Venus, the award-winning beach operator, are staging the first Venus Riders Family SUP Championship this half-term at Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth.
Held between June 1st and 4th, families are being urged to arrive early to avoid disappointment for the free event, one of the first to be staged in the UK.
Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP for short, originates from traditional Polynesian ocean culture. The sport has now developed into a global phenomenon. Standing on a longboard, you glide through the water using a long paddle. Unlike surfing, paddle-boarders aren’t reliant on waves, meaning that it’s ideally suited to the coasts and estuaries of South Devon.
The event is free to enter and all equipment will be provided without charge. The championship is open to everyone aged 8 and above. It’s the ideal competition for the whole family to take part in – even those who have never tried SUP before.
Everyone who takes part in the championship will receive a free Weird Fish t-shirt and will be entered into a free prize draw to win top prizes including a stand up paddle board from event sponsor Red Paddle Co., a beach cruiser bike from Protest and a mountain bike from Wiggle.
Qualifying heats will take place daily at Blackpool Sands between 10am and 12noon from June 1st to 3rd. The winners of each qualifying heat will secure a place in the finals which will be held on June 4th, where the winners of the championship will be crowned.
Alongside the Family SUP Championship, a professional day is also being staged at Blackpool Sands on June 5th, showcasing some of the best SUP talent in the country. The professional event is being organised by one of the first stand up paddlers in the UK and professional windsurfer John Hibbard of Red Paddle Co.
Michael Smith, Venus Managing Director commented; “We’re delighted to be staging the first championship. SUP has already proved to be hugely popular at Blackpool Sands so we decided to create the event to introduce more families to the sport and help put South Devon on the map as the place for SUP in the UK.”
Contestants are advised to arrive early for a 9:30 registration to secure a position in the qualifying heats.
For further information about the Venus Riders Family SUP Championship, visit www.lovingthebeach.co.uk
