The European SUP League enters a crucial stage of the 2026 season as athletes prepare for the Big Paddle Festival on Lake Zurich, Switzerland. From June 19–21, Richterswil will host the third stop of the ESL calendar, bringing together Europe’s top racers alongside recreational paddlers, clinics, and a vibrant SUP festival atmosphere.The Stand Up Magazin will be there as well and we are very excited to witness the work of the ESL for the first time in person.
After successful events in Santa Pola, Spain, and Taranto, Italy, the European SUP League now moves into the heart of Europe. The Big Paddle Festival has established itself as one of the most unique events on the calendar, combining elite competition with grassroots participation and community engagement. In addition to being an official ESL stop, the event is also integrated into the Swiss paddle scene through the Swiss Paddle Cup and the SupSuisse Tour.
Richterswil Provides Stunning Alpine Backdrop
Located on the southern shore of Lake Zurich, Richterswil offers one of the most scenic race venues in European stand-up paddling. Competitors and spectators can expect crystal-clear waters, a picturesque lakeside promenade, charming harbor facilities, and panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
The combination of world-class racing, easy accessibility, and the natural beauty of Lake Zurich has made the Swiss stop a favorite among athletes and fans alike.
Donato Freens Defends ESL Lead
In the Men’s Open Elite division, Dutch paddler Donato Freens arrives in Switzerland as the clear overall leader with 1,392 points. Freens has been remarkably consistent throughout the opening two events and dominated Taranto with victories in both the Technical Race and Long Distance Race.
Behind him, the fight for the overall podium remains wide open. Italian athletes Filippo Mercuriali (994 points) and Nicolò Vincenzo Ricco (913 points) are locked in a close battle for second place.
The Sprint discipline in Zurich could prove particularly important for Japanese star Shuri Araki, currently fourth overall with 850 points, while Spain’s Sergio Cantoral remains within striking distance in fifth place with 794 points.
Schedule
June 19 – Friday
Clinics with Duna Gordillo and Aarons Sanchez
June 20 – Saturday
The Big Paddle Challenge 18.5km Open Race
ESL Tech. Race
ESL Sprints
June 21 – Sunday
ESL Longdistance
Amateur Fun Parkour
ESL Sprint finals
Cecilia Pampinella Under Pressure in Women’s Division
The Women’s Open Elite category promises equally exciting racing. Italy’s Cecilia Pampinella leads the standings with 1,302 points after an outstanding performance in Taranto where she claimed victories in both the Technical and Long Distance races.
However, her lead is far from secure. Fellow Italian Sveva Sabato sits just 80 points behind on 1,222 points and could challenge for the overall lead with a strong weekend in Switzerland.
The battle for third place is also heating up. Claudia Postiglione currently holds the position with 916 points, but Velia Pisanelli trails by only 51 points. Athletes such as Alba Frey, Bianca Toncelli, Esperanza Barreras, and Rinka Mizutani will also be looking to gain valuable points in the championship race.
A Pivotal Weekend for the 2026 Championship
With the European SUP League now entering its second phase, the Big Paddle Festival could prove decisive for several title contenders. The combination of Sprint, Technical, and Long Distance racing offers athletes a valuable opportunity to strengthen their championship campaigns before the series heads into its final stretch later in the season.
For fans of stand-up paddling, the event promises three days of elite racing against one of Europe’s most spectacular backdrops, showcasing why Lake Zurich continues to be one of the highlights of the international SUP calendar.
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Waydoo Shenzhen E-Foil World Cup Makes History as SFT Surf Foil World Tour Lands in China for the First Time
The SFT Surf Foil World Tour reached another milestone this spring with its first-ever event in China. From May 17–19, the Waydoo Shenzhen E-Foil World Cup brought elite electric foiling action to Shenzhen, marking the second E-Foil World Cup stop of the 2025 season and a major moment for the sport’s international growth.
Held at the scenic Wuzhou Shanghaiwan Hotel, the event attracted riders from around the globe and showcased the rapid rise of E-Foil racing on the world stage. Backed by title sponsor Waydoo, the competition not only delivered world-class racing but also featured the largest prize purse in SFT E-Foil World Cup history.
Record Prize Money and International Competition in Shenzhen
The Shenzhen stop welcomed 47 riders from multiple countries, competing across three divisions: Pro Men, Pro Women, and Challenger. Riders first battled through time trials, which served as qualification rounds to determine the top performers.
The fastest 12 athletes advanced to the elite Pro category, while the remaining competitors entered the Challenger division, creating a highly competitive structure that rewarded speed and consistency.
One of the standout storylines of the event was the rapid progression of women’s E-Foiling. The women’s field featured a full roster of 12 riders from China and abroad, highlighting the increasing depth of talent and the growing role female athletes are playing in the sport.
According to organizers, the level of competition in the women’s division demonstrated that female E-Foil racing is evolving quickly and becoming a significant force within the international scene.
Tradition Meets Technology at China’s First E-Foil World Cup
The historic event in Shenzhen was more than just a race. The opening ceremony blended traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge technology, reflecting the modern spirit of the city while welcoming the global foil sports community.
Regional dignitaries officially opened the competition, while several high-profile partners supported the event. Companies including DJI, Red Bull, Surron, Alojinjin, Firefly, and Loch Lomond Whiskies contributed to the event, helping elevate the production and athlete experience.
The event’s $30,000 prize purse set a new standard for the SFT E-Foil World Cup series, underlining the increasing commercial momentum behind E-Foil racing.
Champions Crowned in Shenzhen
After three days of intense racing, several athletes emerged victorious at this historic stop of the tour:
Pro Men Champion
Manel Arpa Zuriguel (Spain)
Pro Women Champion
Agnes Wicander (Sweden)
Masters Champion
Piet Varkevisser (Netherlands)
Their victories further cemented the international character of the championship and highlighted the global appeal of E-Foiling.
SFT Surf Foil World Tour Heads to Munich
Following its landmark debut in China, the SFT Surf Foil World Tour now shifts its focus to its next destination: Munich, where the tour aims to continue expanding the reach of E-Foil racing and bring the sport to even larger audiences.
For the growing global foil community, Shenzhen may prove to be a pivotal moment — demonstrating not only the competitive level of E-Foiling, but also the sport’s increasing international appeal and commercial potential.
Mélanie Lafenêtre is one of France’s most exciting stand-up paddle (SUP) athletes, known for her fierce competitiveness across multiple disciplines, including SUP racing, flatwater sprint, technical racing, and foil/downwind events. She has represented Team France at major international championships and has consistently stood out as a top performer on the world stage.
Her breakthrough came at the 2022 International Canoe Federation (ICF) SUP World Championships in Gdynia, Poland, where she captured her first ICF world title in the women’s technical race, outpacing an elite international field in a dramatic finish.
