Join us for Round 6 of the Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series at the iconic Whitley Bay Beach in Tyne and Wear! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding paddler, challenge yourself in exhilarating Distance (9km) and Technical (4km) races.

Time & Location

23 Aug 2025 Whitley Bay Beach, Whitley Bay, UK

About the Event

Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series 2025 - Round 6: The Big Dippa

Get ready to hit the water for Round 6 of the 2025 Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series – The Big Dippa, proudly hosted by Northerly Swell and the Northern SUP Race Club! This event is a highly anticipated fixture on the Northern SUP race scene and a key part of the Junior development for SUP paddling in the UK. It promises high-level competition and excitement for all participants and spectators, with thrilling Distance and Technical races across our normal fleets and categories.

Venue

Whitley Bay Beach will be the stunning backdrop for the sixth round of the 2025 Black Project GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series. Known for its beautiful coastline, golden sands, and the iconic Spanish City Dome, Whitley Bay offers an ideal setting for an action-packed day of paddleboarding. The location provides both scenic beauty and a dynamic environment for competitive racing.

Location: Whitley Bay Beach, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, UK Host Venue: Northerly Swell (Watts Slope, Whitley Bay NE26 1BQ)

Host

Northerly Swell (https://northerlyswell.com/) is proud to host The Big Dippa at Whitley Bay. Conveniently situated between the award-winning blue flag beach and the iconic Spanish City Dome, Northerly Swell offers easy access to the beach and the newly renovated promenade. They provide everything you need for paddleboarding, cycling, surfing, or simply enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.

Northern SUP Race Club (https://www.facebook.com/northernSUPraceclub/?locale=en_GB) is dedicated to promoting and growing stand-up paddleboarding as a competitive sport in the North of England. Their mission is to create an inclusive and supportive community for paddlers of all abilities, offering opportunities for training, racing, and social events. The incredible work of the Northern SUP Race Club, led by World Championship winning paddler Anna Little, is instrumental in developing junior pathways for SUP paddling in the UK, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Event Highlights & Schedule

Date: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

Key Timings for the Day:

• 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Competitor Check-in (Event HQ - GBSUP Main Tent)

• 9:00 AM: Event Village Opens & Industry Partner Demos Begin

• 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Kit Demo Period & Paddler Warm-up

• 10:45 AM: Mandatory Distance Course Briefing

• 11:30 AM: Distance Race Starts

• 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM: Lunch Break

• 2:15 PM: Mandatory Technical Race Briefing

• 2:30 PM: Technical Races Begin (Juniors & Challenge Tour first)

• 4:45 PM: Event Ceremony presented by BSUPA

• 5:30 PM: Event Close

Race Details

Competitive Fleets:

• 14' Hardboard

• 14' iSUP & Starboard Airline Cup

• Juniors (U17 & U14)

• Prone Paddleboard (up to 14')

Novice Fleets:

• Challenge Tour

• Novice Juniors (Ages 8 and up)

Event Format

One Day Format: The Big Dippa will feature a single day of exciting SUP paddling and racing, designed for all skill levels from beginners to competitive paddlers. The day will include a Distance race and a Technical race, alongside opportunities for juniors and challenge tour participants.

Fleet Notes:

• The Starboard Airline Cup competes as part of the 14' iSUP fleet.

• 14' Hardboard Age Groups and Juniors (U17 & U14) ages are classified by your age at the start of the year (01/01/2025).

Start Procedures: Specific start procedures for each race will be covered in detail at the mandatory race briefings. Be prepared for staggered fleet starts where applicable.

Important Information for Competitors

• Mandatory Kit: Leashes are required for all paddlers. Juniors under 16 must wear a full PFD vest.

• Safety First: Our on-water safety teams will be present with safety vessels and prone rescue craft. Always follow their directions. Be prepared for the elements, stay hydrated, and plan your nutrition for a full day of racing.

• Public Beach: As this is a public beach, please be mindful of other beach users when moving your kit.

• Race Rules: Full race rules, including details on drafting, penalties, and appeals, can be found on our website. Mandatory briefings will cover all essential information.

Tickets and Registration

Your ticket gives you entry to the event for the specified time and activities. Upon registration, you must choose your fleet or activity and complete the relevant details. Once you have registered, you will receive your event pack, which includes details on the venue and facilities, provisional timings, and registration for the media platforms we will use throughout the event.

The Big Dippa Special Event Prices:

• Competitive Fleets (14' HB, iSUP, Prone and Starboard Airline Cup) - £25

• Challenge Tour - £15

• All Juniors (Competitive & Novice) - £5

Please note: Northern SUP Race Club will be taking entries on the day for all Novice Fleets.

2025 GBSUP Calendar

Here are the dates in the 2025 GBSUP Calendar:

2025 Black Project GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series

• RD1 - Super8, Oxford - March 29th

• RD2 - LLandegfedd Pursuit, South Wales - May 17th/18th

• RD3 - Baysup Battle of the Bay, Friars Cliff, Christchurch - June 28th

• RD4 - Beadnell Belta, Northumbria - July 6th

• RD5 - Liverpool Docks - July 19th/20th

• RD6 - Big Dippa, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear - August 23rd

• RD7 - SUP The Creek, Salcombe, South Devon - Oct 18th/19th

  
  

  2025 British National Championships & Team England & GB Selections

• Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open, Falmouth - June 7th/8th

  
  

  2025 National Sprint Championships

• Nottingham - July 13th

Event Team

Our dedicated event team is here to ensure a safe and successful event:

• GBSUP Race Director: Scott Warren

• Event Director: Anna Little (NSRC)

We look forward to welcoming you to The Big Dippa for an exciting day of paddle racing! One not to be missed!