The Big Dippa - Round 6: Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series 2025
Sat 23 Aug | Whitley Bay
This event is a highly anticipated fixture on the Northern SUP race scene and a key part of the Junior development for SUP paddling in the UK. It's a FUN, ALL-INCLUSIVE event with a great family atmosphere, live music, street food, and a bar!
Time & Location: 23 Aug 2025 Whitley Bay Beach, Whitley Bay, UK
Race Location & Host: NORTHERLY SWELL, Watt’s Slope, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BQ
What 3 words: ///arrive.kick.fade
About the Event:
Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series 2025 - Round 6: The Big Dippa
Get ready to hit the water for Round 6 of the 2025 Black Project x GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series – The Big Dippa, proudly hosted by Northerly Swell and the Northern SUP Race Club! This event is a highly anticipated fixture on the Northern SUP race scene and a key part of the Junior development for SUP paddling in the UK. It promises high-level competition and excitement for all participants and spectators, with thrilling Distance and Technical races across our normal fleets and categories.
Venue:
Whitley Bay Beach will be the stunning backdrop for the sixth round of the 2025 Black Project GBSUP National Paddle Racing Series. Known for its beautiful coastline, golden sands, and the iconic Spanish City Dome, Whitley Bay offers an ideal setting for an action-packed day of paddleboarding. The location provides both scenic beauty and a dynamic environment for competitive racing. Location: Whitley Bay Beach, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, UK Host Venue: Northerly Swell (Watts Slope, Whitley Bay NE26 1BQ)
Host:
Northerly Swell (https://northerlyswell.com/) is proud to host The Big Dippa at Whitley Bay. Conveniently situated between the award-winning blue flag beach and the iconic Spanish City Dome, Northerly Swell offers easy access to the beach and the newly renovated promenade. They provide everything you need for paddleboarding, cycling, surfing, or simply enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Northern SUP Race Club (https://www.facebook.com/northernSUPraceclub/?locale=en_GB) is dedicated to promoting and growing stand-up paddleboarding as a competitive sport in the North of England. Their mission is to create an inclusive and supportive community for paddlers of all abilities, offering opportunities for training, racing, and social events. The incredible work of the Northern SUP Race Club, led by World Championship-winning paddler Anna Little, is instrumental in developing junior pathways for SUP paddling in the UK, nurturing the next generation of talent.
Event Highlights & Schedule Date: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Key Timings for the Day:
Morning: Kids' and adults' lessons, if required, and demos at Northerly Swell.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Race registration for all competitors at Northerly Swell or the GBSUP tent on the beach.
1:00 PM: Distance race briefing for kids and adults at the viewing point above Northerly Swell.
1:15 PM: Kids Distance Race (approx. 1-2 km depending on abilities) on the Beach.
1:45 PM: Adults GBSUP distance race (5-6km) and Adults leisure class distance race (half the main race distance) on the Beach.
3:25 PM: Technical race briefing for kids and adults on the Beach.
3:30 PM (as soon as the briefing finished): Kids' Technical race on the Beach.
4:00 PM: Adults' Technical race on the Beach.
4:45 PM: Sprint races - adults and kids on the Beach.
6:15 PM: Prize giving by the bar, above Northerly Swell.
Please note: High tide is at 4:43 PM, which is why the races are scheduled for the afternoon.
Race Details:
The main Distance Race will be approximately 5-6km along the shoreline towards St Mary's lighthouse or a diamond course, weather dependent. There will also be a shorter 2.5km course with different prizes for those new to paddling or who haven't raced before (Challenge Tour).
The technical race will be approximately 1.5km around buoys close to the shore with a beach start, consisting of about 3 laps with a beach run around a flag in between laps.
Sprints will involve a beach run followed by a 100m paddle around a buoy and back.
You will be set off in waves in the following categories:
Competitive Fleets:
- 14' Hardboard
- 14' iSUP & Starboard Airline Cup
- Juniors (U17 & U14) - who are racing with the adults.
- Prone (up to 14')
Novice Fleets:
- Challenge Tour
- Novice Juniors (Ages 8 and up)
- JUNIORS WILL HAVE SEPARATE RACES
Kids Races:
All children must wear a buoyancy aid to race. The aim is to get more kids into racing and encourage them to SUP more! Results of all 3 races will be combined for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Depending on numbers, children will either all go together or be split into different age groups.
Distance race: 1-2km
Tech race: 500m around buoys
Sprints: 100m
Event Format:
One Day Format: The Big Dippa will feature a single day of exciting SUP paddling and racing, designed for all skill levels from beginners to competitive paddlers. The day will include a Distance race and a Technical race, alongside opportunities for juniors and challenge tour participants.
Fleet Notes: The Starboard Airline Cup competes as part of the 14' iSUP fleet. 14' Hardboard Age Groups and Juniors (U17 & U14) ages are classified by your age at the start of the year (01/01/2025).
Start Procedures: Specific start procedures for each race will be covered in detail at the mandatory race briefings. Be prepared for staggered fleet starts where applicable. The start and finish of the distance & the technical race will be marked by two flags on the beach, utilising a beach start and finish.
Important Information for Competitors
Mandatory Kit: Leashes are required for all paddlers. We recommend a quick-release waist leash. Juniors under 16 must wear a buoyancy aid (these can be hired from Northerly Swell for £5). If you are new to racing, a wetsuit is required.
Safety First: Our on-water safety teams (Red Seals) will be present with safety vessels and prone rescue craft. Always follow their directions. Be prepared for the elements, stay hydrated, and plan your nutrition for a full day of racing. The sea temperature is still cold, so make sure you have warm clothes to change into. The beach is sandy, but be aware of scattered rocks, especially when running into the sea.
Public Beach: As this is a public beach, please be mindful of other beachgoers when moving your belongings.
Race Rules: For full race rules, including details on drafting, penalties, and appeals, please visit our website. Mandatory briefings will cover all essential information. Make sure you attend the briefings before the races so you know where you are going.
Registration & Board Hire
Registration: You must register at Northerly Swell between 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM if you are competing in the main races (Adults and Kids). You will collect a race number and a coloured bib, which should be returned to Northerly Swell at the end of the day. All paddlers must fill in a waiver form on Webscorer before racing and report any medical conditions or changes to their health when they register.
Board Hire: You can hire boards from Northerly Swell for £20 for the day. Wetsuits and/or buoyancy aids can also be hired for £5 for the day.
Parking & Facilities
Parking: Available in the Beefeater/Travelodge car park (What Three Words ///indoor.seated.couch.). You can drop off your boards in this area if the car park is full. Other car parks are located in Whitley Bay, with the closest being a 6-minute walk away.
Board Storage: An area will be available on the beach for board storage; look for the Naish Flags.
Toilets: Located in the building next to Northerly Swell.
Kit Shop: If you need to buy any kit, get in touch with Northerly Swell, which has a well-stocked shop selling fins, leashes, wetsuits, and more.
Prizes:
There will be some great prizes and cash prizes for the winners of the 14ft hardboard category. The event sponsors will present prizes.
Additional Event on August 24th:
On Sunday, August 24th, Susanne Lier is doing a SUP Clinic at Northerly Swell. For booking information, please visit: https://www.susannelier.com/coaching--events.html
Event Team
Our dedicated event team is here to ensure a safe and successful event:
GBSUP Race Director: Scott Warren
Event Director: Anna Little (NSRC)
Race Location & Host Contact: Mark Ward (Northerly Swell)
Safety Cover: Red Seals
We look forward to welcoming you to The Big Dippa for an exciting day of paddle racing! One not to be missed!