Paul Morris: The Legend Returns to the Speed Course
- Team OTC
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
Weymouth Speed Week, Sunday 12th October 2025 — Portland Harbour
There are few sights more inspiring than pure determination meeting the open water — and on Sunday 12th October, that’s exactly what unfolded at Weymouth Speed Week. In a remarkable display of courage and community, Paul Morris successfully made it down the famous 500-metre speed course — not on a windsurfing board this time, but on a giant paddleboard powered by wings, surrounded by friends, supporters, and some of the UK’s fastest foilers.
By Emma Maguire.
For those who know Paul, it was a full-circle moment. Once a regular competitor at Speed Week, Paul suffered a catastrophic windsurfing accident in November 2019 that left him with a spinal cord injury and paralysed. His competitive days seemed over — but Paul has never been one to stop moving forward.
“Before my accident, I competed in Weymouth Speed Week many times,” Paul explains. “It was an event I really enjoyed doing with some very good friends in a very relaxed and enjoyable environment.”
This year, Paul returned to the event with a new mission — to raise money for Blesma, the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association, a charity that has supported him and his family through his recovery.
“Blesma were able, along with several other service charities, to get me back to my home with my family after a very long period in hospital and care,” he says. “They gave us invaluable advice and mentoring to get through a horrific situation. They were there at our time of need, and I want to give something back.”
And so, with that goal, Paul dreamed up something audacious: to get back on the water and run the Speed Week course once again — this time sitting proudly in the middle of a giant SUP, with friends using wings to power him down the track. Or as Paul wryly put it: “What could possibly go wrong?”
Among those helping him realise the challenge was Richard Hobson, the UK’s fastest wingfoiler, who took position at the front of the board, harnessing the wind to propel Paul across Portland Harbour. They were joined by two more wingfoilers, creating a moving, human-powered team effort that summed up the very best of the Speed Week spirit — innovation, friendship, and sheer determination.
Pete Davis, who made a flying visit to Weymouth Speed Week to screen Björn Dunkerbeck’s film Born to Windsurf to the gathered speed community, was also there to lend his support and encouragement to Paul’s challenge.
“While there I had the privilege of meeting again the legend that is Paul Morris,” Pete said. “In a very small way, I helped him on his quest to get down the course on a wing-powered SUP — all his own idea! He even had Richard Hobson powering him along from the front. Paul Morris, you are a legend.”
Supported by his full-time carers — who made the journey all the way from Cornwall — and cheered on by competitors and spectators alike, Paul set off under bright skies and steady wind. As his team powered him down the 500-metre stretch, the harbour erupted in applause. When they crossed the finish line, Paul had once again achieved what many would have thought impossible.
“We were honoured to see Paul Morris here taking on his next challenge and raising money for Blesma,” said the Speed Week organisers. “With the help of his friends, carers, and supporters, he completed the course and gained huge respect from us all. Well done Paul, and everyone who helped and cheered him on.”
It was more than just a symbolic run — it was a reminder of what makes Weymouth Speed Week special. The event has always celebrated innovation, spirit, and pushing boundaries, but Paul’s journey embodies all three in their purest form.
“On the 12th of October, I returned to Weymouth Speed Week to get back on the water with a few friends,” Paul said. “It was an ideal opportunity to raise a few pounds for a charity that’s been very good to me since my accident in 2019.”
Blesma continues to support veterans and their families across the UK, helping them rebuild lives after life-changing injuries. Paul’s JustGiving page remains open for donations, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
As the sun dipped behind Portland’s breakwater, there was a shared sense of pride among everyone who witnessed the moment. Paul had not only completed the course — he had reignited the spirit of Speed Week itself.
“Paul Morris, you are a legend,” echoed across the harbour — and rightly so.
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About Blesma
Blesma – The Limbless Veterans – supports serving and ex-service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or loss of use of a limb, eye, or sight. 100% of its services are funded through donations. Find out more at www.blesma.org.
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