With the ever increasing cross over of windsurfers into SUP (as we all know, the perfect light wind alternative) Boards every now and then has some great SUP news for you too. One of the biggest events this summer is taking place on the 15th and 16th of June at Bray Lake Watersports. The event includes a duathlon, sprints and adventure race, plus demo equipment and of course a good old saturday night party. This is definitely one to add to your diary…

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.

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.