Head of the Dart, 14th April 2019

We kickstart the 2019 GBSUP National Race Series with the biggest race in the UK Head of the Dart

What you said in the SUP Racer Survey

38% of you have been racing for one year or less.
57% of you now see SUP as your main sport.
71% of you saw yourself as a friendly competitor rather than serious racer.
As the National short course race series moves into it's 5th year the team at GBSUP aim to deliver a year of friendly competitive racing to attract experienced and inexperienced racers to have fun & GET IT ON!
Amanda, Phil & Mark
Amanda, Phil & Mark GBSUP Team
66% of you are members of clubs.
63% of you do not attend organised SUP race training.
82% of you said you would you if they were available.

2019 Race Series

Head of the Dart
Date 14th April
Battle of the Thames
Date 27th April
Cardiff IWW Festival
Date 5th May
BC Paddle in the Park
Date 1st-2nd June
BaySUP Bournemouth
Date 22nd June
Celtic Cup St I'ves
Date 6th July
Waterborne SUP Salcombe
Date 27th October

What to expect

Stand up paddleboard short course racing in the UK is still developing along with the international race scene. The National series has grown to involve three types of racing; Distance (10 to 16km), Technical (beach or water start with laps around a course of buoys) and Sprint (up to 100m with or without a buoy turn). For more info on the types of races and what's involved click the read more button below.
READ MORE

Why race with us?

Here's why we think you will enjoy the 2018 race season with GBSUP!
Focus on Distance
There were 171 votes for distance races, 129 votes for technical racing and 103 votes for sprint racing. The 2018 series will have 3 distance and two technical races and a separate sprint race series.



Epic locations
Five epic locations in the south (London, Cardiff & Bournemouth), the Midlands (Rutland) and the North (Windermere). Three open water locations at NWF, Windermere and BaySUP as well as a mix of estuary and open water at CIWW and a big river race on the Thames for BOTT.
Fun for all
14' & 12'6" race, one design, junior & leisure classes as well as Red Paddleco Dragon and beginner try it sessions. We will make 2018 the most inclusive year yet in locations worth spending a weekend at so get involved.
Parties & other activities
You asked for more reasons to travel to races so we have teamed up with some exciting events in 2018. CIWW paddle fest and NWF will be throwing some parties with live music as well as after parties at the WCK Summer Solstice and the finale at BaySUP.

Committees & Structure
GB SUP will have a clear and transparent structure and take a fair unbiased approach to entry and rules infringements. Everyone breaks the rules at some point in the excitement so our competition committee will ensure rules are followed with a non judgement approach.