The GlaGla Race — Winter SUP at Lake Annecy
What the event is, the sort of paddler it can suit, and how to prepare for cold water, kit, pacing and travel. Entry is made with the official organiser — SHACADEMY is independent and not affiliated with the event.
What the GlaGla Race is
Official sources describe the GlaGla Race as a large international winter stand-up-paddle race held at Talloires on Lake Annecy in the French Alps. It is one of the gatherings that defined winter paddling as its own part of the SUP calendar — cold, sociable, and far broader in ability than a first look suggests.
Its character comes from the season rather than the speed. Alpine mountains, winter air, a lake that does not care how experienced you are, and a field that runs from elite racers to paddlers there for the experience of it.
Why it is a distinctive way in
Most people’s first race is a summer event where the only real subject is paddling faster. GlaGla is different: because the conditions matter, preparation matters, and preparation is a much more welcoming thing to work on than raw pace. You arrive with something to manage rather than something to prove.
It is also a genuine introduction to challenge culture — the events where finishing well, warm and in control is the point. That is the same mindset behind distance challenges, winter paddling and journey events at home.
Who it can suit
Honest suitability
Good fit
Competent recreational paddlers who can paddle steadily for an hour, are willing to prepare for cold water properly, and want an event with atmosphere rather than a result.
Strong fit
Paddlers already racing or challenge-paddling at home who want a longer course, an international field and winter conditions to test their preparation against.
Not yet
Anyone still unsteady on a board, without cold-water experience or appropriate clothing, or unable to get back on the board unaided. Build that first — then this becomes a good objective.
The atmosphere
A winter board park says most of what there is to say about the event: hundreds of paddlers, every kind of board from race hulls to inflatables, and a field that has travelled a long way to paddle in the cold together.
Planning
What to think about before you commit
Cold water, first and always
This is a winter event on an alpine lake. Cold water changes breathing, grip, decision-making and recovery long before it changes your paddling. Preparation means gradual, sensible exposure over weeks, not a hard session the week before, and clothing you have actually paddled and fallen in.
Equipment and clothing
Board choice matters less than layers, feet, hands and head, plus a leash appropriate to the water you are on and a plan for what happens if you swim. Whatever you intend to wear on the day, test it in cold water at home first — including getting back on the board in it.
Pacing
Winter races reward paddlers who start controlled. Going hard from the line in cold air is the fastest route to ragged breathing, poor technique and a long, cold middle section. Practise starting firm and settling within a minute.
Race preparation
Work backwards from the distance you intend to enter: steady base mileage, a handful of interval sessions, turns on both sides, and at least one full dress rehearsal in similar conditions with the same kit and food.
Travel and logistics
Overseas winter events add board transport, layover time, changing facilities, and warmth before and after the race. Build in an easy day before, and know where you will get warm afterwards. Confirm all event and venue arrangements with the organiser.
Prepare with SHACADEMY
GlaGla Race preparation, 1:1 with Skip
Private sessions built backwards from the day: stroke and pacing that hold up when it is cold, sensible cold-water progression, clothing and kit decisions tested before you travel, starts and turns, and a dress rehearsal in conditions as close as we can get.
Racing here is also why GLAGLA UK exists — the UK winter race and challenge co-founded by Skip Innes and Craig Sawyer after Team SHAC raced at Annecy. Skip brings that race, event and expedition-preparation experience to the planning side as much as the paddling.
Common questions
When is the next GlaGla Race at Lake Annecy?
The official event information states that the main Talloires event on Lake Annecy returns in January 2027 after a gap year in 2026, and Lake Annecy tourism information currently lists 16–17 January 2027 with dates to be confirmed. Treat both as provisional and confirm on the official event site before booking travel.
What distances does the GlaGla Race offer?
Historically the programme has been built around roughly 3 km, 6.5 km and 14 km courses alongside technical, junior and dragon-board formats. Those are historical formats, not a guarantee — organisers revise programmes between editions, so check the current official programme.
Do I need to be a racer to take part?
No. A short-distance winter event is achievable for a competent recreational paddler who has done some deliberate preparation and has clothing appropriate to cold water. The demanding part is the conditions and the logistics, not the speed.
Does SHACADEMY handle GlaGla Race entries?
No. SHACADEMY is independent and not affiliated with the organiser. Entry is made through the official event organiser. We prepare paddlers for the event — nothing more than that.
SHACADEMY is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for the GlaGla Race organiser. Dates, formats, classes and entry arrangements are the organiser’s and can change — always use the official event source.
This page is preparation guidance, not a live conditions or event assessment. Cold-water paddling carries risk; make your own decisions about clothing, conditions and whether to take part.