The Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open (PL FBO) once again proved to be a pivotal event on the UK
SUP calendar, proudly hosting the British National Championships for its fourth year.
Words: Scott Warren, GBSUP Event & Race Director
Photos: P3T Photography
This mainstream event provided the perfect platform to not only align with the newly integrated ICF
categories for the British National Championships but also to facilitate crucial Team England and
Team GB selections across both SUP and Prone disciplines (for ISA and ICF respectively).
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the event showcased remarkable athleticism and the incredible spirit
of the paddling community.
Across three thrilling races – Distance, Sprints, and Technical – athletes battled for national honours.
Distance
The Distance race on Saturday began calmly but quickly transformed into a choppy, windy affair.
Despite the need to cancel some morning junior activities and our inaugural AquaPaddle at the BNC,
the event team expertly adapted the course, using a triangle format to provide a long downwind leg
and utilize available shelter.
The sheer effort from all paddlers in these demanding conditions was truly inspiring, with our Challenge Tour novice fleet performing amazingly well, tackling conditions far beyond their usual experience.
Safety was paramount, and the robust planning and execution of our safety protocols were evident
throughout the distance race.
Two jet skis, one IRB safety boat, and seven prone rescue paddlers provided comprehensive course coverage, ensuring paddlers felt secure even when pushing their limits. Beach and headland spotters further enhanced safety, directing teams to those in need.
The next generation
A significant highlight for us, and a direct result of our partnership with Paddle UK, was the fantastic
engagement of our junior paddlers who were able to enter free of charge.
This support is vital for nurturing the next generation of talent. Standout junior performances included a stellar showing from 14-year-old Selwyn Pritchard, who impressively finished 4th overall in the men’s distance fleet!
Sunday’s action-packed schedule kicked off with Junior Nippers, led by local hero Tom Hicks. It was
fantastic to see several youngsters, aged 6 to 11, enjoying SUP racing and being inspired to become
future racers.
Our rescheduled AquaPaddle followed, offering a 5km loop of the bay, akin to a “parkrun on the water,” allowing paddlers to challenge themselves or simply enjoy being part of a major event.
For the competitive fleets, it was Sprints in the morning and Technical racing in the afternoon. Sprints
enjoyed calmer waters, leading to some fantastic close racing, particularly in the Men’s Masters 50+
fleet where Dave Ewer edged out Denzil Williams in a thrilling photo finish.
The ladies’ sprints also delivered high drama, with Merle Wilson securing a hard-fought victory over Lynne Hawthorne in another incredibly tight finish confirmed by photo evidence.
The Technical race provided a spectacular close to the event, with all fleets participating. Annabel
Page and Holly Pye continued their compelling battle, with Annabel taking the win and ultimately
claiming the overall Ladies’ British National Championship title.
In the men’s fleet, Blue Ewer made it a clean sweep, winning all three races and securing the Men’s British National Championship. Blue, a leading male paddler globally, consistently challenges for top spots internationally.
Annabel’s first British National Championship title, coupled with her impressive season so far, signals a focused year ahead with great potential for international success.
Our partnership with Paddle UK continues to be instrumental in fostering grassroots development
and providing pathways for paddlers of all ages and abilities to engage with the sport.
The Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open perfectly encapsulated this shared vision, providing a safe, competitive,
and inspiring environment for the British National Championships.
Full results are available here: https://www.gbsup.co.uk/results