In 2023, she continued her rise by helping France secure team gold at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championships in Les Sables d’Olonne. She also claimed individual gold in the sprint discipline — a highlight achievement on home waters.
Her 2025 season was not as busy as in previous years, but whenever Mélanie is on the start line, she is always a force to be reckoned with. She finished 5th in the ISA Technical Race in El Salvador and was a strong contender in all the EURO TOUR events she entered.
Like many ocean-loving SUP athletes, Mélanie Lafenêtre is no stranger to downwind SUP foiling. She took to the new discipline immediately and has shown real talent in it as well. Her recent podium at Ze Race in Guadeloupe sparked our interest in sitting down with her to talk about foiling, her SUP background, and her relationship with her sponsor, Code Foils.
Aloha Mélanie, thank you very much for your time. It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Stand Up Magazin. We’ve been following your SUP career for a long time, as your name regularly appears at the top of the rankings. Before talking about the world of foil, let’s go back to SUP for a moment. Can you tell us, in your own words, how you discovered the sport and what sparked your passion for competition?
I discovered stand-up paddling at a fairly young age thanks to the president of my club, Yannick Pinaud, and my hometown of Sainte-Maxime, which is right next to the sea. At first, SUP was simply a way to spend time in nature, have fun, and share sessions with friends, without any specific goal. One day I started taking part in a few local races, and I immediately connected with the atmosphere of competitions, the challenge of pushing myself, and the sense of community. The combination of endurance, power, technique, and reading the conditions really appealed to me.
One of Melanie’s first international appearance at the ISA in China 2018.
You’ve made your mark on both the national and international scene. We can see on your social media that SUP isn’t your only sport: You practice many water sports, from surfing to wing foiling, and of course SUP downwind foiling. This sport seems to be booming right now. At first it looked too difficult to reach a broad audience, but today more and more people are getting into it and we’re seeing a gradual structuring of the discipline. You just took part in Ze Race in Guadeloupe — can you tell us how big downwind foiling is in that region of the world?
I lived for two years in Guadeloupe, and this island gave me my love for downwind SUP racing. My first participation in Ze Race was in 2020. Guadeloupe offers consistent wind, courses of varying length, and easy water access — the perfect place to say “I’m going to try this.” The warm water and the local community allowed me to progress in SUP race, downwind, and SUP foil downwind.
How did the race go for you?
It was one of my first SUP Foil competitions. The very first had taken place in Saint-Tropez, but unfortunately the weather conditions weren’t suited to my level at the time. I arrived in Guadeloupe with a real personal challenge: Finishing the 40 km, whereas my training run in France is only 8 km. My main objective was simply to cross the finish line. Of course, my competitive mindset also pushed me to complete the race as cleanly and as fast as possible. Once the start was given, I focused on reading the water, managing my effort, and keeping my balance on the foil to avoid falls. I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t see the time pass. In SUP race I had taken 5 hours 30 minutes, whereas on foil the race was completed in just 2 hours — a completely different and intense sensation.
We mentioned earlier the difficulties of downwind SUP foiling. How did your learning process go?
I have a real interest in downwind SUP racing. The feeling of glide in the open ocean is totally addictive, which is why I prioritize downwind competitions in my race calendar. I officially started downwind SUP Foil a year ago. In reality I had already tried it three years earlier, but I didn’t enjoy it at the time. I was learning on my own with unsuitable equipment, which made progression difficult and frustrating. Thanks to the Med Gliders group, I had the chance to access appropriate equipment and, more importantly, valuable advice on setup and technique. That completely changed my approach and my progression. The transition to SUP Foil was relatively natural thanks to my paddling background. Nevertheless, balance on the foil is still a challenge today. It’s an extremely demanding discipline where learning never stops.
2022 was big for Melanie: The Gold Medal at the ICF in Womens Tech Race was a career defining moment. She also won Silver in Sprint and Bronze in Longdistance. She also won 2 Bronze medals at the ISA in Puerto Rico and she won the APP World Tour in Alicante that year as well. What a year!
I completely understand — connecting bumps on a SUP is already a challenge, but flying continuously from bump to bump on foil is extremely technical. However, once mastered, it’s a unique feeling. Downwind foiling is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It’s great on one hand, but a bit sad on the other: Foil has drawn quite a few people away from SUP. You clearly remain committed to SUP. What is your message to those who struggle to get back on a SUP board after experiencing SUP foiling?
They are two very different disciplines, yet deeply complementary. For me, they simply allow me to be on the water every day, whatever the conditions. I practice stand-up paddling when the water is flat or slightly choppy. Foiling really makes sense when the wind picks up and bumps form. And when there are waves, we take out all the toys — each discipline has its playground and its moment. I don’t see foil as a replacement for SUP but as a natural continuation. The two feed each other: SUP builds the athlete — power, endurance, reading the water — while foil refines sensations, precision, and anticipation. My message is not to limit yourself to a single feeling. The ocean offers an incredible diversity of experiences. Restricting yourself means missing out on part of the joy.
Great words Melanie! Let’s talk briefly about your equipment. You ride with Code Foils. What is your setup for fast downwind?
I’m riding a POM board with Code Foils. Of course, the combo depends on the conditions, but if I have to give my favorite setup, it’s the one I used for Ze Race: an 80 cm mast, an R860 front wing, an S fuselage, and a 120 back wing.
High Modulus R-Series front wings are purpose-built for downwind SUP foiling, offering lightweight construction, exceptional stiffness, and long, efficient glide. Proven by James Casey’s major race wins, they deliver strong low-end performance, wide speed range, and excellent pumping efficiency. Larger sizes make downwind foiling accessible for learners and light-wind conditions, while smaller sizes target high-speed racing in open ocean. Find your Code Foils Dealer.
By the way, what’s your story with Code? How did this collaboration start?
Again thanks to the Med Gliders, I had the opportunity to try many brands and different foil models. The one I had the best feeling with was the Code 1069. It was obvious from the first minutes — an accessible, stable foil with great energy and natural glide. When I decided to seriously commit to competition, I didn’t know anyone at Code. I sent a single email to a single brand, hoping for the best. One month later I was riding foils I felt completely confident on. It’s a real satisfaction to evolve with a team and equipment that matches my sensations and my vision of the discipline.
It’s important to have solid support to take part in all these competitions. Can you tell us what you do outside of watersports?
I’ve just graduated in physiotherapy. I also teach stand-up paddle lessons when the conditions allow. I practice many recreational sports as well — padel, tennis, volleyball, tango, rollerblading, skateboarding…
…and Wing Foiling.
Wow that is very impressive you are a multi talented woman. Finally, of course, we’d like to know where we’ll see you in 2026. Do you already have races planned in your calendar? Maybe even a race in Hawaii? What’s your plan?
