Round two of the BSUPA National SUP Champs were held at Gwithian Beach, Cornwall over the past weekend. Two gruelling distance/endurances were held over the weekend, which saw John Hibbard and Elliott Dudley duelling it out for first place. In both races John pulled ahead in the final stages to take the win. There were over 30 competitors in the competition from all watersports backgrounds (windsurfing, surfing, Surfboat rowing, kitesurfing,etc)

John says:

"After placing 2nd in the first round I was determined to improve and take the victory in round two. I had spent some time refining my technique after the first event and it worked well. I made sure I had some energy stored up for and was able to open up a lead ahead of the chasing pack in the final half mile of the course."

This result leaves John at the top of the UK SUP Distance Rankings. The next distance event is the gruelling 10 mile race from Worthing to Brighton Pier in July. John will be looking to put the hammer down and extend his overall rankings lead in this event!

The Gwithian event also saw competition in the surf division and John defeated former European Longboard surfing champion and the winner of the 2007 September Sessions event Elliott Dudley, to take 3rd place behind, Neal Gent in 2nd and Chris "Guts" Griffiths in 1st.

John says:

"The waves were really small and I much prefer it when it is bigger, but it was great fun and Guts surfed well. I'm looking forward to the next surf event in September on the Isle of Wight."

"Stand Up Paddle Surfing is really taking off in the UK and the level of competitors is increasing all the time. The remaining events are going to be very interesting. It's a perfect compliment to my windsurfing as when it's windy I go windsurfing and when the wind is down I get out on my SUP. It's really easy to do and great fun."

John was riding a 9'8" Starboard SUP in the surf event and a 12'6" Starboard SUP in the distance.