Blackfish expands elite lineup of endurance paddlers with UK SUP athlete Bruce “Ironsmith” Smith. 

British stand‑up paddleboarding athlete Bruce “Ironsmith” Smith, based in County Durham in the North of England, has carved out a reputation as one of the UK’s leading endurance paddlers - and an emerging force on the international race circuit - now setting his sights on some of the world’s toughest challenges, building on a past life as an elite Ironman and ultra‑marathon runner.

Beyond competition, he’s a respected instructor, coach, and co‑founder of the Northern SUP Race Club and Northern SUP Race Team, championing paddle sports and community participation across the region. His race record includes victories at the UKN1SCO One Design, the Loch Lomond 10K, and The Eliminator pairs race alongside teammate Mark Salter. 

He has also conquered Last Paddler Standing twice - completing 49 laps in 2023 and 48 laps last year - amassing roughly 50 hours on the water and securing a third‑place overall finish, further cementing his status as one of the event’s toughest competitors.

In the gruelling SUP TWELVE, a 12‑hour endurance race in Torbay, Smith completed 30 laps of a 3.5 km course to take first place overall, showcasing not only his physical resilience but also his sharp strategic instinct. Add to that appearances at major events such as Battle of the Thames and the Great Glen Challenge, and it becomes clear why “Ironsmith” has become synonymous with elite long‑distance paddling in the UK SUP scene.

Bruce spoke about his move to join the Blackfish Team and his endurance SUP experience: 

What stood out about Blackfish Paddles to you, and how do you see it aligning with who you are as an athlete?

I’ve been aware of Blackfish Paddles for several years, and my first real connection with the brand came when I met and spoke with Peter Allen at Last Paddler Standing. I was immediately impressed by his genuine passion for SUP and the strong emphasis on sustainability that runs through the brand. That commitment really resonates with me as an athlete, as I value performance that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment I spend so much time on.

What led you into long-distance and endurance paddling?

Before getting into SUP, I was an endurance runner and triathlete. I originally took up stand-up paddling as part of my rehabilitation after ankle surgery, and it quickly became more than just cross-training. I started racing in the Naish N1SCO one-design series, which was full of short, sharp, and incredibly fun races, and I fell in love with the sport almost immediately.

Things really shifted when my friend Alister started telling me stories from his ultra-distance races. Hearing about those challenges reignited something in me. I bought a second-hand hard board, increased my training miles, and entered the Great Glen Challenge. During that race, I couldn’t stop grinning - I’d rediscovered my love for testing my limits and seeing just how far I can push my body.

What’s in the pipeline for 2026? 

After around 18 months away from structured training and racing while I focused on writing my book Paddle the North of England, I’m really excited to be returning to the domestic race scene. Starting the Gla Gla UK this weekend. There are a number of endurance events firmly on my radar, including a return to The Eliminator after such a great experience last year, and the Devizes to Westminster race is very much tempting me. I’ll also be heading back to Last Paddler Standing, which is always the best way to finish the year. 

Follow Bruce on Instagram.