can keep up with Charlie and exactly where he is on the Ocean SUP Facebook page here, plus Charlie regularly posts some hilarious videos from the journey, well worth a watch!

This long distance SUP, is just stage two or a three step plan. Charlie has already paddled around the Isle of Wight and the final stage is to SUP unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean!

Charlie is SUPing for a number of reasons, one of which is to support the Blue Project. Check out more about the Blue Project here.

Similar funding is also available to windsurf schools and clubs should you qualify. For assistance in applying for this funding you can contact funding@tushingham.com or go to the Sport England website for more information http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/county_sports_partnerships.aspx. There is also the awards for all scheme run by the lottery http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/summary.html which gives small grants to qualifying schools/clubs.

New Sizes: Including a dedicated Ripper version for kids – in the easy-surfing AllWave collection deliver the smoothest experience to all levels of wave riders in an amazingly compact package. Hard-core surfers will fall in love with the totally redefined ProWave series’ pure shortboard sensation and unparalleled Innegra Carbon ultra-lightweight finish – plus there are High Resistance Skin (HRS) versions for sensational value and performance.

ProWave

Pumped-Up Performance: The proven Fly Allround Range are now available in ultra-tough inflatable form to complement the GripDeck, SoftTop and HRS versions. This unbelievably stiff and durable blow-up option makes SUP more accessible than ever before, especially when used with the super-transportable adjustable paddle range. New: Fly Air Touring 12´.

Race/Cruise: All new Race series, with all-new BOP Falcon Race 12’6” and Falcon Race 14’ hulls boasting stretched outlines and CAD-engineered volume flow to take competition to a whole new level. We also mixed race-winning formulas with easy-to-use compact contours in the fresh new Freerace Ray cruising line.

Ray

Surfboards Fanatic by McKee: Epic shapes from a classic Shaper. Produced in partnership with Aussie legend Bruce McKee, Fanatic is proud of these 5 silky short and longboard styles suiting a range of abilities – all backed-up by Fanatic’s superior heritage in epoxy windsurfing construction – including super stiff and light bamboo epoxy and high-grade biaxial lay-ups.

To view more about the boards please head to www.fanatic-sup.com

Time to go SUPing!

Taster sessions on the river Hamble with various SUP boards – Starboard, Nah Skwell and Red Air

Tution from qualified BSUPA recognised instructors

SUP races for those of you who fancy more of a challenge!

A BBQ (small donation on the day) and chance to talk SUP and Vans with other enthusiasts

We do have a few wetsuits and buoyancy aids you can use if this is all new to you, but an old pair of trainers wouldn’t go amiss! Please bring your own gear if you have it.

If you have seen and liked the look of SUP at the National Windsurfing Festival last weekend or if have heard about the sport and wondered what it’s all about then just come down and have a go…be warned once you have tried it you’ll be hooked!

RSVP to drew@actionvan.biz or call 01489 588 327 if you’re coming along so we have an idea of numbers…thanks!

Find out more about Action Van and all of their services at www.actionvan.biz

Tim, Etienne and Andy will be taking to the water in Plymouth on Saturday 8 September in the individual Fatyak kayak event in an attempt to outpace each other to the finish line. Sarah, the first and youngest female to row the Indian Ocean, will take on the aquatriathlon and swim, stand up paddle and kayak her way to the finish.

Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott. Credit AEphotos

The athletes are hoping that their presence at this year’s event will encourage more people to get active and complete a mile for charity following the huge success of Team GB this summer.

Tim Baillie and crewmate Etienne Stott said: “We are delighted to be taking part in such a great event that promotes watersports like canoeing, encouraging more people to take part, as well as raising awareness for such a worth while cause of protecting the environment. Our sport is totally dependent on having access to clean water and the Ecover Blue Mile is a perfect way to highlight the two issues. We hope lots of people will come along and support it.”

SUP at the Blue Mile

Andrew Triggs-Hodge said, “The Ecover Blue Mile is the perfect way for us to engage with our blue environments, from our oceans to our rivers and lakes. WWF does fantastic work safeguarding these habitats and protecting the species that depend on them. Through this event we can not only begin to appreciate the watery world around us, but also support WWF’s vital work through fundraising. And even better, it gives us the perfect excuse to get fit this summer and do something active with friends and family.”

Sarah Outen said “I am really looking forward to the Ecover Blue Mile – both to being a part of such a positive event and seeing people enjoying a challenge on and in the water.  We all have a part to play in protecting the world’s water and it’s great that the Blue Mile is helping to inspire this action and awareness.”

If you would like to join the athletes on the water and take part in the Ecover Blue Mile go to the website, www.thebluemile.org where you can enter online. If you want to see them in action, come down to the Mayflower Steps from 16:00 on Saturday at Plymouth’s waterfront.  The Event Village will be open to the public from 09:00-17:00 on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th September.

It consists of 1 mile run, 1.5 mile mountain/hybrid bike ride followed by a 1000m Inflatable SUP sprint (SUP to be no longer than 10ft).

NSUPF

There will be two main classes:

Team riders, who will need to bring their SUP back pack/bag.

Intermediates, which is open to all level of competitors.

Entry to this race is included in your NWF entry.

Find out more about what’s offered at NWF and get your ticket now at