SUP, London!

The international association of stand-up paddle boarding, the APP, will be bringing the opening leg of the 2018 World Tour to London for the first time.

The London SUP Open will see a series of elite stand-up paddle board races take place on the River Thames and Royal Docks on 7-8 July 2018. Watch the biggest names in international SUP showcase their skills in the capital.

The fun starts on Saturday 7 July with a pro race along the River Thames finishing at the Houses of Parliament. Then head to East London’s Royal Docks for a series of races, both sprint and long distance, taking place over the weekend.

Stand-up paddle boarding is world’s fastest growing participation sport

As part of the SUP Open, the Royal Docks in Newham, East London will be transformed into an urban beach lifestyle zone for the weekend. Enjoy food and drink stands, shopping, and even live music while watching the races.

Not only will the event village be completely free of charge – the public will be able to get on a board themselves. For novices, there will be trial zones, as well as an SUP Yoga area. Mass participation is a major focus of the London SUP Open: after all, stand-up paddle boarding is world’s fastest growing participation sport.

Tristan Boxford, CEO of the APP World Tour said, "London provides not only the ideal backdrop for this all-important opening stop of the APP World Tour Season for 2018, but with the Royal Docks, a central venue that will welcome participation for all complimented by music and entertainment for a true ‘beach lifestyle’ festival in the heart of the City."

Can’t make it? London is the first city of the four-stop tour which will also visit New York, San Francisco and Paris. Go to Dover and start paddling...

For more info, see londonsupopen.com