The Black Project Battle of the Bay is Back!
Calling all paddlers! The iconic Black Project Battle of the Bay returns to the 2024 GBSUP National Series, and this year, it is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th, and get ready to race on the stunning Avon Beach in Friars Cliff, Christchurch. Entry closes on Thursday, June 6th, at the end of the day!
The Venue:
The event village will be buzzing with activity right in front of the Beach Hut Cafe and the BaySUP Clubhouse, with a designated area to store your board throughout the day next to our Event Village.
What3words location: ///events.sunshine.shelter
Address: 7 Cliff Dr, Christchurch BH23 4EP
Check-in: Head over to the GBSUP tent in the Event Village to check in. Here you will collect your race number and identification big for our Challenge tour and Junior paddlers.
All paddlers will collect a new race number for use during this event and the remainder of the series.
Parking:
Steamer Point Car Park: This is the main car park for the event, with a £10 fee payable by card on the day to our marshals. Spaces are limited, so arrive early!
Nearby alternatives: If Steamer Point fills up, head to Southcliffe Road Car Park (2m height restriction) or Avon Beach Car Park (no height restrictions). Both offer convenient parking options nearby. Please note the respective height restrictions and normal parking charges will apply to alternative parking locations.
Dropping off your board: Those using nearby car parks can drop their boards off before heading to park. Board Drop will be by Steamer Point Car Park, and our marshalls will be able to direct you.
The Races:
The Black Project Battle of the Bay features two exciting races, both contributing to your overall event score and series points:
Distance Race (4 laps, 8-9km): This race pushes your endurance with a longer course over four laps, taking in the local coastline. Challenge Tour paddlers will complete two laps (4-4.5km). Expect a running start with paddlers carrying their boards into the water and a short beach run at the finish (procedures may change based on beach conditions). The course will consist of a gate used for the start, with paddlers also coming back through the gate to start their next lap or turn towards the finish.
Technical Race (Multi-lap course): This race tests your agility with multiple laps around a technical course set entirely on the water. Challenge Tour paddlers follow the same course over a reduced distance. The course features a mix of left and right turns, with a short beach run at the finish (procedures subject to beach conditions).
Juniors Races:
Our junior paddlers will tackle the technical course with a 2-2.5km target race distance.
Key Event Timings:
Thursday, June 6th 7:30 PM: Virtual Event Briefing on Facebook Live - recording available after
Friday, June 7th 5:00 - 9:30 PM: The SUP Store pre-event Bash & BBQ
Saturday, June 8th 7:30 AM: Site opens for participants / Board Drop-off
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Competitor Check-in (GBSUP Tent at Race HQ) -
10:00 AM: Distance Course Briefing
10:30 AM: Distance Race / Challenge Tour Distance Start
12:15 PM: Junior Check-in
1:00 PM: Juniors Briefing/Race
1:30 PM: Tech Race Briefing
Tech Race Starts at 1:45 PM:
1:45 PM: Challenge Tour Tech Fun Race
2:45 PM: Men's Tech Race
3:45 PM Ladies Tech Race
4:45 PM: Event Ceremony
5:30 PM: Event Close
Celebrating Mark "Slasher" Slater:
This year's event is held in honour of legendary UK paddler and local racer Mark "Slasher" Slater. Throughout the day, we'll celebrate his legacy and contributions to the sport.
Event Highlights:
The SUP Store: Enjoy a pre-event BBQ at The SUP Store, featuring demos and a chance to meet the pros at the shop.
Meet and Greet: Meet Black Project team riders, including UK paddlers Ginnie Betts, Annable Page, Will Keetley, Hector Jessel, and Blue Ewer, alongside international paddlers Donato Freens and Bastian Grimm. This is one of the most stacked fleets in UK SUP Racing history!
Demos: On Saturday, The SUP Store will have a tent in the event village with kit to buy and demo boards from Starboard, Infinity and Aztron available.
SUP Store Social Paddle: Join Saviour for a relaxing social paddle on Sunday, June 9th 9:00 AM (location dependent on conditions).
Don't Miss Blue Ewer's SUP Clinic: (Book directly with Blue @blueewer01 on Instagram)
Date: Sunday, June 9th 10:00 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: On-water and off-water coaching
Cost: £70 per person
Covered Topics:
Downwind skills: Reading the ocean, catching pumps, improving downwind times.
Beach starts: Mastering the perfect launch for a racing advantage.
Paddling in challenging conditions: Wind directions, swell directions, racing under pressure.
Ocean safety: Essential knowledge to stay safe while paddling the open water.
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