Building a successful team is all about balance, width and depth. At Black Project we are lucky to have some of the biggest names in UK SUP racing riding our products and representing the brand so well. We recently appointed Sam Ross (Red Paddle / Black Project) to the UK team following Ben Swails’ (Starboard / Black Project) relocation back to the USA where he will be promoting for us now. Jo initially emailed me very disappointed with the results from Jersey until I reminded her that Sam had taken the win. Joanne who is influential in the development of the UK SUP Racing scene sent us her latest update from UK SUP Clubs Race 2 – Jersey.

“In the week leading up to the race in Jersey I was frequently checking the wind forecast and every day the forecast was increasing. Being someone who has no experience in surf this was the race I was dreading.

A group of us from the mainland caught the ferry over on Friday morning and decided to paddle in the afternoon to get used to the sea conditions. Nothing could get us used to the conditions Mother Nature threw at us on race day!

The Jersey Paddle Club made a decision on Saturday morning to move the race into a more sheltered bay as the original venue would have been too dangerous. From mid-afternoon the rain squals were frequent and in excess of 45+ knots and I wondered how I would ever be able to complete this race.

During the briefing we were informed that our first turning mark would be at ‘Devli’s Jaws’ this should have been a tell-tale sign of what was to come.

5 minutes before the start I was horrified to see a hole in the underside of my board, it looked like someone had put their fin through my board. Quick patch up with tape and straight onto the start-line. I was the first girl onto my feet and was managing to punch out through the waves, it was hard but I had no idea what was going to greet me at the other side of the harbour wall. Past the wall and heading to the first mark the first squal came in and I could not stay standing, after every few strokes I was in the water. Rounding the first mark was near on impossible and I was getting blown towards the rocks.

Once rounded I was managing to stay on my board and caught up with the girl in 1st place. The inner mark was extremely close to the beach and was anchored in the shore break. I rounded the mark and was off my board again. Unfortunately the other 2 girls had experience in surf and got through the powerful shorebreak and I could not get through. With about 5 minutes wasted in getting through I was absolutely exhausted when I stood on my board. I then got news that the race was being called off as the conditions were much too dangerous. One more buoy turn to go and I would complete one lap of the course, the same as the other 2 girls.

Mother Nature showed all the paddlers her relentless force during this race and I found it extremely humbling.

Where I would normally thank my sponsors for the amazing kit I feel my utmost thanks must go to Jersey Paddle Club for keeping us all safe during this race. Their rescue cover and professionalism was the best I have ever seen. Guys you are all a credit to the sport.

Ryan James (Starboard / Black Project) and myself had a nightmares of races but It was great to see newcomer to the Black Project team Sam Ross (Red Paddle / Black Project) take the win in his first race of the season. Ryan and I will put this one behind us and get ready for next week while Sam will be wondering if he can challenge Ryan on flat water! “ Joanne Hamilton-Vale (Starboard / Black Project)

“Tough conditions with the odd 30knot squall and a bit of angry sea state but I managed to take the win.”Sam Ross (Red Paddle / Black Project)

Check out this great video from the event which features our team Ryan, Sam & Jo during the Jersey adventure;

Good luck to the team at the next race, you rock!

More to follow…