Click here for 2024 Epic Bay video 


Exe Bay 2025  

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2025

Hosted by Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth EX8 2AY

Parking: Foxholes car park, Queens Drive EX8 2DF

Many thanks to everyone who help to make Epic Bay such a success, including: 

  • East Devon County Council 
  • Exmouth Beach Rescue Club 
  • SLSGB 
  • Sussex Classic Ocean Race 
  • Kirton Kayaks
  • VOTWO
  • GD Media
  • Numerous volunteers 
  • Baby sitters,  dog sitters, wags and habs, partners, grandparents, and other willing (or otherwise) supporters 

Race information for 2025

We look forward to welcoming you to the 8th Epic Bay Ocean Racing (surfski) event, renamed as Exe Bay for 2025. This will be the first Ocean Racing event under Paddle UK.  

This race is a non-profit event, designed for surfski, outriggers and SUPs. This race is specifically designed to suit all levels of paddlers, from first time racers (who may wish to complete 1, 2 or 3 laps) through to those trialling for the GB Ocean Racing Team. 

This Ocean Race is the first GB Team Assessment race of the 2025 season.

Surfers Against Sewage Big Paddle Out

Our ocean is under threat. Water companies are forcing our rivers and seas into a critical state by continuing to dump a toxic chemical cocktail of untreated sewage straight into our waterways. And for far too long, regulators and government have let them get away with it. Not only are they destroying ecosystems, they are putting human health at risk. And we're sick of it.

In 2024 we had our first Big Paddle Out prior to the race, to prove how many of us care about our water, in conjunction with Surfers Against Sewage.  

Timings to be confirmed. In 2024 timings were: 

  • 10:00  Registration Opens - bring safety kit to registration
  • 13:00  Race Brief
  • 13:15  Big Paddle Out
  • 13:50  Race Marshall            
  • 14:00  Start
  • 17:00  Prizegiving  

 

Entry Requirements:

To enter Competitors must:

  • be a current Member (Direct or Club) of PUK 
  • agree to the Race Declaration when completing the Entry Form 
  • carry the requisite safety equipment (see below)

 

Race Brief - all competitors must read this prior to entering. 

Up to date Information

  • Race information will be updated on this webpage, on Epic Kayaks UK facebook page and on the Info Only Epic Bay 23 Whatsapp Group join here 

GB Ocean Racing Team Assessment Race

Classes:

Minimum age 16 on the day of the event (younger competitors will be considered on receipt of an email from an established Ocean Racing Coach.

Men or Women for each Class (except Doubles):

  • Under 18* - 17 or under on the 1st Jan 2024
  • Under 23* - Must be 22 or under on the 1st Jan 2024
  • Open 23-34*
  • Para* 
  • Masters 35-54 - Must be 35 on the 1st Jan 2024 (Non-Assessment)
  • Veterans 55+ - Must be 55 on the 1st Jan 2024 (Non-Assessment)
  • Open Doubles for any combination of paddlers wish to enter (Non-Assessment).

 *If you are wishing to use this event as a GB Assessment Race you MUST enter either U18,U23, Open or Para, and complete the BC Athlete Registration form prior to racing.

The Course

  • The course will be 3 laps of a triangular course, total of approx. 10 miles.
  • The start and finish will be on the beach in front of Exmouth Beach Rescue Club. 
  • Paddlers new to racing may choose to do less than 3 laps at any point in the race. 

 

Link to see live progress of the race see Votwo Geotracks - to follow.

GPS Event Tracking and Bibs

  • All competitors will wear a GPS tracker provided by (the fantastic) Ben at votwo.co.uk for competitor safety, and for friends and family to follow all the race action 'LIVE' on the day.
  • All competitors will hand in their tracker and race bib immediately at the end of the race. Do NOT cut or change your race bib, it is worn over your PFD. 
  • To follow the action go to : Geotracks Live Link  

Refunds 

  • If you are unable to attend please contact Epic UK as soon as possible. 
  • On the day if you choose not to start the race you need to inform Registration.
  • Annabel 07768630388
  • Your entry fee will be refunded, less £10 admin fee. This is to ensure you make your own decision to race or not to race, depending on the conditions and your preparedness on the day - safety first.   There's always another race. 

Min Safety Equipment 

Items will be checked at Registration. No equipment, no race.

  • Seaworthy surfski suitable for the conditions (checked on start line)
  • Whistle
  • Leg leash. You are responsible for ensuring it is securely attached to your leg and craft. 
  • Body PFD that complies to ICF standards.
  • Means of communication - either VHF radio or mobile phone, charged and in working condition in waterproof pouch securely fitted to the paddler/PFD.  
  • Race bib, number facing forward (issued at Registration).
  • Tracker (fitted at registration)
  • Boat number sticker 

Race Conditions:

This is an Ocean Surfski Race dependent on the weather, there is no plan B race. We will be reviewing the race conditions in the 5 days prior to the event, and an update will be provided, on social media and the website.  If necessary a final call by the event team will be made 48 hours prior to the start of the race.

For Terms and Conditions please read here. 

Prize Results

Thanks to Vaikobi and Epic Kayaks UK for donating prizes. For a prize to be awarded in each class there must be:

  • 1st  - 3+ competitors on the start line for that class
  • 2nd – 5+ in the class
  • 3rd – 10+ in the class

For classes with less than 3 competitors will default into the next class.

​Entry Process:

To enter you will need your current SLSGB membership number (or affiliated SLS membership). If you enter a false or out of date number you risk not being entered and may lose your entry fee.  

  • Read the Race Brief.
  • Complete the Entry Form  
  • Agree to the Race Declaration
  • Make the payment (link in the Entry Form)
On receipt of successful entry Epic Kayaks UK will confirm your start place by issuing your race number.

    Entry Fee:

    • tbc

    Course Safety

    Safety will be provided by Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, under SLSGB regulations. The Race Organiser and Safety Manager retain final decisions on safety and have the right to remove anyone from the race deemed unsafe.

    All race staff are volunteers and your cooperation is appreciated.

    Contact

    • Jim Taylor-Ross 07813845890
    • Annabel Taylor-Ross 07768630388  

    Entry HERE for Exe Bay 2025 - to follow 

    Results will be found here at the end of the race. 

    Come to Devon for the Weekend? 

    Epic Bay Results

    For all 2022 results please click here

    For all 2023 results click here  

    For all 2024 results click here