SUP The Creek 2025 is one of the UK’s most iconic stand-up paddleboard races, attracting paddlers from across the country to Dartmouth, Devon. As the owner of The SUP Store and a long-time UK SUP racer, I wanted to share my personal experience of the event — from preparation and kit choices to the race itself and what I learned on the day.
I left Bournemouth at 5.30am and made it to Dartmouth in just two hours. The race wasn’t until 3pm, so I had plenty of time to chill in the van. To be honest, it was nice having a bit of me-time before the madness started. Registration was at 10am and it was great seeing so many new faces mixed in with plenty of the usual suspects.
This was my first and only race of 2025. I train every Saturday morning with BaySUP and the Pointy Board Crew, so I’d say I was only “half fit”. I spent most of the morning drinking coffee, eating cake, chatting, and staying warm.
Pro tip from me (not a pro): have a poke bowl or some chicken before a race. Loads of goodness and protein. Works for me.
For kit, I kept it simple: thin leggings, long-sleeve top, waist PFD, no boots. I debated wearing a hydration pack, but when the 12km race got shortened to 9km because of the wind, I loaded up on water beforehand and went in dry.
My plan was to take my Starboard Sprint 21.5—as it was meant to be a two-turn long-distance course—but with the strong winds the organisers rightly shortened the route. That left me holding a flat-water board that doesn’t exactly shine in tight turns. Thankfully Paul from Starboard UK was there with a demo Gen R 23”, so of course I “borrowed” it. I’d never paddled that board before, but I figured I’d be fine. I also used a Black Project Synergy 70 shaft - Medium Blade.
The Race
I like to get on the water early for a good start position. For some reason most paddlers held back, so me and a few others got prime spots on the line. The one-minute countdown started, the horn went, and off we launched. I always start well because I practice starts in “The Secret”.
I was behind Will, who’s a sponsored Infinity rider, going into the first turn. I was buzzing. Then reality hit—I hadn’t practised a single turn on this new board. I played it safe and made a terrible step-back turn with cameras pointed right at me. Classic.
As I turned, Hector (Starboard team rider) came past. I tried to draft him but had no luck, so I put my head down and focused on technique. About 2km in I heard the dreaded slap-slap behind me… someone was catching. It was Joey Jones, a Welsh paddler who’s been training loads. He got me, and I drafted him for around 3km—that was the only way I could hold on because he was quicker. Every turn I lost him and had to grind to catch back on. It was burning me out.
By lap 3 of 5 there was no one close behind… until I heard slap-slap again. Two paddlers drafting each other. I did what I could but they were fitter and powered past, putting me in 6th place. I tried to sit on their draft but we were lapping the leisure fleet and I lost them.
At the final turn under the bridge, knowing I had about 1.5km to go, I checked behind. No one close—except Dave Ewer shouting, “Lucky you had a great start!” Usually Dave catches me, but my fast start and drafting earlier had bought me the gap.
I eased off slightly and cruised over the line in 6th overall, absolutely chuffed. Shaking hands, buzzing, and desperate for a drink, I rushed to grab some water and congratulate others finishing behind me.
Why SUP Racing Is Special
SUP racing is brilliant. All ages, all abilities, all fitness levels. Everyone trying to be a better paddler, chasing the person ahead, pushing themselves. Doesn’t matter what board, paddle or gear you’ve got—massive respect to everyone out there, and of course to the safety crew and organisers.
After the race I headed straight to the pub for a Guinness and the awards ceremony. I ended up 6th overall and 2nd in my age category—even though I forgot I’m now in the 40+ category. I slept well that night at the campsite.
And just to add: this was the Flat Water race on Saturday. I couldn’t do the Tech Race on Sunday as I had to get home.
What a great event. Massive credit to Waterborn SUP, the organisers, safety, volunteers and everyone who made SUP The Creek 2025 such a class day.
My Thoughts on the Gen R
The Starboard Gen R absolutely blew me away. For a race board it’s incredibly stable and thats what i needed with 200 paddlers on the start line its never flat it felt properly light under the feet, and genuinely fast. It holds its line beautifully, accelerates with very little effort, and gives you that locked-in feeling when you’re pushing hard. Even though I hadn’t paddled it before the race, it felt predictable and confidence-building straight away. The stability-to-speed ratio is spot on — you can put the power down without fighting the board, which is exactly what you want when conditions change or you’re attacking paddlers. It’s a board that makes fast paddling feel easier, and in a race environment that makes a huge difference.
My Gear Setup for SUP The Creek 2025
Board (Race): Starboard Gen R 23” – demo from Starboard UK
Backup Board: Starboard Sprint 21.5
Paddle: Black Project Synergy – 70 shaft with Medium blade
Clothing: Thin leggings, long-sleeve top (no overheating), waist Spinlock PFD
Hydration: Loaded up before the start, no pack
Footwear: None (no boots)
Fuel: Coffee, cake, and a poke bowl pre-race — not pro advice, just what works for me