Almost a year ago Crispin Jones from Waterborn in Kingsbridge set off to the UK SUP Clubs conference to discuss the 2015 season for the Stand Up Paddleboarding racing circuit.
Keen to host a race, he set about making a course that would showcase the best of the area we live in.
Back in January Waterborn’s proposal to host the UK SUP 2015 series finale was granted and at the weekend more than 100 paddlers lined up to race in the waters of Kingsbridge.
Although a relatively sheltered estuary for the most part, it seems that competitors got more than they bargained for with the ‘flat water’ race they were expecting.
Crispin said: ‘I purposely wanted to try and host the finale as it always has a special atmosphere and buzz around it.
‘We are so lucky with the varied conditions we get around the south west and although here in Kingsbridge we have relatively sheltered waters, it sometimes throws up the odd challenging day or two and I hoped we might get a variety of conditions over the length of the course.’
‘The last few weeks leading up to the event we have had bright skies, light winds and it was unlikely to last until October 24, but with contingencies in place for extreme weather Waterborn soldiered on to get everything in place. ‘
The wind was north westerly and blowing straight down the Creek, meaning everyone had to hold position on the water, but ultimately that is easier than being blown over the start line.
The wind was playing havoc with the polo court tubes, which was used as a unique start/finish gate; they had held perfectly fine the day before but were being pushed out of place by the stronger winds.
As for the race itself, Crispin said: ‘The start was brutal, a 500m dash up against the wind to carnage corner, I hadn’t told anyone else this is what I had secretly named this top mark and unfortunately it didn’t disappoint.
‘I say unfortunately as I caused yet another board collision for this season, as Scott Brown (of BaySUP Bournemouth), turned the TorQ marker he seemed to stay there for ages, like a slow-motion crash I couldn’t stop my board in time and I hit his board with a mighty thud causing it to crack.’
The main course utilized the top five creeks in the estuary, Kingsbridge, Bowcombe, Frogmore, Blanksmill and Collapit and clocked in at around 11.5km.
A 4km route was also offered for those wanting to just get out on the water and to be part of the SUP The Creek event. The wind was gusting well over 25 mph but just didn’t seem to drop, which Crispin admitted was a concern, saying: ‘I knew I could cope but was worried about others who are less used to such windy conditions.
‘It carried on “gusting” for about 10/15 minutes until we reached the Blanksmill marker.’
‘I’m ever so pleased with my years performance, thirds and fourths all year only missing out on two of the nine series races due to prior arrangements.
‘I gave it my best in all of the events and that’s all you can ever give. Ordinarily I’d now put my board away and chat to find out how everyone got on, find out any interesting stories and battles, but there was plenty still to do before I could settle. Results and prize giving were next on the agenda.
‘I found myself a space upstairs at the Crabshell Inn and got to work, frantically trying to match bib numbers to names and times. Eventually getting everything in order, admittedly later than I would have liked, it was time to wrap up the Waterborn section of the results.’
Despite some extremely challenging conditions it seemed as though everyone had a great time and some got some amazing stories, with Waterborn trio taking first, second and third in the women’s 14’ class courtesy of Jocelyn Jones, Freya Lawrence and Christine Anderson.
Many people were set to continue the weekend and week ahead with a holiday in Devon, something all at Waterborn certainly recommend to anyone.
Waterborn wish to give special thanks to everyone involved with the event, competitors, volunteers, spectators and a special thanks to all the local businesses who got involved with sponsoring the event to really showcase our unique part of the country.