Check out SUP Twelve

Words by Sam Rutt
We have some amazing ultra-endurance events in the UK, with awe-inspiring personal challenges being accomplished and stories that tempt you to dip your toe into ultra SUP events. Last year, we saw a new and extremely exciting event format hit the shores of Torbay.

I, as well as others, were pinned to social media listening to the electric and funny commentary from SUPJunkie and SUPfm…not for an hour…not for two hours but for a whole 12-hour marathon. This event will also be the first-ever SUP event that Paddle UK will proudly support and is a wonderful sign of things to come from our NGB. 

Let me introduce you to ‘SUPTwelve’
After its extremely successful first year, which went down a storm with both competitors and those of us who were watching it online, it’s BACK. 

It is taking place in Torquay, Devon, on 13 April. The concept is simple: the event runs for 12 hours from 7 am to 7 pm, and the objective is to see who can paddle the most laps in those 12 hours. The lap used is approximately 3.5km, and there are no board categories, so you can attempt it on any board as long as it is seaworthy. It’s just you, a professionally timed and recorded 3.5km lap and 12 hours, a wonderfully straightforward concept to understand.  

The course is designed to maximize visibility for spectators and supporters and make it interesting for participants. Twelve hours of repeating lap after lap after lap will force the paddlers to really dig deep and find something extra to keep going or not. That’s the beauty of the event: you choose when to stop. Last year, participants completed between six and 30 laps, with some very close podium finishes. 

That said, this is the UK, and the race is 12 hours long. We know how quickly the weather can change or the wind direction switch, not to mention tides, so there are a lot of variables that will either pleasantly surprise or challenge each participant.  

Another cool thing to note about SUPTwelve is that you can only bring one board to paddle for the event, but you can swap with another competitor for one lap, which is a great way to try out a new kit. You are allowed to paddle on your knees; they appreciate that many levels of ability are taking part, which actively encourages greater participation. You can compete in many ways, such as an individual, two- or four-person relay team, on a tandem SUP, or a prone board. All profits from this event go to support the charity Above Water, a water safety charity. 

Check out Above Water online here: www.abovewater.org 

This event, like many other endurance and ultra endurance events, is as much about your own individual challenge as it is about competing with others. This event offers you the opportunity to go to where you’re comfortable or to push past your barriers and see where your limits are and everything in between. 

More information
Whether you fancy giving it a go yourself or heading down to watch the action, you can find out more at: https://brendonprince.com/pages/suptwelve-2024.