“What a great couple of days paddleboarding, Splash was a fun location and very well organised. The 2nd day distance race was another great course with 2 laps of challenging but fun conditions with fab prizes for the win.”
Gary McClure, 3rd Male, 14ft/10km
The third race of the BASALTsix sponsored Irish winter Stand Up Paddle series was hosted by Gavin Knox of “Good 2 go paddleboarding” across two locations in Northern Ireland.
Location 1: Splash Water Park, Moneymore
The action kicked off at the stunning Splash Water Park in Moneymore, setting the stage for an exhilarating day of paddleboarding. This unique location provided a challenging yet controlled environment, shielded from the wind, and free from tides or swell, making it an ideal race setting for paddlers of all skill levels. The "Top Deck" Café, strategically positioned for optimal viewing, allowed attendees to cheer on their favorite paddlers and the perfect location for participants and to gather for a well-deserved lunch. The camaraderie among the paddling community was palpable, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Sprint Excitement:
The afternoons entertainment was provided by the thrilling "Sprints." The second race of the day featured an eventful beach start, injecting an extra dose of excitement into the competition. With more than a few racers, regardless of their skill level, finding themselves in the cool crystal waters, the sprints added an element of unpredictability and fun to the day's events.
Day 2: A Test of Endurance at Maghery Country Park
As the BASALTsix sponsored Winter SUP Series unfolded, day two transported racers to the picturesque Maghery Country Park, nestled on the shores of Lough Neagh – Ireland and the UK's largest freshwater lake. The tranquil setting belied the challenges that awaited paddlers, with the vast expanse of Lough Neagh providing the canvas for a day of endurance races.
Lough Neagh: A Majestic Backdrop
Against the backdrop of Lough Neagh, racers braved challenging wind conditions as they embarked on the endurance races. The journey commenced from the serene Blackwater Canal, leading paddlers into the expansive bay of Lough Neagh. The course, marked by the iconic Coney Island (not to be confused with Van Morrison's Coney Island), unfolded in a clockwise direction, promising a demanding yet visually captivating route for participants.
Two Categories, One Goal: Endurance
The endurance races featured two distinct categories catering to different skill levels. Recreational paddlers on standard inflatable paddle boards entered the "All-Rounder" category, tackling a formidable 5km lap around the designated course. Meanwhile, participants equipped with 14ft race boards took on the 10km challenge, navigating two laps around Coney Island to complete the demanding course. With day two in the books, anticipation builds for the remaining events in the series, promising more excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the water.
"I was very apprehensive entering what I thought was a serious race for serious paddlers, It turned out to be a great days craic.
Anne-Marie, 3rd Female, All round 5km
A great experience, and something I never thought I would be able to do. Some of the other recreational paddlers have been discussing trying another 5k paddle in the series as we all enjoyed it so much."
Anne-Marie, 3rd Female, All round 5km
Would you like to take part in the next race series?
Yes- I have a standard Inflatable SUP
Yes - I have a 14ft Race SUP
I would love to but nervous
No, I'm not a paddler
Race 4 - The Race series heads west
"Massive well done to Gavin at Good2Gopaddleboarding for hosting Race 3 of the Irish Winter Race Series and pulling off a super weekend across two venues in Northern Ireland last
Next stop for the Winter Series is on the West Coast. Enniscrone / Ballina to be exact. Mikee at Harbour SUP will be hosting Race 4 of the series on St Patrick's Weekend. We are looking forward to a great turn out, and catching up with all the SUP community. Fingers crossed for favourable conditions." Paul Byrne
Paul Byrne (Irish Race Series Co-Organiser)
Thank you to the Irish race sup series for inviting us to host race 3 for the winter series this year it was a fantastic opportunity for @Good2Gopaddleboarding to demonstrate the options available within Northern Ireland especially on our inland waterways and also the alternative potentials to be enjoyed at a location such as Splash. Our hope is that the potential now becomes apparent for further partnering so as to continue developing the sport of Stand up Paddling within Northern Ireland.
Final word from event organiser Gavin Knox
"None of what was achieved over the two days of racing would have been possible without the contributions from volunteers, I wish to say again. THANK YOU!
You know who you are and I could not have achieve the two day dual location without your input. A huge thank you to all our Sponsors, all prizes given out over the two days were enjoyed by paddlers with many thanks.
Series Sponsors
BASALTsix
Circle cut Solid Surface Fabrication
BW Hardware Architectural Ironmongery
Race 3 Sponsors
Finally a special thanks to Splash water park in Moneymore for sponsoring the perfect location for Day 1. The awesome venue and facilities were well enjoyed by all participants and spectators with hopes to revisit again soon."
BASALTsix sponsored prizes included Baltic SUP Buoyance aids, Shark Electric SUP Pump, Changing Poncho and Dry Bags all available to purchase online.