GLAGLA UK — The UK winter SUP race and challenge
Cold water, wave starts, a lap course with its own language, and a beach run with your board in your hands. Race it or take it on.
We’re currently working towards Saturday 6 February 2027 at Buckland Park Lake, subject to final confirmation.
Why people do it
A reason to keep paddling all winter
Winter is when most boards go away. A date in February changes that: something real to train for, cold water to get used to, and a course that rewards the paddling you have actually done.
And it feels like a proper event — flags, waves, a start line, people cheering you up the beach — without needing to think of yourself as a racer to belong there.
Race it. Challenge it.
Same event, same course, different ambitions.
Some paddlers come to race it. Others come to take it on. Both go out on the same water, on the same day, against the same conditions.
Race it
Ranked racing with podiums in previous editions, wave starts and one official clock. If you want a winter result on the board, this is it.
Challenge it
In previous editions the Challenge Fleet was timed but not ranked — your distance, your time, no placing. Nobody has to call themselves a racer to belong here.
Previous-edition format. The 2027 details will follow here.
Corporate & charity challenge
Take it on as a team
A local business buys a small allocation of places for staff, directors or clients. The team trains and takes the event on together, and the paddlers raise sponsorship for the event charity.
We hope 2027 will support The Brigitte Trust, in memory of Matt Morris — subject to agreement with the Trust, so not a confirmed charity partnership yet.
New to paddling?
Never paddled before? That doesn't rule you out, but GLAGLA shouldn't be your first session. SHACADEMY runs the introduction and winter preparation your team needs; The SHAC at Buckland Park Lake may be a local training venue, subject to arrangement.
The GLAGLA experience
The bits people remember
The Double Entendre
A section that reads one way from the shore and another once you are on it.
The Beach Run
Off the board, board in your hands, along the beach and back on.
The Crossroads of Chaos
Where fleets and distances meet on the same water — busy, sociable, memorable.
The Superlap
One chosen lap that bypassed the lagoon — never the final one. Tactics, not a shortcut.
2027 at a glance
- Proposed Saturday 6 February 2027.
- Buckland Park Lake, Surrey — subject to final confirmation.
- Working capacity up to 160 paddlers.
- Age 12 and over; under-18s need guardian involvement.
- Paid entries are not open yet.
- Full kit and clothing guidance is sent before the event.
Pedigree
Several editions in, and still growing
- Delivered across multiple winters.
- 145 registrations recorded in the 2026 event system — registrations, rather than a starter or finisher count.
- Co-founded by Scott “Skip” Innes and Craig Sawyer.
- Inspired by Team SHAC racing the French Gla Gla Race.
Prepare for it
Get ready with SHACADEMY
A proper introduction
New to SUP? Start with a coached session so event day isn't your first time on a board.
Winter training
Regular cold-water paddling in the clothing you own. Frequency beats intensity.
Event-specific work
Turns, wave starts, the beach run and paddling your chosen distance comfortably.
Partners
Partner with GLAGLA UK
We work with a small number of partners per edition — paddle and outdoor brands, local businesses near the venue, and media who genuinely cover the sport. Nothing is confirmed for 2027 yet.
Talk to us about partnering →
Thinking about it? Register your interest now.
Register your interest for 2027 →Common questions
Is GLAGLA UK only for racers?
No. Previous editions ran a Challenge Fleet alongside the Race Fleet — timed, but not ranked against anyone else. Same event, same course, different ambitions.
Can I enter if I'm new to SUP?
Yes, as a goal to work towards — but GLAGLA shouldn't be your first session. Start with a proper introduction and build some winter paddling time before event day.
What kit will I need?
Full kit and clothing guidance is sent to entrants before the event, once the edition's format is settled.
Will board hire be available?
Board hire is planned for a limited number of entries. Pricing and details will be published when entries open.
Format details on this page describe previous editions. Winter paddling carries real risk, and this page is not a conditions assessment.