We all know it’s been an unsettling year when it comes to SUP racing, and for some who are lucky enough to get back to it has been a refreshing change of pace. For Dream Team rider Sonni Hönscheid, getting back into competition a the weekend’s 2021 Fort Boyard Challenge was a really great experience. Here’s what Sonni had to say:
“Last year I heard about the Fort Boyard Challenge in France for the first time. People jumping into the cold dark water out of a boat in the middle of the ocean, paddling in front of the amazing backdrop of the Fort Boyard (Was briefly used as a military prison in 1871) paddling towards the Castle of Vauban
Sounds inviting, right? For me, it certainly was! It was only my 3rd race so far this year, and I have been using the time off racing to focus on the Tikhine designs for Starboard’s 2022 range so this was exactly what I was looking for.
I need to get out of my comfort zone, jump into the unknown and share this adventure with 150 paddlers on all types of craft from windsurfing, Polynesian canoe to SUP and now foil. Some brave competitors were even paddling in the open ocean for the first time!
I’m really happy to finish second. I’d like to say a big thank you to the Fort Boyard Challenge organizers for this amazing experience and congratulations to all the participants!”
~ Sonni Hönscheid / Starboard SUP Dream Team rider
Sonni was racing the Ace – our downwinder race paddle board with the lightweight Lima paddle.
