Kingsbridge will welcome some of the country’s top stand-up paddleboarders next month when the National SUP Distance Race comes to the town.

The event, SUP The Creek, takes place on Sunday, October 4, marking its 11th year and forming part of a national race calendar for paddlers from across the UK.

The weekend begins in Salcombe on Saturday, October 3, with the Technical Race and Sprints before competitors head to Kingsbridge for the Distance Races the following day.

Racing in Kingsbridge will include 1km, 6km and 12km courses, with competitors able to choose between Race and Leisure fleets.

The Leisure fleet has fewer rules, with safety requirements the main consideration, making the event accessible to a wider range of paddlers.

The junior 1km race will get underway from the Crabshell at 09:45, with competitors heading towards Kingsbridge.

The other fleets will begin from 10:30, with spectators encouraged to line the estuary and cheer on the paddlers.

SUP The Creek organiser Crispin Jones said the upper estuary provides a ‘natural amphitheatre’ for spectators.

Originally intended to draw in crowds during Kingsbridge Fair Week, the race has now become an opportunity for residents and visitors to watch competitive paddleboarding on the estuary.

Anyone wishing to take part has until the close of play on Friday, September 25, to register online.

The event is open to paddlers of different abilities, with the range of distances and the Leisure fleet providing options beyond the competitive Race fleet.

Spectators do not need to register and are being encouraged to come along on Sunday, October 4, to watch the racing and support competitors as they take to the water.