GBSUP 2026: Join the Future – Official Season Launch Recap
- Scott Warren
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Did you miss the live broadcast? We have you covered.
GBSUP Season Launch
Last night, we officially kicked off the 2026 season with our "Join the Future" broadcast. It was a massive night for the UK paddle community as we unveiled our new 5-year strategy, a truly national calendar, and some major updates to how we race.
You can watch the full GBSUP Season Launch broadcast below to get every detail from the team, or read on for the essential highlights.
🚀 The Highlights: What You Need to Know
1. The Vision: "Join the Future"
We aren't just running races; we are building a legacy. Our strategy for 2026-2030 rests on four pillars:
Juniors: A dedicated pathway, not an add-on. Led by Matt Brookes and supported by our new Junior Ambassador, Tess Page.
Technology: From GPS tracking for safety/analysis to better broadcast experiences for fans.
Engagement: Building a connected community through clubs and providers.
Sustainability: Ensuring the longevity of our sport's delivery model.
2. The 2026 Calendar: A National Footprint
We promised a National Series, and we are delivering. This year, we head North, South, East, and West.
May 2/3: Llandegfedd Pursuit (South Wales)
May 31: National Sprint Championships (Nottingham)
June 6/7: British National Championships (Liverpool) - Flagship Event
June 20: Strathclyde Sprint Regatta 1 (Scotland) - New!
July 4/5: Battle of the Bay & International Selections (South Coast)
Aug 1: Loch Lomond Distance (Scotland)
Aug 22: Strathclyde Sprint Regatta 2 (Scotland) - New!
Sept 19/20: Windermere (North West)
Oct 3/4: Sovereign Showdown Finale (Ramsgate)
3. Scoring Revolution: Fairness & Commitment
We have overhauled the scoring to create a level playing field.
Best of 7: Your best 7 results from the series count towards your ranking.
The Multipliers: To win the National Title, you need to prove yourself in the toughest conditions. Loch Lomond (1.5x) and Windermere (1.25x) carry weighted points to reward the physical challenge of endurance.
Rank Extraction: For 14' Hardboards, we are moving to a "One Race, One Result" model. Age group standings will be extracted from the Overall results, ensuring competitive integrity.
Airline Cup: Now fully integrated into the 14' iSUP fleet with its own extracted leaderboard.
4. Sprint Expansion
Speed is a huge focus for 2026. Alongside the National Sprint Championships in Nottingham, we are thrilled to partner with Paddle Scotland to introduce two new Sprint Regattas at Strathclyde Country Park in June and August.
5. International Selections
This year, the fight for the Team GB (ICF) and Team England (ISA) vests heads to the ocean. Destination: BaySUP (July 4/5). Why? To mirror the beach and ocean conditions expected at the 2026 World Championships in Sicily.
6. The Essentials
Entry: No membership required. Pay per event or grab a Season Ticket. Entries open exactly 3 months before each event on the GBSUP website.
Pricing: We've worked hard to keep racing accessible.
Adult Competitive: £45 (Day) / £75 (Weekend)
Leisure Fleet: £15 (Event Ticket)
Novice Kids: FREE
Safety: Leashes are mandatory for all. PFD rules have been clarified for Juniors and Leisure fleets.
7. Partners
A huge welcome back to Black Project as our Title Sponsor for 2026. Keep an eye out for their team at our events in South Wales and Scotland for demos and clinics!
Ready to race? Keep an eye on your inbox and our social channels. Detailed rulebooks and the first event entries will launch soon.
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