The Big Dippa 2025: GBSUP National Series Stop #6 Brings Record Prize Pot and Extreme Conditions
The Big Dippa 2025 once again cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s premier SUP racing events, delivering high drama, fierce competition, and a record-breaking prize purse. Taking place in Whitley Bay, this sixth stop of the GBSUP National Series challenged paddlers with gnarly open-sea swell that tested skill, stamina, and nerves to the limit.
Record Prize Pot Thanks to Permatt Lift Trucks Newcastle
This year’s highlight was the Permatt GBSUP 14’ Race, which combined Distance and Technical results to determine the winners. Thanks to the support of Permatt Lift Trucks Newcastle, athletes battled it out for the largest SUP prize money in the UK:
- 🥇 1st Place: £1000
- 🥈 2nd Place: £400
- 🥉 3rd Place: £200
Such backing not only raised the stakes but also marked a milestone for competitive SUP in Britain, attracting elite paddlers from across the UK.
Big Dippa Delivers on Every Front
Founded by Anna Little, coach and driving force behind the Northern SUP Race Club, the Big Dippa has grown into a flagship event of the British SUP scene. The 2025 edition once again showcased world-class organization, community spirit, and challenging racing conditions.
Special thanks went out to Amanda Roberts of P3T Photography, whose lens captured unforgettable moments on the water — from powerful strokes to spectacular wipeouts.
Combined Race Results
14’ Hardboard Division
Female
- 🥇 Annabel Page
- 🥈 Sarah Perkins
- 🥉 Lynne Hawthorne
Male
- 🥇 Hector Jessel
- 🥈 James Little
- 🥉 Paul Drake
14’ iSUP Division
Female
- 🥇 Alice Stroyan
- 🥈 Emilia Soulsby
Male
- 🥇 Richard Davidson
Starboard Airline Cup
Female
- 🥇 Merle Wilson
- 🥈 Susan McElroy
Male
- 🥇 Matthew Taylor
Challenge Tour
Female
- 🥇 Caroline Hatchell
Male
- 🥇 Robert Powell
Looking Ahead
With extreme conditions, elite performances, and the biggest prize pot in UK SUP history, the Big Dippa 2025 has raised the bar for British stand-up paddle racing. As the GBSUP National Series continues, paddlers and fans alike can look forward to even more thrilling competition and community spirit.
Distance Race Top 10 Overall
| Place | Name | Category | Gender | Finish time | Gap |
| 1 | Hector Jessel | Open | M | 19:32.6 | – |
| 2 | James Little | Open | M | 24:52.8 | +5:20.2 |
| 3 | Annabel Page | Open | F | 25:54.5 | +6:21.9 |
| 4 | Susanne Lier | Open | F | 32:00.1 | +12:27.5 |
| 5 | Paul Drake | Veterans (50-59) | M | 33:21.8 | +13:49.2 |
| 6 | Alasdair Findlay | Seniors (30-39) | M | 33:36.7 | +14:04.1 |
| 7 | Norman Coburn | Veterans (50-59) | M | 33:53.9 | +14:21.3 |
| 8 | Tom Bunting | Open | M | 34:33.3 | +15:00.7 |
| 9 | Simon Finlayson | Veterans (50-59) | M | 35:07.9 | +15:35.3 |
| 10 | Sarah Perkins | Veterans (50-59) | F | 36:25.6 | +16:53.0 |
Tech. Race Top 10 Overall
| Place | Name | Category | Gender | Finish time | Gap |
| 1 | Hector Jessel | Open | M | 6:13.4 | – |
| 2 | James Little | Open | M | 7:00.6 | +0:47.2 |
| 3 | Alasdair Findlay | Seniors (30-39) | M | 8:07.0 | +1:53.6 |
| 4 | Paul Drake | Veterans (50-59) | M | 8:52.5 | +2:39.1 |
| 5 | Annabel Page | Open | F | 9:26.9 | +3:13.5 |
| 6 | Charlie Wagg | Open | M | 10:01.3 | +3:47.9 |
| 7 | Norman Coburn | Veterans (50-59) | M | 10:29.2 | +4:15.8 |
| 8 | Glen Sloss | Masters (40-49) | M | 12:22.9 | +6:09.5 |
| 9 | Lynne Hawthorne | Veterans (50-59) | F | 12:56.5 | +6:43.1 |
| 10 | Robert Cummings | Masters (40-49) | M | 15:09.0 | +8:55.6 |