Britain’s stand-up paddlesurf (SUP) champions will be decided in a winner-takes-all national championship event at Watergate Bay in October (download poster).

The Extreme Academy will host the British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) championships on the weekend of 15th and 16th October 2011 in an event which will attract the UK’s best exponents of this emerging form of surfing.

Competitors will take part in two different disciplines, with divisions for men and women. A long-distance ocean paddle race will see competitors cover up to five miles, requiring skill, technique and stamina; while wave-riding skills will be tested in a performance surfing competition.

Competition organiser Richard Marsh said: “Watergate Bay is one of the UK’s premier watersports venues; from its consistent surf conditions to the natural amphitheatre, it gives competitors the opportunity to showcase their skills, and spectators the chance to see the action.”

The surfing competition in which competitors will show off their tricks on the waves will take place on Saturday, with the distance race from Watergate Bay to Porth and back taking place on Sunday.

Also taking place on the Sunday is the Westcountry Watersports Wave Expression competition, followed at 3pm by a prize giving ceremony.

As well as competing for the championship, the surfers will also battle it out for the coveted title of ‘Watergate Bay Waterman’ sponsored by The Beach Hut. This fiercely coveted title will be awarded to the competitor with the highest combined score from both the men’s wave and distance competitions, who will win a meal for two at The Beach Hut restaurant.

For more information on the event go to www.ipaddleboard.co.uk – for entries please contact the event organiser, Richard Marsh, by emailing masthighltd@me.com.

A good dinner was had by all in The Griffin, especially Dave who, ignoring the menu, managed to have a prawn curry appear from somewhere, then any leftovers from anyone else’s plate and finally finishing off with an apple crumble. This could be the reason for his height! In true Bray style the rum and cokes flowed until we eventually retired, excited by the possibility of wind and sun the following morning.

We woke on Saturday to blazing sun and building wind. Excitement took over so, skipping breakfast, we headed to Dale car park to see who was contemplating an early session. Dave and Les were leading the charge. Dave had rigged his 9.4 Lightning and had ‘advised’ Les onto his 7.5 T-Bird. Rather more meekly I opted for my 6.3 Ezzy wave SE and a 100L Starboard Kode.

As it happened the wind built more than Dave or Les had anticipated so were quickly back in the car park rigging something a little more manageable and were equally quickly back on the water having a more enjoyable time. As days on the water go I have to say it was pretty much perfection for the UK. Force 4-5, high tide, sun, 25 degree heat and only a handful of people on the water. Bliss!!

As the morning went on we were joined on the water by Colin and (shock horror!) another club member – Simon. I have to take my hat off to Simon for his commitment to windsurfing as he was only there for Saturday driving both ways in the same day and scoring some great conditions during the day, amazing! A lesson to all those with work, family or friend excuses!!

We decided to break for brunch at around 11:30 and retired to the cafe to dissect the morning and meet back up with Mike (and his blister!).

Wanting to gain the most from the weekend away I opted to go for a walk in the afternoon and after following Mike and Dave’s advice headed round to West Dale beach and then on to St. Annes Head rejoining the crew for dinner. As it, fortunately, turned out the wind died a bit in the afternoon so I enjoyed my walk with a clear conscious!

Unfortunately during the afternoon Les had to return to England with pathetic excuses pertaining to his brothers golden wedding anniversary! Back down to one club member! No I tell a lie, Simon had to return to Blighty also, only associated members left!!

Another wonderful evening in The Griffin was had by all, the rum and coke flowed once more!

Sunday started with Dave myself and Amy meeting Colin and Mike at Allenbrook B&B to examine the owners 1934 Rolls Royce which was described at one point as ‘slightly mashed up due to machine gun fire’. It has been lovingly restored and, along with the Peacocks, adds another touch of elegance to Allenbrook Bed and Breakfast. Greeted as we were on Sunday by no wind (nats fart being generous) three of us headed to Newgale for some surfing and paddleboarding parting company with Colin and Mike.

I cannot say with hand on heart the surf was epic!

I however cared not a jot as I had recently purchased Frostie’s 10’5 Starboard Paddleboard and was eager to give it a whirl!

(You have to admit that is a pretty board)

Conditions were ideal to test out the new toy and I generously let Amy and Dave have a go as well! The only word to describe the board is fantastic. Wonderfully stable, great glide and highly responsive on the wave, incredible. As it turns out it is also really useful for giving your girlfriend a tow as well!

After a few interesting wipeouts I started to get the hang of it and had a brilliant time in the less than great conditions. This is honestly the best sport to go along with Windsurfing as you can make the best of the conditions on offer. Wind – windsurfing, wind and waves – windsurfing, no wind – paddleboarding, no wind or waves – paddleboarding. It allows to have more time on the water whatever the conditions, genius!

Anyhow, a great weekend was had by all those who made it and I hope to see a few more there in October.

Have a good one and take it easy……………

Contributed by: Ed Thorne

The aim is complete the challenge in a week. Exercise ‘Hello Sailor’ from Runcorn to the National Memorial Arboretum is scheduled to start 17th June 2010.

Follow their adventure on their blog at http://oohhellosailor.blogspot.com. Please support this worthwhile cause, make your donation on the Just Giving website at www.justgiving.com/oohhellosailor . Thank you for your support.