Words:
Brendon Prince
Photos:
Brendon Prince and
Sarah Thornely
(SUPjunkie.co.uk)
Find out more at: https://superchampionships.com
Coming to Torbay this September! SuperChamps
Get ready for an exciting weekend this September with the SUP English Riviera Championships, known as SUPERCHAMPS! We’re kicking off a journey to bring International SUP events to the UK.
With great excitement, I introduce ‘SUPERCHAMPS,’ a groundbreaking event that promises to redefine the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This isn’t just another competition—it’s a mission-driven initiative to promote health, happiness, safety, and the vibrant Torbay, the English Riviera community. Let me take you through the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of this remarkable new event.
Who
SUPERCHAMPS is an inclusive event open to everyone, from elite athletes to first-time competitors. This championship invites participants of all ages and skill levels to engage in the thrill of competitive paddling. We are creating a community where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to participate, regardless of their experience.
What
SUPERCHAMPS will feature a packed schedule of thrilling SUP events, from fun races for newcomers to competitive sprints and distance races for seasoned paddlers. There will even be a SUP water polo competition! Events feature multiple races over the three days, including fun formats like ‘one design’ and 25m sprints for newcomers, adaptive, junior races, and standard race formats such as 150m straight-line sprints, 3km technical races, and a 14km distance race. The SUP water polo competition is a fabulous spectator event that will happen all day on Saturday.
Where
The stunning location of Torbay, the English Riviera, will serve as the backdrop for SUPERCHAMPS. Known for its beautiful coastline and rich maritime history, Torbay offers the perfect environment for an international SUP competition. Our 10-year plan ensures that Torbay will host this event for the first five years, allowing us to build strong commercial partnerships and promote the region as a top SUP destination. After this, the SUPERCHAMPS may tour the UK, visiting our best coastal environments for SUP racing.
When
The inaugural SUPERCHAMPS event will take place from Friday, September 27th, to Sunday, September 29th, 2024, kicking off our decade-long vision for SUP development in the region. This annual event has exciting additions planned each year, such as the bid for the World SUP Grand Prix in year three and the World SUP Championships in year five. Each year’s event dates will be carefully chosen to maximize participation and community engagement.
Why
The mission of SUPERCHAMPS is threefold:
- Promote the Sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding: By bringing the world’s best competition to GB and NI waters, we aim to increase participation in competitive paddling, benefiting the health and happiness of all involved.
- Promote UK and Torbay: Through our 10-year plan, we intend to highlight Torbay, the English Riviera, as a premier SUP destination. By maintaining the event in the same location for the first five years, we can engage commercial partners for the greater good of the sport and competition.
- Promote water safety and drowning prevention: We are committed to modelling safe practices when in, on, or around water. We will support the charity Above Water to teach school-age children about water safety and promote ‘blue space’ activities, enhancing public awareness and safety.
I am delighted we have partnered with PaddleUK, the governing body for SUP in England, to help achieve our mission. Together, we are committed to making SUPERCHAMPS a weekend of SUP racing on par with any championships held anywhere in the world!
Help make the SUPERCHAMPS glide in 2024!
This is more than just a competition – it’s a chance to showcase SUP as an inclusive, sustainable, growing sport. Your business can play a vital role in the success of this event by sponsoring or partnering with SUPERCHAMPS.
Benefits of sponsorship:
- Community Impact: Support a vibrant event that boosts local tourism and community spirit.
- Brand Exposure: Gain visibility for your brand among participants, spectators, and media coverage.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Show your commitment to community and sports development with imaginative CSR initiatives.
Join us!
Whether you’re an individual, an organization, or a business, your support can make a huge difference. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable event and pave the way for future world-class SUP competitions in the UK.
Interested?
Contact us to explore volunteering, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities. Together, we can make SUPERCHAMPS a shining success!
