SUPTwelve - What's It All About?

Endurance paddle events are rapidly gaining in both popularity and number with paddlers looking to step up to something a little more challenging and place milestones in their paddling calendars. SUP Twelve is one such event that pits mental toughness against enduring SUP stamina - so what's it all about?

Photo Credits: Annagail Leaman, Happy Snapper

Hosted in Torbay, UK - just a stones throw from the Red Paddle Co office, SUP Twelve poses a simple question of those taking part of 'How long can you keep going?'. 

Hosted over 12 hours, paddlers are tasked with racking up as many laps of a 3.5km course as they can. Each lap finishes (and thereby starting the next) by encompassing a short on-land circuit passing cheering crowds of spectators and refuel stations. It is a brutal cocktail of will power, weather and fitness as with every lap the option to simple stop and give-in grows stronger in competitors minds.

Don't be fooled though, despite being on paper what sounds as if it has been designed to break souls and cater for the elite few - over 100 people took part in the 2024 event. Amongst those pitting themselves against the clock was a mixed group including everyone from internationally renowned champions to those in search for a memorable day out. The latter taking each lap in their stride, either as individuals or as part of a team. The result is one of the most sociable and spectator friendly long-distance events there is. From paddlers on their all-round Ride or Sport touring boards through to heroic efforts resulting in paddlers covering 100km+ (33 laps) - everyone is in it together. As it is a circuit, there is no 'back' or 'last place', just a continuous cycle of paddlers doing it for themselves, taking on a challenge and drawing a line in the sand - leading the way for the for the next wave of challengers.

As with all endurance sport, the less distraction you have from your kit the better so you can just focus on putting everything out there on event day. It's why we developed MSL®800 material to reduce drag over longer distances whilst increasing stiffness and speed. Check out the MSL®800 range to find your perfect endurance machine.

Photo Credits: Annagail Leaman, Happy Snapper