On the 2nd of June, both Dean Dunbar & James Fletcher headed to compete in the Prone Division of the Scottish National Paddleboard Championships. Held on Portabello Beach in Edinburgh the event acted as the 1st Scottish qualifying event for the ISA World Paddleboard Championships in Copenhagen in September.

On a challenging technical 2 lap course in strong winds both paddlers faced difficult prone conditions. James paddled into the lead on the 1st lap but took ill with an arrhythmia episode and was forced to pull out at the end of the 1st lap.

Dean went onto claim the victory meaning that he would be the first registered blind paddler to qualify for the ISA (International Surfing Association), World Championships in Copenhagen in September.

Sadly, as the rules stand it is looking unlikely that he will be able to enter the race, as electronic and mechanical assistance is not allowed. Dean is normally guided by use of either walkie talkie or Milo comms – without these, he has no idea of where he is going.

As this is the first time a blind person has qualified, (please correct me if I’m wrong), ISA are having to explore new ground. Fortunately, Dean has the SSF (Scottish Surfing Federation), fighting his corner. So fingers crossed!