SUP TWELVE 2025 – what a challenge!

Posted by thepaddlerezine in Distance SUP, Race SUPs, Starboard, SUP competition, SUP racing, SUP UK Events, SUP UK News // 0 Comments

Starboard UK’s Paul Simmons took the event win.

Photos courtesy of Annagail Leaman – The Happy Snapper

The third year of the UK’s twelve-hour endurance marathon, ‘SUP Twelve,’ saw almost 100 paddlers complete as many laps as possible between 7am and 7pm.

Powering his All Star around the course, Starboard UK’s Paul Simmons took the event win, completing 28 laps (a total of 95km) in the twelve-hour timeframe, with fellow All-Star paddler Emily King second in the female division, first in age group and first UK female.

Emily King:
“I’m really pleased to be back racing, and even more thrilled to have taken 2nd overall and 1st UK female over the line! It’s a real privilege to be competing again and mixing it up with some of Europe’s top paddlers.

“SUP Twelve was an amazing experience, tough both mentally and physically, but so much fun and a great learning opportunity. Huge thanks to everyone who made it happen!“

Paul Simmons:
“I felt prepared thanks to plenty of time on the water in coastal environments, challenging my balance and core strength. This year more running for training ensured my legs were strong enough to cope with constant work both on the water and through the beach transitions.

“Pushing hard, at halfway I was on track to reach my goal of 100km, but a challenging water-state and fatigue caused me to end up a couple laps short. I was pleased with my performance though, notably refuelling a little (almost) every lap to maintain energy levels.

“The 14’0” x 23” All Star was perfect for the sea-state, with outstanding secondary stability saving me from numerous potential falls and the high-volume nose popping over bumps easily. I stuck with the Starboard Lima PrePreg Carbon Large paddle all event, delivering power and precision with every stroke.

“It was fantastic to see many paddlers persevering all day despite a sea-state somewhat different to their usual paddling conditions. It was great to have encouragement yelled by supporters through each transition, also thanks to event organiser Brendon and his team of volunteers who made SUP Twelve 2025 a pleasure to take part in, particularly Karl Hobbs and his legendary board-butler skills!“