You may never have heard of Stand Up Paddle Boarding – or you may be a seasoned pro – but either way SUP Gower has the perfect event lined up just for you.  Their SUP Demo Day on Saturday 18th July invites you to come along and try out this fun and exciting sport for free.  Friday 24th July brings you The Bay 6K SUP Distance Sprint, with an awesome first prize of a Drops Fibre Paddle worth £169!  Please read on for more…

SUP Demo Day
Date & Time: Saturday 18th July 2009 from 2pm
Location: The Watersports Station, Swansea Bay (opposite The Guildhall)

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP Boarding as it’s become known, has taken the surfing scene by storm, and once you’ve tried this fun and versatile sport you’ll understand why!  Imagine cruising along the coastline at a leisurely pace, stopping off at tiny coves and taking in the marine life and surroundings… Or how about being able to access remote off-shore breaks and experience a heart-pounding adrenaline ride in big swell… welcome to the awesomely versatile sport of SUP Boarding!  Check out the photos uploaded on this page.

If you fancy giving it a go FOR FREE then come along to the SUP Gower Demo Day for a taster.  All equipment and wetsuits will be provided free of charge. 

The Bay 6K Distance Sprint FREE ENTRY!
Date & Time: Friday 24th July 2009 6pm
Location: Set off from Mumbles slip near Verdi’s Café, finish at The Watersports Station, Swansea Bay

If the taster session whets your appetite or you’re already out there doing it, then charge yourself up for THE BAY 6K DISTANCE SPRINT!  This race is Swansea’s first official SUP race and a pre-runner to the forthcoming BSUPA Championships to be held at Bae Fest 2009 in September. 

The Prizes
1st Drops Paddle (RRP £169) and Winner’s Trophy
2nd Dakine SUP Leash
3rd SUP Gower T-Shirt

The Route

Please check out the route map on this event page.  Competitors will set off at the slip near Verdi’s Café, Mumbles.  The route will be set by buoys and safety boat cover will be provided by Gower Kite Riders. 
The course takes you N/W to the Marker Post on Swansea Bay then a sharp turn N/W takes you along the final stage to the finishing point.  If at any point during the route you feel you cannot continue, please draw the attention of one of the organisers or safety boat operator who will be happy to assist you.  When you dismount on the shore you must carry your board up to the finishing post where the judges will record the winner.  Please feel free to hang around for a while for a mess around on the Bay and some light refreshments courtesy of The Watersports Station!

Return to Mumbles
If you need to return to your vehicle in Mumbles, you may not feel up to the paddle back across the water so try to arrange for someone to collect you from finishing point!

Entry Criteria
All entrants must:
Be fit and a proficient swimmer
Provide their own SUP board and paddle (alternatively boards are available for hire from SUP Gower at £10 special rate for the race)
Wear apparel appropriate to the weather conditions (Let’s hope it’ll be boardies weather
Agree to the content of the Disclaimer at the foot of this page (Disclaimer must be signed on the evening prior to setting off)
Registration
You must register in advance, either by calling Matt Smith on 07799 0624499 or Jay Doyle on 07970 577879.  Alternatively email  with your name , age , e mail contact to : matt@gowerkiteriders.com 

You must arrive no later than 5.30pm to sign in at the race start point.

Male and female participants of all ages are welcome and although this is a race, it’s all in the name of fun and about building the light-hearted and friendly community of SUP Boarding so you don’t have to win it to be in it!

Kayakers are welcome to participate but the prizes will be awarded to SUP Boarders only.

Any news on the event will be posted here and also on SUP Gower’s official website at www.supgower.com so keep checking in for updates!

Disclaimer
Participation in the THE BAY 6K is undertaken at the participant’s own risk and SUP Gower, its subsidiaries, associated businesses and proprietor shall not be held personally liable for any personal loss, damage, injury incurred by participants to themselves and/or their property.