I would love to come to Hawaii, but it’s still too early for me — I still have a lot to learn in SUP Foil downwind. In 2026 my focus will be on SUP racing, with maybe one or two European SUP Foil events.
Thank you very much Melanie it was really nice to hear your perspective. We are looking forward to follow you along the 2026 athletic SUP Season.
We like to thank Melanie and Code Foils for supporting our work and making this article possible. Please be part of our community of supporters and patrons.
The origins of SUP undoubtedly lie in the wave. In the beginning, people used oversized tandem longboards, added a canoe paddle and surfed small waves – somewhere on the horizon where no one else was. SUP surfing enabled surfers to reach waves that were breaking further out on the reefs off the coast.
It was pioneers such as Laird Hamilton, Robby Naish and the then still young Kai Lenny who recognized and demonstrated the potential of this new type of surfing. The even greater potential of the SUP quickly became apparent: the surfboard developed into one of the most versatile water sports equipment ever to hit the water.
Whether small waves, big waves, very big waves, downwind or simply relaxed cruising on flat water – the principle remains the same: it’s the fascination of gliding on the water. The possibilities are almost unlimited – but so is the choice of boards.
To give you some guidance in the jungle of waveboards, you can find the norden-surfboards SUP Buyers Guide here.
With a subscription to Stand Up Magazin you save 10% on all norden products. Find out more below.
The entry-level model – Big Diamond 10’8
An all-round model that is suitable for cruising, tricks and as an entry-level wave board. With a width of 32 inches, it is very stable and, thanks to its 180 liter volume, it can easily carry heavier paddlers. As a rule of thumb for beginner all-round boards, the volume should be around 1.5-2 times your body weight.
Example: You weigh 80 kg – your board should have a volume of around 140-160 liters. Be careful with extra-wide boards over 32 inches: although they offer comfort and stability, they are much more difficult to maneuver in the waves.
Specifications: • 10’8 x 32, 190 L Softtop, weight approx. 12.3 kg ±5% • 10’8 x 31½, 180 L Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 11.4 kg ±5% Construction: Wood Sandwich or Softtop, EVA deck, incl. Norden Dolphin Fin + FCS Side Fins
The intermediate model – Pintail 9’6-10’0
Do you already have SUP experience and perhaps have already been in the waves – with a SUP or surfboard? Then the pintail longboard is the elegant way into the wave. It glides easily, takes waves effortlessly and can be maneuvered effortlessly even at low speeds. Its length makes it ideal for smaller waves, but thanks to its narrower width of 28-29.5 inches, it also works in more powerful conditions. These boards are intermediate boards. Here you are traveling with slightly less volume and width: As a guideline, about body weight plus ½ to ¾is enough . So an 80 kg rider will be fine with 120-140 liters.
Specifications: • 9’6 x 28.75, 129 L, SGT, weight approx. 8.2 kg ±5% • 10’0 x 29.75, 146 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 10.4 kg ±5% Construction: Surf Glass Technology (SGT) or Wood Sandwich, EVA deck, Norden Dolphin Fin + FCS Side Fins, SGT version supplied without fins
For longboard SUPs such as the Pintail, 28–30 inches width still offers good stability. For shorter boards, a bit more width works – which leads us to the next model, the Wide Body Fish.
The maneuver-oriented intermediate model – SUPer Fish 8’4-9’0 Wide Body
If you’re not interested in cruising and just want to surf and improve your manoeuvres, the SUPer Fish is the ideal choice.
Its short, fuller outline allows for playful turns even in smaller waves. The width of 29–31.5 inches provides stability, enabling you to ride shorter boards with confidence. For volume, use your body weight plus about half. Example: 80 kg → approximately 120 liters. Again, don’t exceed 32 inches in width—too wide, and the board becomes hard to control on the rail.
Specifications: • 8’4 x 29, 116 L SGT, weight approx. 7.4 kg ±5% • 8’9 x 31½, 130 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 9.2 kg ±5% • 9’0 x 31¾, 145 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 9.8 kg ±5% Construction: Wood Sandwich or SGT, EVA deck, cargo net, incl. Norden 5 Fin Set (SGT without fins)
The expert model – Combat 7’11-8’3
Andy Wirtz where he likes to be. 📸 Arno Ufen
If you’ve moved beyond the beginner and intermediate stages and are ready to really shred, the Combat is your board. The perfect companion for surf from chest-high to double overhead
You can confident going on a lower volume: Volume is about ¼ above your body weight (80 kg rider → around 100–110 litres). Width should not exceed 29 inches to get the most out of the shape. Dare a little more – you’ll be rewarded with direct response and maximum performance.
Specifications: • 7’11 x 28⅛, 100 L, weight approx. 7.0 kg ±5% • 8’3 x 28⅛, 110 L, weight approx. 7.2 kg ±5% • weight approx. 9.1 kg ±5% Construction: SGT construction, EVA deck, supplied without fins
Which Shape Suits You?
Your surfing style plays a decisive role in choosing the right board: • Relaxed, flowing manoeuvres? → Longboard Shape • Fast, radical turns? → SUPer Fish or Combat
Too much volume or width offers comfort but reduces control and agility. As so often, the art lies in finding the balance between stability and performance.
Important accessories
Paddle
The more neutral the paddle, the better. Minimal blade curve, a moderate angle and smooth contours ensure a natural, balanced feel in the water. In the surf, the paddle mainly helps you get onto the wave – once riding, it should support your manoeuvres, not dominate them.
Length: Maximum one hand’s length above head height, preferably shorter. A paddle that’s too long makes switching sides difficult – a disadvantage, especially in the surf. Rule of thumb: The smaller the board, the shorter the paddle.
One-piece or adjustable? Once you’ve found your ideal length, switching to a one-piece paddle is worth it. It’s lighter, more flexible and more durable – once you’ve made the switch, you won’t go back.
The norden Wave Paddle S & M
With a flat blade, light V-shape and minimal angle, it offers the perfect balance between drive and control. The filament shaft made from diagonally laid carbon fibres provides pleasant flex and reduces shoulder strain. The blade features a durable ABS edge – minor ground contact is no problem.
Blade sizes: • Riders up to 165 cm / 60–70 kg → Size S • Riders 170 cm+ / 75 kg+ → Size M Personal style also matters – if you prefer more power, go for the larger blade.
Specifications:
S / 7.5″ One-piece
Blade area: 533 cm²
Weight: approx. 557 g ±3%
• M / 8″ One-piece
Blade area: 632 cm²
Weight: approx. 615 g ±3%
• M / 8″ Two-piece / Adjustable
Blade area: 632 cm²
Weight: approx. 695 g ±3%
Features: Filament shaft 75-100% carbon, 12K blade with ABS sidewall, 12K top handle
Last but not least – the norden Wave Leash
Avoid coil leashes in the surf – they don’t belong there. The coiled section causes the board to snap back too quickly after a wipeout, which can be dangerous.
norden Wave Leashes are available in various lengths, usually at least as long as your board or slightly longer. Whether you wear it on your knee or ankle is personal preference: shortboarders tend to prefer the ankle, longboarders the knee.
