Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022

Sébastien competes in the glagla race 2022

"The GlaGla Race is the second largest SUP gathering in France... A brrr-illiant race!"

The GlaGla Race is the second largest SUP gathering in France with more than 700 participants.
This one-of-a-kind event is held on Lake Annecy in the middle of winter. A brrr-illiant race!

"It's one of those races that you have to do at least once in your life", that's what I had heard about the competition from my friends who had already taken part.
That was all the motivation I needed! I packed my SUP, paddle and clothes and off I went to experience the 2022 GlaGla Race.
After a night spent on a bus, when you get to Talloires, you can't help but say "wow"! You look around with a huge smile on your face and take it all in: beautiful surroundings with a sapphire blue lake and snow-capped mountains in the background... it's simply magical. In the village, the atmosphere is electric, you can try out equipment, there are exhibitors, and you bump into friends from the small world of SUP as you go along.

What kit for the glagla?

For this race I've got the chance to test out the Itiwit SUP RACE board, 14x27. I am familiar with the 25" version but I wanted a bit more stability. There are a few new features and it is really well thought out.
For the paddle, I took my Itiwit 900 3-part carbon paddle, the compact size is practical for public transport and it is efficient in races. It goes everywhere with me.
For hydration, I use the Itiwit running belt. It is very practical and it does not restrict
movement.

Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022

What to wear?

The temperatures are cool so I choose to take my Itiwit 2mm SUP Longjohn, an Olaian fleece-lined thermal rash vest, SUBEA 5mm boots and the gloves I use for running. And for safety I have my Tribord buoyancy aid.

The day of the race!

It's 4 degrees, the sun is out, the conditions are perfect, it's dream weather. After the final checks, I attend the briefing and then it's launch time. I join the starting line, get myself into position and then on my right I see competitors starting to set off. This wave of competitors all heading off at once is an impressive sight but I'm taken a little by surprise because there was no starting signal. I jump on the bandwagon and it's the start of 15 km. I set myself the goal of finishing in two hours.
In the choppy waters of the starting line, I see competitors falling in, I don't want to test the temperature of the lake this morning. So I concentrate, I'm comfortable on this board because it is very stable. I sneak my way through, overtaking competitors and getting into my rhythm. I pass one buoy after the other and position myself behind a competitor. This board glides well, its stability makes it comfortable and I just have to concentrate on getting my strokes in. I look up and take in the scenery: how lucky am I to be able to paddle in such a magnificent setting? The finish line is getting closer. People are cheering us on; I catch up with a friend and we finish the race in 2 hours: mission accomplished. Everyone has a smile on their face and all of the competitors are pleased to have completed their challenge.
I am really glad that I was able to take part in this event. I would like to thank Itiwit for lending me the equipment and I will continue my SUP adventures: next stop the Dordogne Intégrale!

Glagla race 2022

Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Sébastien at the GlaGla Race 2022
Charlotte

Charlotte

Digital leader

I am a Digital Leader at Itiwit and a water sports enthusiast!
What's my favourite thing about my job? Communicating with our users and telling their amazing stories!