Join the Exciting World of SUP Racing
Dream, Believe, Commit, Achieve with the Northern SUP Race Club.
About the Northern SUP Race Club
Founded in 2017 by 2024 ICF Gold Medal Winner Anna Little and Endurance Champion Bruce Smith,
the Northern SUP Race Club has quickly established itself as a prominent force in the rapidly growing world of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Guided by the motto Dream, Believe, Commit, Achieve, our mission is to foster a community of SUP racers who train and compete together, building a strong presence for the sport Internationally but based in the North of England.
SUP has seen explosive growth in recent years being the fastest growing water sport ever. With increasing numbers of people discovering its appeal as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. As the sport continues to expand globally, SUP is on course to feature in the 2032 Summer Olympics, solidifying its place in the world’s premier sporting event. This presents a huge opportunity for athletes and clubs like NSRC alike to build on the momentum and raise the profile of the sport.
Experience the Thrill of The Northern SUP Race Club
Join Our Club Today
At Northern SUP Race Club Club, we're all about helping you discover your passion for SUP racing. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a complete beginner, we offer a range of training, coaching and competitions to help you get started. Our experienced coaches are here to guide you every step of the way, so you can achieve your goals and have fun while doing it!
Improve Your Skills and Technique
Our coaches are trained and qualified via PaddleUK SUP Race Coach and/or BSUPA pathways. All our our coaches are first aid trained and DBS checked.
Our training, coaching and competitions are run in a fun and supportive environment. From one-on-one coaching to group sessions, we train as an inclusive club. Our locations change allowing us to get the best out of the British weather and offer advice on buying gear before spending your hard earned money..
Compete Against the Best
Since its inception, Northern SUP Race Club has grown rapidly, attracting over 40 members who have raced at both local and national and international levels. In 2018, we secured an impressive 2nd place finish at the National SUP Club Championships, competing against 17 other teams. This achievement helped establish our club as a competitive force, with multiple GB Age Category Champions emerging from our ranks.
Our training program operates year-round, offering coaching for all levels of paddlers, from beginners to elite athletes. Several of our members have represented Great Britain and England at prestigious international events, including:
Bruce Smith at the Last Paddler Standing in the USA.
James Little representing England at the International Surfing Association World Championships in Denmark in 2024.
James Little and Anna Little both representing Great Britain at the International Canoe Federation World Championships in the USA in 2024 with Anna winning GOLDin the 50+ Women's Sprints
Connect with Other Athletes
At Northern SUP Race Club Sports Club, we believe that sports are about more than just competition – they're also about building relationships and connecting with others who share your interests. Our club is a welcoming and inclusive community where you can meet new people, make friends, and have fun.
Youth Paddling.
We are passionate about the future of our sport and excited by the opportunities SUP offers as an alterative sport to the main stream options. We have training locations throughout the North East and a strong Youth team that's always excited to welcome new juniors with or without paddling experience.
OUr races and dates for 2025
the Ellerton Epic 11th May
The Ellerton Epic kicks off our racing season, taking place at Ellerton Lake and hosted by SUP Active Yorkshire. If you're new to racing and feeling a bit nervous, this is the perfect event for you. It's a welcoming and inclusive race, with elite paddlers who often slow down to offer tips to newcomers, alongside leisure classes and an amazing junior fleet. Plus, there are hot showers to refresh after the race! With plenty of parking and great spots for picnicking, it’s also a fantastic place to watch the action if you're supporting.
the Beadnell Belter 5th July
A true ocean race in every sense, the Beadnell Belter draws racers from across the UK and abroad. Conditions can range from calm waters to 5-6 foot swells, but don't worry if you're new to the sport – the courses are designed with safety in mind. The RNLI provides full support, with RIBs on the water to keep a watchful eye on all participants. Parking is conveniently located right next to the beach, with the option for campervans to stay overnight (with council permission). There’s also a variety of restaurants on site. This event is part of the GBSUP series for those looking to earn season points, but it’s also open to leisure paddlers and juniors, making it an inclusive and affordable event for everyone.
the Big Dipper 23rd Aug
The jewel in the crown of the UK SUP race calendar, this event is one of the most beloved and a must-do for any SUP racer. Perfect for those looking to try ocean racing for the first time, it’s held on the stunning Whitley Beach, with plenty of paid parking, hotels, and eateries nearby. The event runs alongside other activities, so after the races, you can stay and soak up the festival-like atmosphere and beach vibe.
Just like the Beadnell Belter, the RNLI is on hand to ensure safety, and the ideal beach conditions allow the course to be easily adjusted. As part of the GBSUP series, points earned here count toward your season total, but there are also plenty of other races and categories to enjoy, making it an incredible, affordable day out for the whole family.
Meet our Coaches
Anna Little
Daniel Goodridge
Daniel Goodridge
Anna is a well-known figure and a true powerhouse of SUP racing in the North. She holds a PGCE in PE, a BSc in Sports Science, a diploma in biomechanics, a Diploma in Pilates, and a Level 2 BSUPA qualification. Anna also claimed the Gold Medal in the 50+ Women's Sprints at the 2024 ICF World Championships. Her greatest passion is watching racers progress, and she can often be seen continuing to paddle after a race, offering support and encouragement to new paddlers.
Daniel Goodridge
Daniel Goodridge
Daniel Goodridge
Danny leads our training and coaching team, ensuring that all coaches are fully qualified in SUP, as well as first aid and safeguarding. A dedicated SUP Racer, Coach, and Instructor, Danny owns and operates SUP Active Yorkshire at Ellerton Lake, where he is based. He is also one of the UK's leading experts in adaptive paddling, firmly believing that SUP should be accessible to everyone.
James Little
Daniel Goodridge
James Little
James is actively competing on the Euro Tour and in prestigious events such as the ISA World Championships in Denmark and the ICF World Championships in the USA. He is a valuable resource for the latest coaching techniques and drills, offering exceptional mentorship to our junior paddlers. A BSUPA Level 1 SUP Instructor and Surf Lifeguard, James is also currently training for his SUP Race Coach qualification with PaddleUK.
Andrew Phyn
James Little
Andrew leads our junior racers at Ponden Reservoir in West Yorkshire. Originally from New Zealand, he has a background as a slalom racer and raft guide, before transitioning to rugby coaching when he moved to the UK. With 6 years of experience in SUP, Andrew is currently working towards his SUP Race Coach qualifications with PaddleUK.
Emilia Soulsbury
Emilia is the club secretary and supports Anna and Gemma in coaching junior and adult sessions. With a background as a trampoline coach and former teacher, she now works in children's health and wellbeing, leading a variety of projects and delivering youth mental health first aid training. Emilia is currently working towards her SUP Race Leader qualification with Paddle UK.
Gemma Cone
Gemma has been training with the race team for 4 years and has been an instructor since 2022. She is an instrumental part of our Junior Race Programme along with Emilia. Gemma is a SUP instructor through PaddleUK and is currently training to become a SUP Race Coach with PaddleUK.
Tom Bunting
Tom Bunting
Tom Bunting
Tom has been racing for 5 years and is a familiar face at Ellerton Lake, where he regularly paddles and instructs during the summer. Currently studying sports science, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge to our junior paddlers. He is a certified Paddlesport Instructor with FSRT and is actively working towards his SUP Race Coach qualification with PaddleUK.