Specifications: • 8’0–10’0 Construction: BASF urethane, double stainless-steel swivels, non-slip PU coating, knee or ankle strap
I hope this guide has given you some helpful insights into the world of SUP waveboards – and perhaps you’ve found the right board for you in our norden Waveboard range. For further questions, feel free to contact me directly through our website: 👉 www.norden-surfboards.com
If you would like to find out more about our selection of paddles or our fin guide, you will find the relevant links here.
Who is Andy Wirtz?
Andy Wirtz is the founder and owner of Norden Surfboards, one of the first brands to produce SUP boards in series production. As designer, he is responsible for all of the brand’s board shapes and contributes his extensive knowledge of shapes and fins. On the water, he has long been regarded as one of Germany’s leading SUP wave surfers – a skill that has already earned him a German Championship title in SUP surfing.
🛒 Save 10% on all norden products! You will receive a 10% voucher when you book an online subscription.
This is not a new question – it comes up again and again in the SUP industry. Especially when things are not going so well economically, the industry asks itself the self-critical question: “Are we actually producing for the right people?”
If anyone can give an honest answer to this question, it’s Jens von Gersdorff from the Get Up Stand Up Shop in Kappeln. Hardly anyone is as passionate about the sport as he is. Jens has been part of the German SUP community for many years and actively promotes the sport. In a much-noticed video, he denounces the state of the industry – or rather: the fact that much of it now revolves around racing and SUP wave disciplines, while the average paddler is increasingly being forgotten.
Watch this with English Subtitles.
A justified point
Jens raises a point here that we at Stand Up Magazine also need to think about. Over the past few years, as in many areas of the scene, a certain operational blindness has crept in. We follow with enthusiasm what is happening in the racing scene, report with fascination on downwind SUP foiling and are at the forefront when it comes to parawing developments. But these are all niche sports that only a few people have really mastered – or have any ambition to do so.
Learn from windsurfing
When we came to SUP around 15 years ago, we hardly knew anything about windsurfing. It quickly became clear that the same players were involved as later in SUP. And that’s where a parallel emerges: windsurfing died out because it became too complicated for normal people.
The development has always been similar: A sport starts out broad and accessible, many people join in. Then the protagonists want to push the boundaries, test equipment and themselves, push performance further and further – until at some point the equipment and conditions are only suitable for professionals. In windsurfing, this resulted in sinkerboards, extreme speeds and competitions in conditions that were simply too intense for amateur windsurfers. The sport suddenly became all about the top athletes in Ho’okipa, the perfect waves and the image of the extreme. The rest? No longer cool enough.
Nevertheless, Robby Naish became a superstar. Many Germans followed that dream and emigrated to the Canary Islands or Hawaii – where the big waves were waiting. But the sport itself shrank, sales halved and the industry lost contact with normal customers.
SUP, wing and foil in the age of social media
We are at a similar point today. In the age of social media, almost all content is created from the perspective of those who practice the sport at the limit. In SUP, around 90% of the content comes from racers. Wingfoiling is booming, driven by contests and events. Pump foiling is also growing thanks to committed protagonists and organizations such as the SFT, which is dedicated exclusively to this topic.
The media focus on world championships and racing series. As small as these areas are, they generate the content and the content keeps the sport alive and going. We all watch in fascination as SUP athletes battle for hundredths of a second, Kai Lenny foils across the open sea at 40 km/h or Maui super talent Cash Berzolla performs spectacular wingfoil maneuvers. But these are exceptional athletes. Most people just watch – and some say to themselves: “That’s not for me.” This is precisely the problem that Jens is addressing.
His customers are hardly interested in racing. Fewer people today – especially younger people – dream of big waves and golden sandy beaches and ask themselves: “Could I do that too?”
Building bridges
So the key question is: how do we bring the world of professionals and the world of normal people back together?
A look at our YouTube channel shows that our foiling videos appeal to an audience of 40 to 60-year-old male amateur athletes – people who can afford the equipment. We also make our videos from this perspective. Young riders are usually sponsored or supported by their parents. A few years ago, the foil industry recognized this potential for a short time and ran ads with athletes over 40.
The SUP racing scene today consists mainly of over-40 athletes and is getting older all the time. In wingfoiling, too, it is often former windsurfers who want to give it another go. Many already feel too old for pump foiling, and parawing is often just something to watch. But SUP and wingfoil are perfect for the 50+ generation who want to have at it again. These are precisely the people the industry should be advertising to and with.
New stories instead of old records
We need stories that inspire – not just clips of athletes who, as Jens aptly puts it, “nail it like sewing machines and rush 200 meters down the harbor”. We want SUP tours, travel stories, discoveries of new spots – told by normal people like you and me.
The problem is that these people are not content creators. They rarely share their experiences on social media and even less often with magazines. The industry doesn’t know them – and can therefore hardly use their content. But this is precisely where a huge opportunity lies: high-performance material can inspire if you show how much fun it can be in everyday use. The industry needs to find these stories and bring them to the “low-performance” target group.
Conclusion: If the SUP sport is to continue to grow, we need to make it appealing to normal people again. For those who paddle because they love nature, exercise and community – not because they want to become world champions.
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Marie-Carmen Rivera and Shuri Araki are the Champions
The EURO TOUR 2025 has officially wrapped up after seven thrilling events, bringing together athletes from more than 30 countries worldwide. In its 11th consecutive season, the Euro Tour once again proved why it is considered the most comprehensive and inclusive SUP racing series on the planet.
From Juniors to Masters (40+) and Kahuna (50+) divisions, every paddler found their place on the leaderboard, with the rankings honoring every participant from first to last. This season delivered not only fierce battles at the front of the pack but also a true celebration of international paddling culture.
Women’s Division – Rivera Leads the Pack
Puerto Rico’s MarieCarmen Rivera sealed the title after a stellar season, confirming her dominance across European waters. She was closely followed by a wave of Spanish and French talent, underlining the depth of the women’s field in Europe. Marie participated in all the big races of the EURO TOUR winning the most important one, the 6-Star race World SUP Festival in Barcelona. Alba Frey was in 3 out of the 4 big races as she sat out the Sancti Petri stop of the EURO TOUR. Duna Gordillo was in the 3 big Spanish races doing really well and Esperanza really only participated in 2 races of the EURO TOUR. The top women results underlines how concentrated the race season was in May and June. Non of the top ladies participated in any race after Barcelona
Top 5 Women 2025:
MarieCarmen Rivera 🇵🇷
Alba Frey 🇪🇸
Duna Gordillo 🇪🇸
Espe Barreras 🇪🇸
Iona Rivet 🇫🇷
Other standout performers included Lola Pelletier (FRA), Susak Molinero (ESP), and Jenny Kalmbach (CRC), proving the women’s field is as deep and competitive as ever. Rising stars like Katniss Paris (USA) and Brianna Orams (NZL) also showed they are forces to watch for future seasons.
