Bay hosts first paddleboard endurance challenge

Torbay has staged is first stand-up paddleboarding endurance event, writes ANNAGAIL LEAMAN.

Suptwelve took place at Torquay's Torre Abbey Sands with competitors from across the British Isles tasked with paddling a 3.5km marked course from the shoreline, out to sea and back, as many times and as fast as as possible for 12 hours between 7am and 7pm.

The event was created to raise awareness and funds for the water safety in education charity, Above Water, which record-breaking paddler Brendon Prince set up to develop a free app that could be used by young people to stop drownings.

Brendon has personal experience, as in 2014, as an off-duty lifeguard at Mawgan Porth beach in north Cornwall, he pulled two people from the water but was unable to save their lives. A tragedy that perhaps could have been prevented through early education.

Brendon took part in a similar endurance event in Florida last year. Competitors were seasoned paddleboarders, but none had done this before. For many, the longest duration they had paddled for, was six hours.

The first male award went to Bruce Ironsmith for his 30 laps First woman was Emily Evans who paddled 25 laps and finished fifth overall.

The event was so successful, there are now plans to run it again next year – as well as 24-hour paddle!

Organisers say the event really showcases the #torbaystory, with Torbay recognised as a hub for active adventurers.

For more information on how to enjoy the water safely, you can visit https://rnli.org/safety https://abovewater.org