BP National Sprint Championships

Join us for the thrilling 2025 Black Project National Sprint Championships, where the nation's top paddlers will battle it out in a day of high-octane, head-to-head sprint racing! This is your chance to shine, compete for prestigious titles, and experience the electrifying atmosphere of elite-level SUP racing.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, July 13th, 2025

• Time: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

• Location: National Watersports Centre, Nottingham

• Part of: The wider Paddle UK National Championships Regatta

• Hosted by: GBSUP

• In Partnership with: Paddle UK

What to Expect:

The 2025 Black Project National Sprint Championships are the pinnacle for sprint stand-up paddleboarding in the UK. This dynamic event features intense 200-meter straight-line sprints conducted in individual lanes. Paddlers will navigate through competitive heats (rounds), with the fastest 9 paddlers from each category advancing to the thrilling category final.

The day culminates in the crowning of the prestigious British Sprint National Champions in the Elite Male and Female categories, and the Junior Sprint Champions for Junior Boys and Girls (eligibility criteria apply). Overall podium finishers will also be celebrated across all divisions, recognising exceptional performances regardless of nationality or eligibility. Expect a dynamic and competitive atmosphere as athletes push their limits and showcase their speed and paddling prowess.

Who Can Enter?

This event is open to stand-up paddleboarders of all levels who meet the specified qualification times for their chosen category. Challenge yourself and find your competitive edge!

• Elite (Male & Female): Experienced and highly competitive paddlers aiming for the overall win and National Championship title.

  • Qualification times: Male 1:25, Female 1:35

• Open (Male & Female): Competitive paddlers looking to test their speed and race against others in their category.

  • Qualification times: Male 1:50, Female 2:00

• Junior (Boys & Girls): Young, aspiring paddlers ready to showcase their talent.

  • Qualification time: 1:50 (Age categories may be split into U17 & U14 depending on entry numbers).

Important Note on Titles:

While overall podium awards are open to all competitors, regardless of nationality or eligibility, the British Sprint National Championship titles are awarded to eligible paddlers who meet specific criteria (including nationality), as detailed in the National Sprint Championship Title Eligibility Policy.

All participants must be capable of meeting the qualifying time for their chosen race category.

Junior Paddlers: Free Entry!

Through our fantastic partnership with Paddle UK, we are delighted to offer our Junior Paddlers Free Entry to the 2025 Black Project National Sprint Championships! This is a fantastic opportunity for young talent to experience national-level competition.

Start Line Procedure & Practice Opportunity

At this year's National Sprint Championships, you'll compete in your own lane, giving you an uninterrupted shot at setting your fastest time. We're using regatta 'buckets' to ensure an even and fair start for every heat.

Understanding the Start Procedure:

1. Lane Draw: You'll receive your specific lane draw and number before your heat.

2. Call to the Line: Athletes will line up and wait for the starter to call the entire fleet forward to the start line.

3. Approach Together: When called, everyone must approach their designated buckets together as a fleet.

4. In the Buckets: Position your board's nose accurately inside your assigned bucket.

5. Hold and Listen: Hold firmly in the buckets until you hear the official start signal. Pay close attention to any additional instructions from the starter. The moment the starter gives the signal, the bucket will retract swiftly underwater, clearing you instantly to go!

Practice Opportunity:

Want to perfect your race start and get comfortable with the regatta buckets? Take full advantage of the dedicated 15-minute practice window on Sunday morning! This is your essential chance to fine-tune your technique before the competition begins.

Key Entry Dates - Don't Miss Out!

Secure your spot on the start line by adhering to these important deadlines!

• Entries Open: Monday 2nd June

• Last Opportunity to Modify Entry: Monday 23rd June

• Entries Close: Wednesday 25th June

Entry Costs:

• Adult Paddle UK Members: £20

• Adult Non-Paddle UK Members: £25 (includes the purchase of a Single Event Membership)

• Juniors: Free of Charge

Important Terms of Entry:

• No late entries or modifications will be accepted after the specified deadlines.

• Entry fees are non-refundable.

• Non-Paddle UK Members must purchase their Single Event Membership directly from the Paddle UK website: https://paddleuk.org.uk/purchase-sem/

• Paddlers are responsible for ensuring they meet the qualifying criteria and time for their chosen category before entering.

Other Essential Information:

• On-site Accommodation: For those travelling further afield, on-site accommodation is available at the National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont. The centre offers various facilities, including a hotel, self-catering apartments, and camping/caravan pitches. We recommend booking well in advance as this is a popular venue. Please visit the National Watersports Centre website directly for booking and availability.

• Parking: Pre-booking your parking is essential. Payment can be made using the Tap2Park service on https://parkpcm.co.uk/index.php with location code 4455.

• Timings: The initial rounds and finals are subject to confirmation following the close of the entry window. Expect the bucket start practice to begin around 7:30 AM, with the first rounds kicking off between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Finals will likely be held mid-afternoon.

Don't miss out on the premier sprint SUP event of the year! Challenge yourself, witness incredible athleticism, and be part of the 2025 Black Project National Sprint Championships!