Men’s Division – Araki Dominates
In the men’s division, Japan’s Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki lived up to his reputation as one of the sport’s biggest talents, taking the #1 overall ranking. His explosive racing style and consistency across all conditions made him nearly unstoppable. Shuri participated in all of the 4 big EURO TOUR races pretty much winning all of them. After Barcelona however he went back to Japan. Donato Freens had a bit of a slow start to the season with mediocre points in Sancti Petri and Costa Blanca. In the second half of the season he scored really well in Nordhausen, Namur and Royan. The same applies to Ethan Bry, is scores in the first half of the season were somewhat low but he did well in the 2nd half with a victory in Royan.
We covered the Big SUP Summer in Spain extensively and took some interesting statistics for all the SUP Race Lovers / Nerds. From our point of view we would hope that in 2026 the season will not be divided in half. The Spanish part of the tour really stood out with a large international participation but after Barcelona most big names went their own way.
Now we are looking forward to the 2026 season, as we are very curios on how the ESF, EURO TOUR and possible relaunch of the APP will play out. One thing remains for sure: The competitive SUP Sport is very fragmented.
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Introducing the All-New X Series: The 810X Foil Sets a New Standard in Performance
The wait is over – the first foil in the groundbreaking X Series, the 810X, has arrived. Engineered with high modulus carbon construction, this front foil is designed for riders who demand radical performance, manoeuvrability, and control across all conditions.
Surf-First Design for Maximum Performance
Whether you’re into parawinging, wingfoiling, downwinding, or wave riding, the 810X brings a true surf-like feeling to every manoeuvre. Built for high-speed carving, rail-to-rail transitions, and precision control in critical sections, this foil gives riders the freedom to push limits with confidence.
The aggressive anhedral ensures lightning-fast roll control, while the refined wing tips deliver stability during breaches. A smooth and progressive lift profile guarantees clean take-offs even in heavier, steeper sections, keeping you locked in and in control when it matters most.
Mid-Aspect Ratio Meets High Modulus Construction
With a carefully balanced mid-aspect ratio, the 810X hits the sweet spot between roll, manoeuvrability, and speed. Its high modulus build maximizes stiffness and precision, providing direct feedback and a rock-solid connection to the wave.
This is a foil made for intermediate to advanced riders who crave more response, more aggression, and more connection in every session.
Designer Notes
The X Series has been shaped with one mission: to allow riders to push harder and turn sharper than ever before. As the design team explains:
“The X Series has been designed for those looking for more radical turns across all types of foiling. Every curve has been refined to breach with ease and maintain control when laying it on its side – while remaining super stable, even in turbulent water. Whether it’s wing foiling, surf foiling, wake foiling, parawinging, or downwind foiling, this foil allows you to turn harder with more confidence.” – Marcus, Ben, Dan and James
810X Foil Specifications
Span: 814mm / 32 in
Area: 810cm² / 125.55 in²
Aspect Ratio: 8.2
The Future of Foiling is Here
Are you ready to experience the future of foiling? The new 810X X Series Foil is available now through Code Foils shops worldwide, with more locations being added every month.
The Big Dippa 2025: GBSUP National Series Stop #6 Brings Record Prize Pot and Extreme Conditions
The Big Dippa 2025 once again cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s premier SUP racing events, delivering high drama, fierce competition, and a record-breaking prize purse. Taking place in Whitley Bay, this sixth stop of the GBSUP National Series challenged paddlers with gnarly open-sea swell that tested skill, stamina, and nerves to the limit.
Record Prize Pot Thanks to Permatt Lift Trucks Newcastle
This year’s highlight was the Permatt GBSUP 14’ Race, which combined Distance and Technical results to determine the winners. Thanks to the support of Permatt Lift Trucks Newcastle, athletes battled it out for the largest SUP prize money in the UK:
🥇 1st Place: £1000
🥈 2nd Place: £400
🥉 3rd Place: £200
Such backing not only raised the stakes but also marked a milestone for competitive SUP in Britain, attracting elite paddlers from across the UK.
Big Dippa Delivers on Every Front
Founded by Anna Little, coach and driving force behind the Northern SUP Race Club, the Big Dippa has grown into a flagship event of the British SUP scene. The 2025 edition once again showcased world-class organization, community spirit, and challenging racing conditions.
Special thanks went out to Amanda Roberts of P3T Photography, whose lens captured unforgettable moments on the water — from powerful strokes to spectacular wipeouts.
Combined Race Results
14’ Hardboard Division
Female
🥇 Annabel Page
🥈 Sarah Perkins
🥉 Lynne Hawthorne
Male
🥇 Hector Jessel
🥈 James Little
🥉 Paul Drake
14’ iSUP Division
Female
🥇 Alice Stroyan
🥈 Emilia Soulsby
Male
🥇 Richard Davidson
Starboard Airline Cup
Female
🥇 Merle Wilson
🥈 Susan McElroy
Male
🥇 Matthew Taylor
Challenge Tour
Female
🥇 Caroline Hatchell
Male
🥇 Robert Powell
Looking Ahead
With extreme conditions, elite performances, and the biggest prize pot in UK SUP history, the Big Dippa 2025 has raised the bar for British stand-up paddle racing. As the GBSUP National Series continues, paddlers and fans alike can look forward to even more thrilling competition and community spirit.
The North East’s flagship stand-up paddle (SUP) racing event, the Big Dippa, is making waves once again in 2025. This year, the event has officially joined the GBSUP National Race Series, cementing its status as one of the premier SUP competitions in the country.
In a groundbreaking move, Big Dippa 2025 will offer the highest prize money of any SUP race in the UK. The prize purse totals £1,600, with £1,000 for first place, £400 for second, and £200 for third—a record-setting incentive for athletes across Europe.
Elite Paddlers Headline the Line-Up
The record-breaking prize money has already attracted some of the sport’s biggest names. Among the confirmed competitors are:
Annabel Page – the UK’s current No. 1 female racer.
Susanne Lier – elite paddler from Fuerteventura.
Hector Jessal and James Little – both seasoned international racers from the UK.
With such a high-caliber field, the competition promises to be the most thrilling edition yet.
Organisers and Partners
The event is spearheaded by Mark Ward, Michael Dobinson, and Anna Little, with strong backing from the North Tyneside Combined Authority, GBSUP/Black Project, and a host of local sponsors. Among them, Permatt Fork Trucks takes centre stage as the title sponsor of the Permatt 14 Big Dippa Distance Race.
