John Hibbard has taken the first ever UK SUP Distance title with a string of consistent results. Never dropping out of the top 2 John dominated the last three events with first place finishes in the grulling Distance division.

This past weekend saw the final BSUPA competition of the year at Newgale Beach in West Wales. A windy and choppy sea made racing conditions extra tough. John aced the event with another 1st place, cementing his grip on the Distance title for 2008.

With no conditions for surf competition at the Newgale event the overall SUP surf rankings are made up of the results from Rounds 2 and 3. This puts John in 2nd place for the year.

Team Rider Neal Gent stole first place by 2 points in the overall series so jubilantly claimed the National Champion title- well done Neal!

John says:

" It was great to be involved in the first ever SUP competition tour in the UK and possibly I think the world. Everyone involved has been really upbeat and positive and it's been fun to be involved in some great close racing and surfing. SUP is really starting to take off in the UK. I find it compliments my windsurfing really well and I think it has a great future. I expect to see a lot more people at the events next year. A big thanks to all of my sponsors for their continuing support - Tushingham Sails, Starboard, Fat Face, Neilson Active Holidays, Go Fast Sports, Nissan GB, ActionVan"

John now turns his competition attentions back to windsurfing and the final wavesailing event of the year in West Wittering in a couple of weekends time, where he must finish in the top 5 in order to retain his UK Wavesailing title.

This week sees John heading to Tahiti for a SUP photoshoot with his board sponsor Starboard.