Cracking downwind race – we think the first pure SUP downwind race in the UK.
After lots of faff we got everyone to Sandbanks ready for the start, heading back 8km to Boscombe.

I got a great start round the first buoy with Paul & Ryan (who were riding 14ft) but once we headed off they quickly pulled away with a couple of the other 14’s ahead too.
Despite it being late January it was quite mild & very quickly I started overheating! With a full 4:3 wetsuit on i started to cook. There was nothing I could do but try & make the most of the bumps & rest opportunities to keep the temperature down.

I kept 1st place in 12’6 right the way to the final few yards, but as I was tiring quickly from the heat Marie from the ladies 12’6 came storming by & pipped me.
Note to self, never wear a wetsuit to race unless I REALLY have to, and as Coach James put it to me afterwards… if you’re not learning you’re standing still…
Anyway at least I got the win for men’s & some points to bring me to 1st place in the series 12’6 standings.
Result
1st Place 12’6
