SUPsect Chelmer Challenge 2025 in on! Saturday 14th June – in aid of Diabetes UK: Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes.

In memory of one of our long-time paddlers, whose ambition was to paddleboard the length of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, we're returning for our fifth annual Chelmer Challenge.

This year, on Saturday 14th June we’re paddling in aid of Diabetes UK. Stand-up paddleboarding the full navigation: 22km from Chelmsford to Heybridge Basin, or for some the 1/2 Challenge from Paper Mill Lock to the end.

To safely take on the the full route we need to know that paddlers are already comfortable paddling 12km+ / 2-hour+ routes and can easily average a cruising speed over 5kmph on the River Chelmer – ie; are able to cover 8km on the river, including locks, within c.90 minutes. The 1/2 Challenge, 11km, would suit those happy with 6km+ / 1-hour+ routes that can comfortably hold a cruising speed of 4kmph+.

If you want to join us for either the full or half Chelmer Challenge, please do talk to us at SUP Club or drop us a message to elisa@supsect.com – we’ll be running the event via a private Messenger group which we’ll add all participants in to.

Fundraising will be for Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk) whose vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. They campaign for better care, give support in times of need and fund ground-breaking research into new treatments and a cure. There will be a suggested donation to take part, plus of course donations from friends and family will be encouraged. And we will be seeking further donations for everyone’s efforts via our social media channels. We don’t want to make people pay to paddle, nor force them to drum up sponsorship, yet we do want to raise money for a very good cause… (Last year we raised £5,336 for Action for Family Carers, in 2023 we raised over £5k to install a defibrillator at Paper Mill Lock and donate £4,167 to the British Heart Foundation, in 2022 we raised £5,302 for Alzheimer's Society, and in 2021 we raised £5,106 for Breast Cancer Research.)

#chelmerchallenge #diabetesuk #supsect #charitypaddle