Taking on the World

Here I go again, banging on about SUP racing, but first, how are you all enjoying AquaPaddle? I’d love to know your reasons for joining in with 1000s of other paddlers attending the ever-growing list of venues. I have finally accomplished my first AP having promised to get involved in 2025 and it’s only taken until the middle of October! But hey, I loved it, and it gave me confidence that I was on the right track for racing and gave me a nice little boost before heading down to SUP the Creek in Devon. 

So, do you join in for fitness, friendship, training, fun or all of these or just to escape the house on a Sunday morning (to answer, simply log in and fill in the survey section on the dashboard)? It’s a great model, and I am converted – I just hope it doesn’t take another 10 months for me to get to my second AP. 

Fast forward a few years, and you too may be heading off to some far flung destination to race – that may seem a long way off or just a dream or not even on your radar but hey, it really could happen as it just has for the paddlers who attended the ICF SUP World Championship event in Abu Dhabi recently. 

For reference, there are 2 World Championship events every year, one held by the ICF (International Canoe Federation) and one by the ISA (International Surfing Association) both of whom have their supporters and indeed naysayers – there is plenty of information out there about why and also how they both run their events. 

The great thing about the ICF Worlds is that anyone, YES ANYONE, can enter, and those who might dream of competing next to a World Champion, have that chance. The other positive is that there are age categories, including Juniors, Open, 40+ and even 50+ – there is even a push for 60+! 

So, you do not need to be a spring chicken and let me tell you, the 40+ and 50+ classes are insanely competitive – probably with all those paddlers who were early adopters 15-20 years ago; they have matured into some of the best SUP racers in the world. 

I have been lucky enough to attend 5 World Championship events (both ISA and ICF) and just love watching the ‘newbies’ taking on their first Worlds! They may never have even competed in any other international competition but find themselves standing next to MarieCarmen Rivera or “Shrimpy” on that start line – can you imagine? I am always on the other side of the mic or camera for these events but have watched enough SUP buddies who have competed. 

Take one Anni Ridsdill Smith/Frangipani SUP (50+) – Anni and I used to race together and 2025 was her fourth ICF World Championship with her best results. She has become a great role model and representative for the UK. From Anni, “I competed in all five race days and scored 10th place in Sprint and 13th place in Distance in my age and gender category. Might not sound like much to some but geez it took me so much hard work, sacrifice and focus to achieve that – against some people nearly a decade younger than me”. GO Anni!! 

Or take Crispin Richard Jones/Waterborn SUP (Open) who qualified due to the original winners turning down their places for Abu Dhabi. From Crispin, “This meant despite being on the reserve list, I had my lucky moment, and I was determined to show I would give my all to make everyone proud and earn my place on the team. I trained as hard as I could given what life was throwing at me. I hope my journey can inspire others, continue to motivate myself as it has reinvigorated my passion for racing and promote healthy habits, determination and resilience for my young children”.  

Like Anni, you could plan meticulously around a particular race and do everything in your power over that year, to train your very best, make huge sacrifices and be as prepared as you can be. Or like Crispin, you get that chance, unexpectedly, and you grab it with both hands, determined to do your very, very best within a short space of time. Both paddlers pushed hard for those that support them too. 

I have watched the pain, frustration, joy, exhaustion, relief and smiles so big with those paddlers who have pushed themselves quite possibly out of their comfort zone, to attend some of the biggest events in our SUP World. Over the last few years, ICF Worlds have seen participants from 400 to nearly 1000! And trust me, you need to be slick to get all those competitors through their heats! 

On the other hand, for the ISA Worlds, you must qualify for your country to attend, and being in a team seems to have huge kudos for those paddlers that do. Notwithstanding, our “Team” who have recently returned from Abu Dhabi were all that, a real Team who pulled together and supported each other through thick and thin. Thank you to them all for providing us with some great viewing. If you are inspired or intrigued just a little bit, pop on over to watch all the highlights from Abu Dhabi on this link:  

ICF WORLDS 2025 – ALL THE ACTION ON THE PLANET CANOE YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

The ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship is just around the corner, and I believe the event is being streamed live. It will definitely be worth watching as the ISA features SUP Surfing too and always choose a coastal venue with waves for all disciplines – happy viewing! 

If ever you have a question about racing, I am always happy to help with any information. We have a race/event calendar and there are all sorts on there, from the more inclusive fun events to the more challenging endurance. You can find all that information on our SUPjunkie Race Calendar and if you would like to read our inspiring Guest Blogs head on over to the SUPjunkie website – Happy Paddling! 

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