AquaPaddle and GBSUP Partnership
- Scott Warren
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Press Release
AquaPaddle and GBSUP Partnership: Announcing this Exciting New Collaboration to Boost Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the UK
With great pleasure, AquaPaddle and GBSUP announce their collaboration to further
develop and enhance the sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) across the UK. This
partnership aims to create a clear pathway for novice paddlers to progress through to elite-
level sport and ultimately compete on the international stage.
AquaPaddle and GBSUP Partnership
As part of this exciting initiative, AquaPaddle's free 5km time trials – often described as
'Parkrun for paddlers' – will be hosted at as many GBSUP events as possible. This means
that during GBSUP event weekends, any paddler, regardless of experience, can take part
and enjoy being at the heart of the action. Participants may even find themselves on the start
line alongside some of the UK's top SUP athletes.
AquaPaddle prides itself on being an inclusive community event, welcoming all types of
paddlers, not just those on stand-up paddleboards. Kayaks and canoes are also encouraged
to join in, and children and well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to take part in the fun
of AquaPaddle.
Following the AquaPaddle event, participants and spectators alike will have the opportunity
to stay and enjoy a full schedule of thrilling GBSUP racing and activities, including:
Junior and Adult Clinics
Tech Sprint Racing (Adults & Juniors)
Novice Events (Adults & Juniors)
Industry demos and exhibitors
Distance, Technical and Sprint Races
Adult Competitive Fleets (up to 16km)
Challenge Tour Novice Fleet (up to 10km)
Junior Series Racing (U14’s & U17’s)
The shared goal of this collaboration is to inspire more paddlers to explore the world of
competitive racing, starting from the personal challenge of completing an AquaPaddle and
potentially progressing to national and international competitions.
About AquaPaddle
AquaPaddle is a free, timed 5km paddle event designed for all water lovers, from complete
beginners to seasoned paddlers. With the mission to make paddle sports accessible and
enjoyable for everyone, AquaPaddle fosters a friendly, supportive environment that
celebrates personal achievements on the water. Whether on a paddleboard, kayak, or
canoe, participants can track their progress, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and enjoy the
great outdoors. Learn more at www.aquapaddle.org or get in touch at paddle@aquapaddle.org.
About GBSUP
GBSUP is the organisation behind the National Series and Championships for stand-up
paddleboard racing in the UK, providing high-quality, professionally managed race events for paddlers of all levels. From grass-roots beginners to elite athletes (including running the international team selections for Team England and GB respectively, GBSUP offers a
comprehensive calendar of racing opportunities, coaching clinics, and community-building
events. With a strong focus on inclusion and progression, GBSUP plays a vital role in
nurturing the UK SUP community and elevating the sport to new heights. Find out more at
www.gbsup.co.uk or contact info@gbsup.co.uk.
2025 GBSUP Calendar
Here are the remaining dates in the 2025 Black Project GBSUP National Paddle Racing
Series:
RD2 – Llandegfedd Pursuit, South Wales – 17th/18th May – including AquaPaddle
RD3 – Baysup Battle of the Bay, Friars Cliff, Christchurch – 28th June – including AquaPaddle
RD4 – Beadnell Belta, Northumbria – 6th July
RD5 – Liverpool Docks – 19th/20th July – including AquaPaddle
RD6 – Big Dippa, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear – 24th August – including AquaPaddle
RD7 – SUP The Creek, Salcombe, South Devon – 18th/19th October – including AquaPaddle
This partnership marks an exciting step forward for the UK paddling community, providing
more opportunities than ever for paddlers to engage, compete, and enjoy this rapidly
growing sport.
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