"To provide a platform to encourage and increase participation in SUP race events, both locally, nationally and internationally"

Starboard UK are pleased to announce the formation of the UK's first ever dedicated SUP race team. After a three week selection process that saw over 45 applications recieved, a team of 29 paddlers has been chosen. Team members are spread across the whole country and range in experience from first timers through to succesful international athletes.

The official team launch was held at Starboard UK's HQ and included a paddle initiation in freezing temperatures - it's hoped the rest of the year will be slightly warmer!!

Team manager John Hibbard says:

"The idea of the team, as our mission statement above explains is to encourage the growth and popularity of SUP racing. The team is made up of a real mix of paddlers, there are some national champions, some Olympic athletes and some total new comers. It is NOT and elite team on a mission to win everything. While we hope all team members will improve their paddle and race skills and we hope some will win races we don't expect them to all be champions. Each team member has their own personal goals and we will support them to achieve these. We are looking forward to a great 2010 and as a team we hope to spread our passion for the sport far and wide. I would like to thank Starboard for their support of this team and we look forward to many fun races throughout the year".

The team is split into two groups. 12'6" and Open. The 12'6" Team will be racing and paddling on the Starboard 12'6" race boards and the Open Team will be paddlling on the K15.   The team will be training together throughout the year and entering a mixture of local SUP races and national BSUPA events. It is also hoped that the team will have the opportunity to enter international events as well.

Keep an eye out for race results and news from the team as the year progresses.   A full team list is shown below. For more information or partner sponsorship opportunities please contact Team Manager John Hibbard - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it