4th Annual Morbihan Paddle Trophy Ouest-France

BRITTANY, France - The steady increase in registrations since the first edition of the Morbihan Paddle Trophy Ouest-France show that the practice of stand up paddling is not just the latest fad. The 4th annual Morbihan Paddle Trophy Ouest-France scheduled for July 1st and 2nd in the Golfe du Morbihan (southern Brittany – France) shows that stand up paddling keeps on developing.

About 500 SUP riders have registered to take part in various competitions ranging from races which require high technical skills to a race open to all, even to beginners. The Great Walk on Water, a 5-kilometer race which will leave from the beautiful small harbor of Le Bono has attracted so many SUP lovers that the organization has had to close entries. This leisure ride also attracts women more than the races as only 17 ladies out of 99 competitors will take part in the Elite race.

The Morbihan Paddle Trophy Ouest-France is not only the second SUP event in France after SUP en Seine in Paris but it also definitely comes first as far as public is concerned. Spectators come in large numbers to see the arrivals of the long distance races and the spectacular sprints organized in the event village. This year, it will be set up at Saint-Goustan harbor in Auray, a lovely historical town. Athletes will try to break records riding 200-metre sprints and 600-metre runs in groups of five and previous winners will show technical tricks in the harbor within easy access to all.

Two champions showing their skills : Eric Terrien and Gaëtan Séné. | Photo: Francois Van Malleghem

The best French SUP riders and a few foreigners will take up the challenge in a long distance race (25km) for the Coupe de France on 14’ paddle boards but also on 12’6 boards for the well-known Oxbow SUP Challenge in one of the world’s most beautiful areas. As for the Raiders, 270 competitors (63 ladies and 177 men) will ride a 14-km race from the long sandy beach in Locmariaquer, just outside the gulf and it will be ladies first, followed by men.

Gaëtan Séné, a previous winner succeeding in impressing a young competitor. | Photo: Ludovic Bacquer

Finally, under-15s will have the opportunity to compete with the best riders as the departure of their 7-km race will be given as the Elites ride by, from Fort Espagnol on the Auray river.

For more information on the Morbihan Paddle Trophy Ouest-France click HERE.