Light After Darkness - The Shifting Landscape For Post-Lockdown SUP Events

From the moment the COVID-19 fuelled pandemic raised its ugly head early in 2020, life was changed for everyone.

The things we took for granted were suddenly locked off behind a wall of fear. Simple things that make humanity what it is such as social interaction and togetherness were lost under the incoming waves of lockdown, worry, and for many, isolation.

The pandemic landed hard. And some of it fell right onto the head of the SUP world. 

One loss was in the arena of events. Part of the joy of being out on a paddle board is that you are frequently engaged in a shared experience. That togetherness I mentioned is a key element of the joy of SUP and the pandemic put a serious dent in it. Events that would be red-circled days on the typical SUP calendar were suddenly absent. And their absence was felt acutely.

Now, as we continue to emerge from the pandemic hibernation, such events are beginning to slowly bloom once again. Ireland based, ASI General Manager, Paul Byrne of is often at the heart of event organisation on the Emerald Isle and we got the chance to speak to him about how such gatherings are now ever more important as a light in the darkness.

Over to Paul...

ASI: Hi Paul, let us begin by talking about the frequent headline-making topic of COVID-19. In the wake of COVID lockdowns has the importance of these SUP events taken on an even greater meaning?

Paul: It was interesting during the past lockdowns how people had more time on their hands and were getting out on the water more often and training harder where restrictions allowed. It was then that the usual scheduled events were missed and longed for. Virtually everything started to evolve including time trials, race events, surf contests etc.

I think this was a realisation for most and a time of appreciation for what was our regular scheduled events. It also brought a whole new crop of paddlers onto the scene. This recent event I ran in Dublin saw a new crew of racers/paddlers come out to test their skills and fitness against the seasoned die-hards.

I certainly think that there is a far greater appreciation for what we have in our lives, race and surf events included.

ASI: True. I guess it’s a case of you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. On a personal level, what is the biggest reward you get from organizing these events?

Paul: Pre covid, I was getting burnt out from events and was happy not to have to run them when covid hit. But that didn’t last long.

Once I had a well-earned rest, I longed to start running them again. This longing is double-edged I guess. I love to see people pushing hard against themselves and others, and love to see the enjoyment they get from these events. The craic associated with the events both before and after the time on the water. But selfishly I am also trying to create a platform for my daughters to be able to compete on. To test themselves at something that has been a part of them since they were toddlers.  

ASI: Do you see a level of connection between competitors and attendees at events that transcends the actual event itself, and is ultimately more important? Or is competition sitting at the heart of these gatherings?

Paul: For me when I look at organising and running an event, what I am looking to do is create something as social as I can. To try to attract as many new faces as I can. To create an event that will be as much about the gathering and the after-event party and celebration as the event itself. I think that this is so important, and in my opinion it’s what the vast majority of people are looking for. They are seeking out the opportunity to expand their SUP experience but also make new friends, and connect with other paddling groups.

ASI: How difficult is it to bring a race event together? Is there a typical day in the life of a SUP event organizer?

Paul: I often wonder if people do realise what goes into organizing an event. It starts months prior, trying to find a suitable date and venue. Looking for permissions and permits. Trying to get a sponsor involved. Advertising and creating ‘a want to be feel there’ feel about the event. Setting up online and taking online entries. Constantly communicating event format, scheduling, promoting sponsors, keeping a buzz alive in the run up to the event. Having everything ready to roll the day prior to the event. Risk assessments the morning of the event. Setting the course. Organizing the event site. And this is all before the athletes/paddlers have even arrived!

Registration and pre-race safety brief. The running of the race/races themselves. Getting everyone safely off the water. Prize giving. This is usually the easiest part of the day. All the work done previously, and in the background, ensures this.

Then there’s the tidy up. Leaving the site as you found it. The after party of course! The thank yous. The official results published.

The two-hour event has and will take approximately two or three days of your time to organise and run.

And after all that you might get a handful of thank yous. But that’s not why we run events. It’s because there’s a fortune to be made from it…I wish! The reality is that it’s passion I guess, that’s what drives it all. And please don’t take that as a whinge and a complaint. If it was, these events wouldn’t be happening.

Hats off to all the event organizers out there across the world!

ASI: It sounds intense, huge respect for getting these events up and running! Do you have any particular highlights and memorable moments from previous events?

Paul: Although it is the most recent event I have run, I think with the past two years of COVID, the event run on the Grand Canal out at Cliff at Lyons has to be the one that I have got most from. It will stay with me for a long time and I think a lot of the competitors will say the same. It’s that taste of normality after a tough two years. It was the first race for many.

For me personally as a competitor there were a few events that I will never forget. SUP Nautic in Paris, the SUP World Championships in Peru, Causeway Surf Festival in Northern Ireland.

Why? I guess these events had the full package. Well run, great people involved, an experience that has given me the confidence and drive to match in my own pond and local community. Massive thank you to the individuals behind these great events for lighting my fire and driving my passion.

ASI: And, in some ways is your own level of love and investment into SUP a nod towards the belief that paddle boarding is more than just a sport, and is in fact, a way of life?

Paul: Most definitely. I think that anybody that knows me knows what I have invested in SUP. It is my way of life. It touches everything I do and everyone I know. Mostly in a positive and good way. I hope that SUP will be part of who I am for the rest of my living days and that I can continue to share this awesome sport with thousands of others.

ASI: What’s next for yourself in the calendar in terms of events to organize?

Paul: At this moment in time, I am organising and putting the final touches to a pre-Christmas event called CHRISTMAS CRACKER. A fun race event in Dublin City Centre. A social event with a Christmas theme over 5kms. I’m hoping to attract not only the racers out there but also the social paddlers too.

After that I guess it’s time to think about the IRISHSUP SURF CLASSIC 2022. But that event is a whole story in itself!

ASI: Interesting! Perhaps a story for another time? One final question before I let you go, are race events for serious competitors or is there room for everyone to get involved?

Paul: I guess there are all types of events out there. Ones to cater for the elite of the elite and others to cater for the social paddlers of the world.

What I try to do here in Dublin and Ireland is cater for both. The paddling community is too small to focus on just one type of paddler. Events like these help to grow the race and surf scene, and it’s this scene then that helps build the sport and make it stronger. The reality is SUP is still in its infancy, it’s still only a new sport and therefore still quite fragile. Post COVID lockdowns we now have an opportunity to slowly rebuild a community and scene that will far outlive our efforts and passion.

SUP on my friends!

And with that Paul is away to continue working hard to ensure the sport he loves continues to evolve and grow in a way that allows everyone the chance to get out on the water, make new friends and potentially embrace some friendly competition.

A huge thank you to Paul for his time.

Featured Photo by @kingoffat1981