Organiser Anna Little shared her excitement:
“The Big Dippa has always been about community, challenge, and showcasing the very best of paddle sports on our coast. By stepping up into the GBSUP National Race Series and increasing the prize pot, we’re raising the game for athletes while continuing to bring an exciting, world-class event to the North East.”
More Than Just Racing
Beyond the elite competition, the Big Dippa has become a celebration of SUP culture. Year after year, it has grown in size and reputation, blending grassroots energy with international ambition. Spectators can look forward to high-speed racing, a vibrant beachside atmosphere, and a showcase of SUP’s growing popularity in the UK.
Whitley Bay on the SUP Map
With its new position in the GBSUP National Race Series and the introduction of record prize money, Big Dippa 2025 is set to be the most competitive and exciting edition yet—firmly placing Whitley Bay on the international SUP map.
Jimmy Lewis is a world-renowned board shaper from Maui, Hawaii, celebrated for crafting some of the most iconic surfboards, windsurf boards, kitesurf boards, and stand-up paddleboards in the industry. With over five decades of shaping experience, Jimmy’s innovative designs have been ridden by world champions and water sports pioneers across the globe. Known for his unmatched attention to detail, performance-driven shapes, and commitment to quality, Jimmy Lewis continues to set the standard for high-performance boards that excel in waves, flatwater, and beyond.
Jimmy Lewis boards are available in Europa via Haiku Sports in Germany. We selected a few highlights below. To see the full range of products follow this link to the online shop.
Are you interested in Jimmys remarkable story? Reade our interview here.
Jimmy Lewis M – Series
Effortless Downwind Performance with Optimized Rocker Line and Shape
Designed for smooth and efficient downwind runs, this board features a flawless rocker line and refined shape that deliver exceptional glide with minimal effort. The 28″ width offers outstanding stability and forgiveness, making it ideal for riders of all sizes. It helps you catch glides more easily and stay on them longer.
The flat bottom from nose to center reduces drag for maximum speed, while the tail transitions into a subtle “V” shape, enhancing rail-to-rail responsiveness and maneuverability.
Includes an 8″ JL Tracker Fin for superior tracking and control.
The Jimmy Lewis Sidewinder is the most versatile and high-performance race board in the lineup, built to dominate in all water conditions—from flatwater to heavy chop and downwind runs.
Its zero-drag outline and low, smooth rocker line ensure quick acceleration and sustained speed with minimal effort. The high-volume nose keeps the board gliding over chop, while the “V” deck and wing-shaped front rails enhance tracking and control in crosswinds. A simple, efficient bottom design transitions from soft front edges to a stable concave underfoot and a flat tail for clean release and glide.
Whether you’re racing, training, or just cruising, the Sidewinder delivers unmatched speed, stability, and responsiveness.
The widely popular Destroyer MP inspired this new version – the Destroyer HP. Main task was to design a High Performance Longboard SUP that meets the requirements of the Australian Longboard SUP Division. As a result the HP got a longer and more narrow outline and was slimmed down substantially to give it a real competitive edge.
The HP offers both Thruster and Quad Fin set ups and is available in 3 different sizes:
The best board for both surf and flat water. Generally wave shapes don’t track (paddle straight) well because they’re designed to turn, but the Hanalei with it’s parallel rail outline and classic rocker creates the ultimate crossover board. Flat bottom to “V” starting in front of the fin area flowing out the tail makes this board paddle quickly and smoothly and surfs the same way. Comes with an 8″ center fin with 4″ side fins above 140 liters , and 7” center fin with 3.5” side fins below 140 Liters.
Young Talent and Consistent Performances Mark Seoul SUP Open 2025
After multiple years of holding the SUP Races under the KAPP Banner in Busan the APP moved its location this year to Seoul. In a recent interview with TotalSUP, Tristan Boxford (CEO) explained the move as follows:
“We loved the Busan SUP Open and KAPP created a new wave of interest and lifestyle engagement through the establishment and development of this event in Busan. However, it was the right time to head north to Seoul and from a global perspective, especially as we look ahead to a new era for the APP World Tour from 2026 and beyond, Seoul represents an iconic and premium destination for the Tour as Korea’s most high-profile and populated city.”
📸 APP TOUR
The 2025 Seoul SUP Open concluded with strong performances across both sprint and distance races, highlighting emerging talents from outside of Europe.
Rising female names to keep an eye on:
In the women’s division, 13-year-old Hirata Otono from Japan claimed overall victory by winning both the sprint and distance events. Otono had previously placed third at the 2024 Busan SUP Open and continued her steady progress on the international scene with a well-paced and composed showing across both race formats in Seoul.
Sujeong Lim, representing the host city of Seoul, secured second place in both disciplines, leading to a second-place overall finish. The local athlete delivered consistent results throughout the event, maintaining pressure on the leader.
Completing the women’s podium was Rinka Mizutani from Japan. Her third-place finishes in both races marked a step forward from her previous fourth-place result at the Busan event, underscoring her ongoing development.
Low participation from the international elite
Given the announcement and price money, the APP set the expectations as far as participation went high. Donato Freens, the main character on the event poster for example was absent. Former APP athletes like Christian Andersen, or some of last years women athletes did also not go to Seoul. In the interview with TotalSUP Tristan Boxford acknowledged the problem of board transport:
“As always, logistical challenges with board transport make international participation more of an obstacle, but we nonetheless have a good crop of athletes coming from all across the world to participate in this year’s edition.”
In the men’s competition, Shuri Araki of Japan once again demonstrated his race control with back-to-back wins in the sprint and distance categories. Araki, who came into the event as one of the favorites, executed his sprint heats with precision and maintained his lead throughout the longer distance race, despite pressure from Greek competitor Anastasios Tsouris.
Tsouris encountered an early setback in the sprints due to interference but recovered to finish fourth overall after a strong performance in the distance race.
Another Greek athlete, Nikolaos Malekakis, showed solid all-around ability with a second-place sprint finish and third in the distance race. At 19 years old, Malekakis is one of the younger athletes showing potential on the international circuit.
Ivan de Frutos Ruiz from Spain completed the men’s overall podium. His third-place finish in the sprint and fourth in the distance event contributed to a consistent performance throughout the weekend.
Watch the full recap of the action:
The future of the APP
A question looming for a while now was: What is the future of the APP looking like if there is one? The event in Seoul and the interview on TotalSUP is giving us a hint. When asked about the current state of the APP Tristan Boxford answered as follows:
“As referenced above, the logistical challenges faced to deliver a World Championship Tour are significant, with global board transport being near to impossible with the current 14’ board class, and financial support for the athletes diminishing year on year, as race board sales aren’t sufficient to justify the level of investment required to support an international team. At a Tour level, the costs involved are high, and we have maintained prize-money levels over double what anything else is delivering, coupled with global TV production commitments which have been a challenge to maintain financially, only made worse by a series of unfortunate events that further inhibited what we had in motion.
