Paddler Story: Sarah Thornely
How did you first get into paddling? What hooked you?
I had been watching a friend paddle and was intrigued. As soon as I had my first lesson with Blue Chip in Surbiton , I knew I wanted to continue. Going into Winter was not appealing in my first year so I didn't carry on. I then had quite a serious emergency operation and knew I had to get back into something that would give me joy - I thought paddleboarding would fit that bill.
Do you remember a moment when paddling “clicked” for you?
As soon as I had recovered from the op, I joined Blue Chip for another go, and as soon as my feet were on that board, the click was real! I knew I had found 'my thing' and a week later, I bought a second-hand board. I remember this feeling so, so well and it gives me a great feeling whenever I remember it.
What keeps you coming back to the water?
I love the exercise, the peace when I am on the water. The SUP community is wonderful (everybody agrees with this!) Being on the water, whether racing or adventuring makes my body and head feel healthier.
Where's your “home water,” and what makes it special to you?
My home water is the River Wey and this is where I would find one of those special paddles that has remained a favourite. A paddle from a pub in Wisley, through the British countryside on a reed lined river, under ancient brick bridges, locks, lock keepers cottages and arriving at the stunning Newark Priory. Sunset paddles here are my favourite and I will never tire of t his route. Another, closer part of the Wey Navigation is where I train, a perfect 10 minute warm up either way, over the lock, train and back for the cool down. I have paddled this body of water 100's of times, as you will see from my Paddle Logger App!
Is there a moment or a place that changed your relationship with the sport?
Having raced for 5 years, I then 'retired' and wondered where it would take me. I still wanted to be a part of the lovely racing community and friends I had built on over those years. That chance came at the Battle of the Thames race in 2018, my first non-race race - I was there to take photos, so I hopped in the lead boat with the current Race Director, Mark Price. He was trying out the live feed for the first time - I joined in and that's where a big shift came for me, realising that this was something new and exciting that I could potentially get involved with. Mark also threw a mic at me and told me to get interviewing - it was the start of SUPjunkie and a few months later we launched officially at the APP World Tour in London.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the water, and how did you overcome it?
I competed in Loch Awesome a few years ago, an event run by the wonderful team from Trent 100. A two day team challenge of 75km circumnavigating this beautiful Scottish loch. Sarah Perkins, Phil Andrew and I were in a team together. The first day was 48km, 24km there and back to Kilchurn Castle. On the way there, it certainly had it's moments but achievable, and we made good time. A quick pit stop for lunch from our pit crew Jonny and Antony and we started to head back. We could not believe the headwind we were paddling into and at some stage had to cross the loch where the wind would be at its fiercest. I have never paddled in such difficult conditions before and as we reached the last checkpoint, I think we thought it might just be too much to carry on. Our land crew certainly thought we were going to stop. All this time we had not even thought about paddling on our knees, we are old school and it's not in our DNA! We decided to forge ahead and made a route plan as again we had to get to the other side of the loch. Sarah Perkins ran out of energy so I passed over some dried apricots and basically told her she was not stopping. When we got to the Day 1 finish line, we were utterly exhausted but elated. We had completed the brutal day 1 experience! Sleep was deep that night and trying to walk the next day was a challenge. We were lying in second place on the leader board and were determined not to let that slip through our fingers. As soon as we were back paddling, SUP muscle memory kicked in. 15km up to the end of the loch and then turning around into another headwind, although not quite like the day before. It was my turn to 'bonk' and Sarah's turn to feed and encourage me.
We finished by working together as a team, solo would have been such a difficult challenge. We didn't realise how many had just not finished day one or day two so felt incredibly proud not only to have completed but to retain that second place. One of those events that at the time you never want to do again, but I feel very blessed to have achieved it. Yes, Loch Awesome was my biggest challenge!
What has paddling taught you about yourself?
That I am competitive! Never knew that about myself until I entered my first race. It's also taught me that I can talk a lot about SUP and SUP racing particularly. It's given me the confidence to just say yes to any situation that arises - I do believe that has come from the confidence paddling has instilled in me.
What’s one piece of gear you can’t live without and why?
I love my Red Equipment pouch - I use it every time I paddle. I pop my keys and phone in, perhaps a snack. It's the most convenient waterproof pouch and I'd hate to be without it.
How has paddling shaped your community or friendships?
Paddling has really opened up my world and taken my friendship base in a whole different direction. My world now revolves around paddleboarding, and the people who paddle. SUPjunkie is also known and respected around the world too and that makes me feel incredibly proud.
What would be your ideal day on the water.
I think it would definitely have to be paddling with my good friends, Sarah and Andrea, an adventure somewhere - boards loaded up with coffee and cake and spending the day on the water exploring. We've had a few days like that and they are always great fun and memorable.
Do you have any paddling goals or dream trips for the future?
I would love to return to NZ and paddle there again. I know a lot more than I did when I first visited so I think my experience would be better.
The next ICF World Champs is in Italy next and I think it's going to be another dream road trip with my buddies. Travelling down through Italy, experiencing the great paddling venues and food! The icing on the cake would be to be on the mic for that event!
Anything else you’d like the community to know about your paddling story?
I just love how paddling has totally changed my life. From those first few paddle strokes with Blue Chip (and I still paddle with them every week!) to being on the mic at the ICF World Champs in Florida in 2024! The confidence paddling has given me to say yes more and the friends I have made all around the world. If you meet me though and don't race, be aware that I will try and encourage you to try it at least once as like me, you might not know you are competitive until you do! Happy Paddling!
