Paddle UK is pleased to announce the official recognition of ocean racing as a discipline committee.
The newly established Ocean Racing UK Committee, formerly the GB Ocean Racing Working Group, has been instrumental in advancing the sport since its inception in Autumn 2022.
Over the past 18 months, the group has made considerable progress in promoting and organising the discipline and creating their strategy.
This decision was formally ratified by the Paddle UK Board in June, marking a significant milestone in the development and management of Ocean Racing within the United Kingdom and the discipline will receive additional support in development and international competitions.
The transition from an informal working group to a formal discipline committee underlines the growth and increasing the profile of ocean racing in the UK, and the committee will be focusing on increasing participation, developing athletes, coaches, and officials, and overseeing the sport’s governance and competition structure.
Nick Hibberd, Chair of Ocean Racing UK Committee, said:
“It’s great news that Paddle UK has formally recognised the Ocean Racing UK Committee.
“Ocean Racing is a growing discipline in the UK and is an ideal meeting place for athletes of all paddling disciplines. As a committee we’ll continue to promote ocean racing and seek to increase participation through the provision of ocean racing, training and competition.
“We look forward to the GB Ocean Racing Team competing at the ICF World Championships in Madeira in October and to continuing the development and administration of ocean racing in the UK.”
Paddle UK looks forward to supporting the continued growth and success of ocean racing under this new formal structure.
Ashley Metcalfe, CEO of Paddle UK, said:
“We are delighted with the excellent progress Ocean Racing has made in its quest to receive formal recognition as a Paddle UK Discipline Committee.
“Nick and his colleagues deserve much credit and we look forward to encouraging and supporting their future development both domestically and on the international competition circuit.”