Barrow Blitz 51km SUP Challange 2026

The Barrow Blitz is back for the 4th edition of this Ultra SUP Challenge in 2026

On Saturday May 9th we will host Irelands Longest Stand Up Paddle Boarding Challenge "The Barrow Blitz" a 51km SUP challenge taking in a beautiful section of the Barrow Navigation from Maganey, Co Kildare to Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.

This is a 1 day event!

Entry Fee for the event is €60 per person and Entries will close on April 26th 2026 at 8pm.

The Challenge details:

1. Overall Distance 51km Approx
2. Date: May 9th 2026 (May 10th is a backup date should we get adverse weather)
3. Paddler sign in and Briefing 9am at Maganey Bridge
4. Challange start time 10am
5. Catagories: Male & Female
6. Minimum Age 16 years old. (Under 18's must have partent or guardian present on the morning of the challange)
7. Board restrictions Minimum 11.5ft and Maximum of 14ft long.
8. 2 Checkpoints with refill/refuel stations on route.
9. The route takes in multiple portages around lock gates.

The Route

1. Starting at Maganey Bridge on The Co.Kildare/Laois Boarder, Heading South to Carlow Town, Millford, Leighlinbridge, Bagnelstown, Goresbridge and finishing in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
2. Along the route we will have 2 checkpoints set up which will also act as time cut off points. These locations will be spread as evenly as possible on the route. You will be informed of the checkpoint loactions well in advance of the event.
3. The route is a mix of wide flat flowing river and sections of manmade canal (Varying in length from 2+km to 200meters in length, At the end of each section of Canal is a lock which muct be portaged and you will the re enter the main river.
4. It is forbidden to paddle via the Weirs durining this event, portages must take place at the locks.
5. The route is a stunning section of the Barrow Navigation with Mountains on either side and

Safety

Safety of all participants is of the utmost priority. The following are mandatory safety kit which you must have on your person at all times:

1. Mobile Phone Fully Charged with the event safety phone number stored in it.
2. Personal floation device (Life-jacket, bouyancy aid, pfd) This must be worn at all times on the water. Waist belt pfd's or foam vest style are allowed.
3. Leash: A Waist mounted leash manditory
4. Minimum of 1 Litre of Fluids when starting
5. Emergency Snacks/Food (Protein/Energy Bars etc.)
6. Whistle
7. Spare clothing/Extra Layer
8. Personal Medication
9. All participants will be expected to have an ability to paddle the challange distance, be competent at self rescue and be able to swim.
10. All participants must follow the directions of all event staff.

Checkpoints/Refuel stations:

Due to the nature of this challange. We expect the group to spread out over the duration of the event. To help manage this we have set up 2 checkpoints at critical points along the route.

You will be marked in at each checkpoint. If you exit the water inbetween checkpoints please contact event control by phone imediately.

Refuel/Refill stations will be also at the checkpoints, this will be an oportunity to refill water bladers/bottles and get some fuel into you we will have a selection of fruit, carbohydrates, energy/protein bars available. However at event registration in the morning you can give us your own suppllies to bring to check point 1 and/or 2 (It is nice to plan what you are going to eat/drink). You can alternatively have your support crew meet you at the checkpoints to bring your supplies.

Support Crews:

Support Crews are very much welcomed and encouraged. Your crews can cheer you on offer moral support, bring you coffee and cake. Restock your food and drinks etc. What support crews can not do is help to carry boards during portages. The changing of paddles mid race is allowed, but the board you start on must be the same for the duration of the event.

Rental Boards

If you would like to take part and feel up to the challange but do not have a suitable board. We do have a limited number of Inflatable Touring and Race Boards available for Rent for the event. Please contact us directly by email to info@pureadvneture.ie for board rental.

Logistics

There is only a small car park at the startpoint in Maganey so it is advised to park cars at the finish point of the challange in Graiguenamanagh and Carpool to the Start point or have your support crew drive the car from the start. Each participant is responsible for their own shuttling of veichle, self and equipment between start and finish points.

Questions

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Patrick by email info@pureadventure.ie or check out our facebook event page which will have extra info and maps etc posted into it in the run into the event.

Participants should be able top swim,

Patricpants must decare any medical conditions or injuries at race sign in on race day.

Safety

Safety of all participants is of the utmost priority. The following are mandatory safety kit which you must have on your person at all times:

1. Mobile Phone Fully Charged with the event safety phone number stored in it.
2. Personal floation device (Life-jacket, bouyancy aid, pfd) This must be worn at all times on the water. Waist belt pfd's or foam vest style are allowed.
3. Leash: A Waist mounted leash manditory
4. Minimum of 1 Litre of Fluids when starting
5. Emergency Snacks/Food (Protein/Energy Bars etc.)
6. Whistle
7. Spare clothing/Extra Layer
8. Personal Medication
9. All participants will be expected to have an ability to paddle the challange distance, be competent at self rescue and be able to swim.
10. All participants must follow the directions of all event staff.

Board

Paddle

Appropriate clothing etc.

Footwear