SUP News Update : Wollen's SUPer Festival 2025 / SUP Connect Awards / Charlie Head /

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.

Book for the Wollens Super Festival 2025

• 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

SUP Connect Awards

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.

Charlie Head's Shetland to Orkney Crossing

• 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!

Stuart McLean's Le Jog Cycle Challenge

• 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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