Above: Tess has spent many sessions training in the North Sea.
Year 11 pupil Tess Page will be taking to the water in Copenhagen this week, as she takes part in the 2024 ISA Paddleboard Championships on Wednesday 18 September.
Tess, aged 15, will be competing in a subsection of paddleboard racing known as the Technical Race, which requires a high level of technical skills, quick decision-making and agility. Taking place in the open ocean, Tess will navigate obstacles and execute sharp turns throughout multiple laps, totalling 5 kilometres. She will also face a gruelling beach run - taking her board back to land and running with it - as part of the competition.
The Newcastle-based youngster, who attends Dame Allan’s Girls’ School, was inspired to try paddleboard racing after watching her older sister Annabel in a racing event, and has thrived after taking part in the sport competitively for less than 12 months. Over the summer, Tess has trained six times weekly with as many sessions as possible spent in the North Sea, depending on conditions.
Annabel will also be joining Tess in Copenhagen next week as part of Team England.
“It’s great to be able to compete with my sister.” commented Tess. “I haven’t been involved in the sport competitively for that long, so I’m really proud to be part of the World Championships, if a little nervous. It will be fun to visit Copenhagen too, I’m looking forward to trying the local food after I have worked up an appetite on the ocean!
“Recently, paddleboard racing has been considered as an addition to the Olympics, so one day it might be possible for me to compete in the Olympic Games! That would be a dream come true.”
Annabel, aged 20, who also attended Dame Allan’s Schools, added: “having the opportunity to be part of Team England again this year has been great. I have really enjoyed watching Tess progress and develop in the sport and can't wait for her to join us in Copenhagen.”
Above: Tess' sister, and former Dame Allan's pupil, Annabel also competes
Proud parents Georgina and Toby added: “We're so proud of the grit and determination Tess has shown in paddleboarding , and it has been fantastic to see her enjoying the sport with her sister on our local North East coast line. It will be so great for the girls to share their passion for the sport with athletes from all over the world at the ISA World Championships.”
After completing her schooling, Tess is considering a career in law. She is determined to maintain her paddleboarding career, no matter what her future holds.
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools said: “It gives us great pride to see our pupils excelling in their passions. Tess - and Annabel - representing Team England in Copenhagen is an incredible feat. It’s great to see them thriving in this exciting sport, and we wish them both the best of luck.”