Paddle boarders compete in fifth annual Battle of the Thames race

Hundreds of spectators lined the river bank to watch contenders brave strong winds to paddle the gruelling ten mile course that started at Ravens Ait before going up to Kingston Bridge and then down to Hampton Court Palace.

Seasoned paddle boarder Ryan James from Bournemouth took home first place for the men in just 1 hour 42 minutes.

Scottish Joanne Hamilton-Vale was the first woman home in an impressive 1 hour 59 minutes- 12 minutes quicker than her nearest rival.

Kingston Mayor Ken Smith handed Mr James and Mrs Hamilton-Vale trophies and £100 each in the prize giving ceremony after the race.

Competitors hailed from as far as Hungary and others had just arrived from races in South Carolina and California.

Mayor Ken Smith with winners Joanne Hamilton-Vale and Ryan James and organiser Brian Johncey

Mrs Hamilton-Vale said: “It was a good but tough race. Battle of the Thames is a bit longer than some of the races you do and there was a bit of wind out there today.

“Paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world because it’s so much fun and easy to do.

“It’s growing and growing and hopefully we will see it in the Olympics one day.”

Mr James added: “It was particularly tough today. The conditions were really hard and I’m suffering at the moment.”

Brian Johncey, who owns Blue Chip and helped organise the race said: “Our first race five years ago I think we had about 46 people.

“Now we have to cap it at 150 boards and we are always fully booked.

“It’s the fastest growing water sport in the world and I think that really shows on days like today.”

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