However, we have hit reset and are working towards an exciting new and re-imagined future for the Tour and the sport as a whole. With revolutionary and exciting new formats for both race courses and equipment that will in turn be more accessible and exciting for new audiences and participants alike. In short, we have created a new business model that can deliver World Class sporting action in all four corners of the world and provide security for athletes, thereby allowing them to pursue legitimate careers in the sport and provide entertainment to global audiences.”
SUP Racing on 14′ Boards | 📸 APP TOUR
Tristan acknowledges the major problems in our sport: Cost of board transport, financial support for athletes and what lies underneath it all: Sales of boards. More interestingly is the approach of the APP to solve the problem or in better terms the vague info given. We are wondering, what are revolutionary new race formats and equipment? While we see race formats differ from organization to organization we are sure wondering what the equipment part is supposed to tell us? Board transport is a problem we all know that. Is the APP looking for shorter race boards? Or maybe even for inflatables? We don’t know yet, but did hear some rumors of ideas of sub 14′ boards floating around. For now we have to wait and see what this “new business model” is all about. Maybe shift the focus entirely to Asia is part of it.
In a further question about APP alignment with all the other organizations Tristan Boxford speaks about board transport again:
“The reality is that with the current board challenges, outside of Europe even getting boards to a single event like the ICF or ISA each year is challenging and majority of the events feature minimal prize-money and media interest outside of the very core markets.
Our positioning moving forward is to re-establish a World Championship Tour that sees the very best athletes follow the global series in pursuit of a World Championship Title, much like the WSL is for Surfing and much like it was for many years on the Tour with Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Candice Appleby etc. This will include not only elevated prize-money and athlete subsidies and support, but also a global media strategy that can grow the competitive side of the sport beyond the confines of the current niche market. We are not just a series of events linked together loosely, we are a structured Tour that delivers a consistent and unified global representation for the sport.“
The problem of board transport is heard loud an clear. What resonates with us is, the resemblance to the WSL and the past of the APP when the pioneers of the sport were front and center. We have written a lengthy essay on the future of the sport (You can read it here) where we pointed out the WSL model. The only problem is, that even the WSL is depending on outside funds to survive. We sure welcome the vision of the APP and the WSL model, but the question remains: Who is going to pay for it all?
Tristan Boxford says further:
“While a sport making the Olympics always helps to elevate it beyond a core market, as we have seen with many of the board sports within the sector (surfing / windsurfing / kitesurfing – all of which are olympic sports), it is not the be all and end all and in fact, as has been proven, a career in competitive surfing is a following the WSL’s world championship Tour. We want to transform the sport into something young people can aspire to be a part of and pursue a career in, something that inspires and entertains. As it stands, while there is competition taking place around the world, this cohesive approach to promoting and developing the sport is missing and this is what we are focused on.“
When asked about the rest of the 2025 season and next year, Tristan Boxford is excited about an all new APP Tour but as always leaving a cliff hanger for us to stay tuned for the big news to come out soon:
“We will have some surfing through the back end of 2025, but all eyes will be on the launch of the revamped Tour for 2026, with exciting news to come regarding the venues, the formats and other groundbreaking changes in store for 2026 and beyond.
The Racing Tour will feature a mix of flat water and surf venues as well as exciting new formats that we anticipate will revolutionize racing in all respects. For Surfing, we will finally return to a minimum of a 3 event Tour to provide a legitimate and dynamic pathway to a World Championship crown for the World’s best SUP Surfers. More to come on this, so stay tuned.
It will be a new era for the Tour and the sport and we look forward to sharing all this with you once we are ready to launch.“
A Landmark Event for Crete and the International SUP Community
The heart of international SUP beat once again in Crete – more specifically, in Agios Nikolaos – which proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP (May 3–4), the premier Greek stand-up paddling event and one of only five stops of the ICF World Ranking Series 2025 that will determine the overall winner at the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This year’s event marked not only a top-level competition, but also a symbolic milestone for the sport in Greece. Since 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has grown into one of the key forces driving the development of SUP nationwide, attracting world-class athletes to Crete every year and elevating the town’s status as a major destination for international SUP racing.
The visionary and driving force behind the event is Mikhalis Farsaris, who served as President of the Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN) from 2015 to 2023. He currently holds the positions of President of the Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) and SUP Representative of the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP & Surf Federation since 2024.
DAEAN, under the leadership of its current President Giorgos Astroulakis, its dedicated staff – and in particular Maria Datseri, who has played a pivotal role in the event’s organization – as well as the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and Deputy Mayor for Sports Giorgos Xenos, the Region of Crete, the TOURIX – Digital Tourism Marketing team, and the broader local community, have all consistently recognized the importance of Agios Nikolaos on SUP and supported it meaningfully throughout the years. The creation of the Agios Nikolaos Nautical Athletic Association (NASAN) was an outgrowth of this developmental course, meeting the growing need for sporting activity in SUP in the region.
With this joint support, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has managed to evolve into a model event that unites sport with tourism extroversion, establishing Agios Nikolaos as an authentic and quality sports tourism destination at an international level.
Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has mirrored the dynamic evolution of stand-up paddling in Greece. A clear testament to its growth? More than 200 athletes from 23 countries competed this year in Agios Nikolaos and nearby Sitia, with a combined prize pool of €18,000 – delivering four days filled with intensity, high-level competition, and unforgettable moments for both athletes and spectators alike.
——–
Day 1 – Technical Race:
Power, Precision & Spectacle in Almyros
The first day of competition at Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 kicked off with energy and intensity, as the Technical Race unfolded at Almyros Beach under striking weather conditions: a sunny sky, strong crosswinds, and friendly waves that raised the level of difficulty while providing an exciting visual experience for the spectators.
The race course was demanding – 1.5 kilometers, two laps, 16 buoy turns, and two beach sprints on the sand. This unique format offered a truly authentic “Beach Race” experience – complete with waves, wind, sprinting transitions, and sharp buoy turns, showcasing not only paddling strength and technique but also essential wave-reading and ocean-handling skills.
The mix of natural elements made the race both unpredictable and visually stunning – a true challenge requiring full focus and resilience from the athletes. This type of race stands out as one of the most enjoyable and engaging formats in the sport, both for paddlers and fans alike.
In the Open Men’s division, Japan’s Shuri Araki proved his strength and consistency, claiming victory ahead of top-level contenders like Donato Freens (Netherlands), Eri Tenorio (Brazil), Blue Ewer (United Kingdom), and Paolo Marconi (Italy) who secured a solid 5th place.
In the Open Women’s division, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico topped the podium after a tight and action-packed race. Csillag Kocsis from Hungary followed in second place, while local talent Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece) fought hard to take third. Susak Molinero (Italy) finished fourth, and Katniss Paris (USA) – world sprint champion – rounded out the top five in a race marked by intense buoy battles and relentless pace changes.
As the sun set over Almyros, the day concluded with a warm and celebratory awards ceremony on the beach, where medals and prize money were presented – embracing the true spirit of the sport. A sport with salt and sand in its DNA, this was beach racing at its very best: challenging, fun, and unforgettable.
——–
DAY 2 – LONG DISTANCE
Endurance, Tactics & Heart at the Finish Line
The 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 came to a close in the best possible way – with the Long Distance Race, a highlight event that counted both for the ICF World Ranking Series and the Greek National Championship. A demanding test of physical endurance, strategic thinking, and mental strength, the race honored the ten-year legacy of the event and once again showcased the spirit of international stand-up paddling at its finest.
The classic 13.5-kilometer course, stretching along the coastal route with a start line opposite the emblematic island of Spinalonga, offered once again a unique set of challenges and conditions – always intense, always different.
With men starting at 10:00 and women at 13:00, the changing weather conditions gave each race a distinct character. The men faced light headwinds for the majority of the route, followed by a calmer stretch leading to the finish line. On the other hand, the women encountered a constantly shifting course – downwind conditions for much of the first half, followed by headwinds and some particularly demanding crosswind segments. It was a tough and challenging race – both physically and mentally.
Notably, 8 out of the last 10 editions of this race have offered favorable downwind conditions – with the exception of the last two years! We hope this impressive streak continues in future editions!
In the men’s race, Japan’s Shuri Araki continued his undefeated streak, crossing the finish line first and confirming his world-class status. He was followed by the ever-consistent Donato Freens from the Netherlands and the talented Greek athlete Anastasios Tsouris, who secured third place with an impressive performance. Eri Tenorio of Brazil finished fourth, while Italian Paolo Marconi claimed fifth place after a fierce battle with his national teammate Filippo Mercuriali.
In the women’s race, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico once again dominated, showcasing her consistency and experience in long-distance racing. Susak Molinero of Spain delivered a strong performance to take second place, while the young and promising Greek athlete Kyriaki Logotheti completed the podium in third. Natalia Novitskaia placed fourth, with Germany’s Skadi Langbein rounding out the top five, confirming her rising potential on the international scene.
The day concluded with emotion and celebration, as athletes, coaches, and volunteers were cheered on during the awards ceremony in front of the iconic lake of Agios Nikolaos. The celebrations peaked with a joyful greek dance that brought together top athletes from around the world, followed by a lively concert by Vaggelio Fasoulaki and her band.
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The heart of SUP beats strongly on the island of Crete, a destination that meets all the criteria for hosting top-level events – showcasing both the sport and Greece on the global stage. The participation of elite athletes and the warm hospitality of the local community create an ideal environment for even greater events in the future. It’s also worth highlighting the high participation levels in the Junior categories – especially from Greek U18 athletes – whose strong performances demonstrated that the sport is evolving rapidly and that its future belongs to the next generation.
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Always Part of Our Story
As this special edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP comes to a close, our thoughts turn to Amandine Chazot – a beloved figure of our SUP family. A world-class athlete, but above all, a gracious and generous soul, Amandine embraced this event and this place with rare warmth. Though she is no longer with us, her light, her smile, and her unwavering love for Agios Nikolaos remain woven into the fabric of our story. She will always have a place in our hearts – and on our starting line.
A BIG THANK YOU
TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE AGIOS NIKOLAOS ON SUP 2025 – ICF WORLD RANKING EVENT
The Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN) and its President, Mr. Giorgos Astroulakis
The Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the Deputy Mayor of Sports, Mr. Giorgos Xenos
The Region of Crete, and the Deputy Regional Governor of Lasithi, Mr. Giannis Androulakis, as well as Mr. Leonidas Terzis
The Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and the Deputy Minister, Mr. Giannis Vroutsis
The Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) and its President, Mr. Michalis Farsaris
The Hellenic Canoe–Kayak, SUP, Surfing Federation
The International Canoe Federation (ICF)
The Port Fund of Agios Nikolaos and its President, Mr. Dimitris Agapitos
The Sailing Club of Agios Nikolaos
TOURIX – Digital Tourism Marketing
We also extend our gratitude to our safety/support boats and captains:
Michalis Vasilakis (mvdiving.com)
Giannis Mastorakis
Michalis Markantonakis (www.captain4aday.gr)
Dimitris & Nikos Mathioudakis (Nausboats.gr)
Konstantis Zacharopoulos (leisureyachts.gr)
Giorgos Klontzas, professional diver
Giorgos Kostampeis (Plaka Watersports)
Nikos Koutoulakis (Happy Divers)
Stefanos Bonis (divecrete.com)
Angelos Koukourakis and the Evangelou family’s watersports business
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our partners, volunteers, and the dedicated staff of DAEAN, who contribute to the success of this major event each year with their smiles, passion, and unwavering commitment.
—
GOLD SPONSOR
Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN)
SPONSOR
DAIOS COVE
REGION OF CRETE
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
ANEK LINES – official transport sponsor
Hospitality Sponsors:
Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites
Faedra Beach Resort
Intercontinental
Lato Hotel
Minos Palace Hotel & Suites
Mirabella Apartments
Mistral Bay Hotel
Porto Elounda
Santa Marina Unique Hotel
St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
Sponsors – Suppliers:
Funsports-Surfmarket
Νερά Σεληνάρι
Νίκος Αγγελάκης για τις μπανάνες
Communication Sponsors: ΑΝΑΤΟΛΗ, fonien.gr, cna.gr, Ραδιοφωνικός Σταθμός Αγίου Νικολάου 104,4fm, Λατώ fm 103.3
A Paddle Festival Like No Other – Welcome to THE LAKE ROCKS 2025
Get ready for one of Europe’s most exciting and international SUP race weekends of the year! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Austria, THE LAKE ROCKS, part of the SUP Alps Trophy and the ICF World Ranking Series, is where the global SUP community comes together to celebrate speed, endurance, and stoke.
With over 400 competitive racers and paddlers from 20 nations, this event is more than just a race – it’s a full-on festival for professionals, amateur racers, and first-timers alike. From world champions and rising young talents to passionate masters and fun-race newcomers, this weekend will showcase the full spectrum of stand-up paddling.
In this preview, we break down the athlete field, race structure, prize categories, and everything else that makes THE LAKE ROCKS an unmissable highlight of the 2025 SUP season.
We at the Stand Up Magazin love data and picked all the info available apart and to say the least, it is impressive. If we were just a bit closer we be on the next plane to be there.
A truly international and diverse European starting field. