We'll be back with our regular episodes later in the year, but this mid-season update covers the upcoming Wollens Super Festival, the winners of the 16th annual SUP Connect Awards, a historic solo crossing by adventurer Charlie Head, and a monumental fundraising cycle journey by Stuart McLean in memory of his wife, Dr. Julia Hamilton.
Book for the Wollens Super Festival 2025
SUP Connect Awards
The winners of the 16th annual SUP Connect Awards were announced on August 10th.
- Man of the Year: Michael Booth was recognized for his consistent excellence and his mentoring of athletes.
- Woman of the Year : Espe Barreras from Spain won for her dominance in competition and her commitment to the sport.
- Grom of the Year: 16-year-old Soryn Preston received this year's award.
- Industry Awards: Red Paddle Co. was named Brand of the Year, and EasySUP SUPStore in the Netherlands was named Shop of the Year.
- Sales Rep of the Year: Alistair Duncan of Red Paddle Co. was recognized for his professionalism and dedication.
Charlie Head's Shetland to Orkney Crossing
Stuart McLean's Le Jog Cycle Challenge
- On August 21st, 2025, paddler Stuart McLean and his friend Gavin began the "Le Jog" cycle challenge, riding from Lands End to John O'Groats.
- The ride is in memory of Stuart’s wife, Dr. Julia Hamilton, a fellow paddleboarder who tragically lost her life in a paddleboarding accident last year.
- Stuart is using the journey to raise awareness and urge paddlers on rivers or tidal waters to switch from ankle leashes to quick-release waist belts.
- Stuart is raising funds for the Vine Trust, a charity Julia was heavily involved with. The money will support the charity's medical work in Tanzania and establish a grant fund in Julia's name and you can donate here
Keep up with SUPfm Podcast:
on Facebook: @SUPfmPodcast
on Instagram: @supfmpodcast
AND subscribe to our newsletter here and get your FREE guide to the apps we recommend, to live your best SUP life
Build the lifetime knowledge you need to keep safe on the water
Our comprehensive online SUP Safety Course gives you the knowledge you need, to keep safe on the water and ALL FOR LESS than the price of an hours on-water tuition (£37)
It's available here at https://supfm.thinkific.com/
See you on the water!
Mentioned in this episode:
Paddle UK and ICF World Cup 2026
Book now to take part in 2026's most exciting racing event as the ICF World Cup hits the beautiful waters of Torbay between June 24th and 28th, combining with the PaddleUK Super Festival
Book before the end of December 2025 for discounted entry
Paddle UK 2026 World Cup
