Paddle, Portage, Push On: Inside Race to the Castle 2025

Boards inflated, PFDs and hydration packs on, GPS watches syncing. That familiar mix of nerves and focus hung in the air. With the adventure fleet already two hours downriver, the race fleet began warming up, eyeing their spot on the start line. The River Trent stretched ahead - 40 kilometres of effort, grit, and moments you don’t forget.

What is Race to the Castle?

Race to the Castle is a point-to-point SUP race along the River Trent, starting in Nottingham and finishing at the iconic Newark Castle. At 40km, it's one of the UK’s most popular endurance paddles, combining flowing water with portages at locks, and a strong community vibe. Entries fill quickly, and for good reason.

My Prep & Setup

I'd been looking forward to this for months. I went with a setup that I knew inside out:

• Board: Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 x 28” – the 26” hadn’t arrived.

• Paddle: Black Project SynergyX – Medium blade, TourCarbon 70 shaft.

• Fin: Black Project Ray V2 – chosen for stability to rest the legs.

• Fuel: Electrolytes, gels, Jelly Babies, Kendal Mint Cake.

• Hydration: A 1.5L bladder inside my Baltic SUP Elite Buoyancy Aid.

The Baltic SUP Elite Buoyancy Aid was fantastic. Incredibly comfortable, and the inner foam flexed with me the whole way. I forgot I was even wearing it - which is exactly what you want on a long race.

Training-wise, I’d been focused on shorter race efforts. Only one 20km training paddle under my belt, and that had nearly broken me. The flow was slower than hoped, meaning I’d need to work harder. No hiding today.

Race Breakdown: 40K in Four Parts

1. Quick Start to Holme Lock (4.5km)

Out of the blocks hard. The goal: latch onto a fast draft train at the upper edge of my comfort zone. We moved well, the banks blurred as we pushed forward, small amounts of spray flicking from paddles. The pace was fast enough that by the time Holme Lock came into view, my lungs were shouting.  A relief to reach the first portage, lungs burning but spirits high.

2. Losing the Pack at Gunthorpe (16.7km)

I slipped off the original train during the first portage - just far enough back that they were uncatchable. I paddled solo for a while, keeping a strong pace until another group formed. The silence was different here - minimal chatter, just the rhythm of breath and blade. Focused hard on efficiency; the kilometres ticked by, but I was locked in. Gunthorpe checkpoint arrived with a scramble for ladders and the mandatory 10-minute break.

Massive thanks to Colin and Bev here - the support was on point. Food and drink handed over instantly so every second of rest counted. I had a few mouthfuls of cold pasta, then saved the sugary stuff - Jelly Babies and Kendal Mint Cake - for later when I knew I’d need a lift. I’d also taken on plenty of electrolytes early on via my hydration pack, which kept things steady.

Back in the water too quickly, and scraped my fin on a rock. Luckily the Black Project gear is built to take a knock.

3. Long Haul to Hazleford and Beyond (24.3km)

This section felt longer than it was. Fatigue set in. My triceps burned and grip started to falter. I distracted myself with sheep on the banks and brief smiles from adventure paddlers as I passed. Some company came and went, but much of it was solo, head-down effort.

The Trent had been calm overall, but here the water felt draggy and slow in places. No real chop, just that resistance where you feel like the board isn’t gliding as it should. The wind had stayed light all day but shifted as the river bent - sometimes a side wind, sometimes head-on. Never enough to be a major concern, just something to work against.

A racer had been gradually closing the gap behind me, eventually overtaking just before Newark Lock. I tucked in for a short draft and was grateful for the pull.

4. Final Push to Newark Castle (40km)

The castle came into view, but those last kilometres dragged. The final lock is at the finish, but this isn’t the finish yet! Back in the water for the last push, turn at the third bridge, and then empty the tank back upstream to cross the finish line.

By this point the racing fleet and adventure fleet were all intermingled, I’m not sure if it was the extra adrenaline from the crowd cheering or the band playing, or if I just wanted it to be over but I was flying from the lock to the bridge, it was as if the board had suddenly kicked into sport mode and we were off. That was until I turned at the bridge, I hadn’t thought too much about the final section being upstream and against the flow. The board stopped and every meter back to finish felt incredibly hard and like I was pushing the board through treacle. All I could do was to dig deep and keep going stroke after stroke. After what felt an eternity, I made it to the finish, and I had given it everything.

Crowd noise, music, and the finish line finally crossed. Empty tank. Done.

The Board: All Star Airline Feel Check

The board tracked really well throughout, holding its line even through turbulent water after the locks. It felt composed under fatigue, and at no point did I feel close to falling. During the upstream finish, I was grateful for its stability and smooth glide - no wasted energy on unnecessary corrections.

A Defining Moment

Seeing everyone buzzing at the finish. Adventure paddlers, racers, supporters - cheering each paddler in, helping each other carry boards, and sharing stories. That energy, that community feel - that’s what it’s all about.

Takeaways & Lessons

What went right:

• Nutrition was spot on, both pre-race and on the water.

• The Starboard All Star Airline delivered all day – fast but forgiving.

• The SynergyX paddle was outstanding. No wrist or shoulder issues after 40km – and that’s no small thing. It looked after me.

What I’d change:

• I want to try the 26” board next time, but I’ll need stronger legs.

• Grip strength and portage practice would’ve helped – carrying the board that far takes more out of your forearms than expected.

What I learned:

• 40km is absolutely doable.

• Racing it is hard. But the right kind of hard.

Would I Do It Again?

Definitely. Race to the Castle is the sort of challenge that sticks with you. It tests more than fitness – it checks your head, your gear, your grit. And I already know I’ll be back.

If you’re on the fence about entering, back yourself. Train smart, choose your kit carefully, and take the challenge for what it is: an adventure.

Massive Thanks

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event happen - organisers, volunteers, safety crews, checkpoint teams. The whole day ran smoothly, and it wouldn't be possible without the time and energy you all put in. Thank you.

What’s Next?

This kind of effort lights a fire. I’m already thinking about 2026. Every race teaches something you take into the next one. This one gave me plenty.

Got Questions?
If you're planning your own distance event or want to talk setup, drop us a message. At Drift Boardsports we're always happy to chat paddleboards and race prep.

* Photo credits to Race to the Castle Event Photographers.