The GBSUP National Series is the premier stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) racing series in Great Britain. It encompasses a series of events held throughout the year across the country, catering to a wide range of skill levels, from novice to elite racers.   

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Here's a breakdown of what the GBSUP National Series entails:

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National Racing Series

The core of GBSUP is a series of races held at various locations around the UK. These events typically include different race formats such as distance races, technical races (involving buoy turns and sometimes beach runs), and sprints.   

Inclusive Events

GBSUP prides itself on offering events for everyone. This includes competitive fleets for experienced racers, "Challenge Tours" for those new to racing or preferring a more relaxed format, and dedicated races and activities for juniors. Some events also include novice adult categories with shorter distances.   

Diverse Locations and Conditions

The series spans both coastal and inland venues, exposing paddlers to a variety of water conditions, ranging from flatwater lakes and rivers to more challenging open-ocean environments. The 2025 series includes events in locations such as Oxford, South Wales, Christchurch, Northumberland, Liverpool Docks, Whitley Bay, and South Devon.   

Competitive Fleets

Racing is organised into different board classes (e.g., 14' hardboard, 14' iSUP) and age groups, including juniors. The Starboard Airline Cup often competes within the 14' iSUP fleet. There are also categories for prone paddleboarding.   

National Rankings and Championships

Participation in the National Series events contributes to a paddler's overall ranking within their respective fleet. GBSUP also hosts the British National Championships, which may include sprint, distance, and technical formats, to crown national champions.   

Development of the Sport

GBSUP actively supports the growth of SUP racing in the UK, including the development of the youth racing scene through dedicated junior races and initiatives.   

Community and Engagement

GBSUP events serve as a gathering point for the UK SUP community, offering opportunities for paddlers of all levels to connect, learn, and compete. Many events also feature industry demos and clinics.   

Scoring System

Paddlers accumulate points based on their performance in each National Series event. The overall series ranking is typically determined by a paddler's best results from a selection of events.  LINK HERE

2025 Season Highlights

The 2025 Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series includes seven main events across the UK, running from March to October. There is also the British National Championships, held in Falmouth on June 7th and 8th. LINK HERE

In essence, the GBSUP National Series is the central platform for competitive and recreational stand-up paddleboarding racing in Great Britain, fostering a vibrant community and promoting the sport across diverse locations and skill levels.