We'll be back with our regular episodes later in the year, but this mid-season update covers the upcoming Wollens Super Festival, the winners of the 16th annual SUP Connect Awards, a historic solo crossing by adventurer Charlie Head, and a monumental fundraising cycle journey by Stuart McLean in memory of his wife, Dr. Julia Hamilton.

• The festival takes place on September 6th and 7th in Torquay, with events at Tor Abbey Sands and in the harbour.
• Events: The weekend showcases a variety of competitions including sprint, technical, distance, and prone racing. The popular SUP polo tournament will also be making a return, watch last year's footage here.
• For Everyone: If racing isn't your interest, Aqua Paddle is hosting a free 5K event at 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 6th. There are events for all levels, from first-time paddlers to seasoned competitors.
• Special Offers: Junior Paddle UK members have the opportunity to compete in selected races for free.
• How to Follow: All the action will be broadcast on a live feed on the SUP Junkie UK Facebook page right here

The winners of the 16th annual SUP Connect Awards were announced on August 10th.

• Man of the Year: Michael Booth was recognized for his consistent excellence and his mentoring of athletes.
• Woman of the Year : Espe Barreras from Spain won for her dominance in competition and her commitment to the sport.
• Grom of the Year: 16-year-old Soryn Preston received this year's award.
• Industry Awards: Red Paddle Co. was named Brand of the Year, and EasySUP SUPStore in the Netherlands was named Shop of the Year.
• Sales Rep of the Year: Alistair Duncan of Red Paddle Co. was recognized for his professionalism and dedication.

• British adventurer Charlie Head completed a historic first solo stand-up paddleboard crossing from Shetland to Orkney, a journey of over 100 miles across the open ocean.
• The crossing was a fundraiser for Sea Shepherd to support marine conservation. Support Sea Shepherd here
• We found his epic Amazon adventure on Red Bull TV, it's a great watch!

• On August 21st, 2025, paddler Stuart McLean and his friend Gavin began the "Le Jog" cycle challenge, riding from Lands End to John O'Groats.
• The ride is in memory of Stuart’s wife, Dr. Julia Hamilton, a fellow paddleboarder who tragically lost her life in a paddleboarding accident last year.
• Stuart is using the journey to raise awareness and urge paddlers on rivers or tidal waters to switch from ankle leashes to quick-release waist belts.
• Stuart is raising funds for the Vine Trust, a charity Julia was heavily involved with. The money will support the charity's medical work in Tanzania and establish a grant fund in Julia's name and you can donate here

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Paddle UK and ICF World Cup 2026

Book now to take part in 2026's most exciting racing event as the ICF World Cup hits the beautiful waters of Torbay between June 24th and 28th, combining with the PaddleUK Super Festival

Paddle UK 2026 World Cup