First pair to Stand Up from Devizes to Westminster!

Added: (Wed Apr 15 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - The 125 mile Devizes to Westminster race, held over the four days of the Easter Weekend, is one of the toughest paddle races in the world and this year John Hibbard and Anthony Cooper captured the essence of the challenge by being the first to complete the whole race standing up! Traditionally it has been a race for canoes and kayaks, but this year Hibbard and Cooper were the first to compete using Stand Up Paddle Boards with Hibbard completing the race in 26 hours and 6 minutes, ahead of many double kayakers, Cooper finished 27 hours and 32 minutes.


Hibbard explains: "I'm thrilled to have completed the race and in such a respectable time. We trained hard for the race and were pleased that the organisers allowed us to enter this very traditional Kayak race. We would like to thank them for that. We wanted to demonstrate that Stand Up Paddle Boards can be used in more than surf, they offer a completely new perspective as you can see a lot more when standing up. . We had thousands of people ask us about the sport as we went along the course and I think I may have got a better time had I not answered them all! I'm already planning on doing the event next year and I'd like to finish in under 25 hours. I owe a huge thanks to Starboard SUP, Fat Face and Go Fast for making it possible for me to enter. Olympic rower James Cracknell competed in the non stop race in a double kayak this year. I'd like to see if he wants to do it on an SUP board next year - that would be great fun "

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Editor's Notes:

Stand up Paddle Boarding is gaining rapid popularity across America and the last 12 months have seen the sport explode in Europe. The UK is leading the charge in the popularity stakes. The "surfer" stays clear of the water and the standing position gives the rider a whole new view point from which to see the world - it's a new take on more traditional sports of surfing and kayaking.
Stand Up Paddle Boards are used to ride waves as well as to cover distance on flat water. It is a sport that has its origins in Hawaii and by using modern technology the boards are light and easy to use. The boards are wide for stability and, although most people won't think to paddle 125 miles on them, they are a great way of getting out on the water.
Hibbard is current UK SUP Distance Champion and former UK Windsurfing Champion.

A full interview and high res images can be obtained by contacting John Hibbard 07974 682 955 john@k007.co.uk

More information about SUP can be found here:
www.star-board-sup.com
www.standuppaddlesurf.co.uk
www.standuppaddlesurf.net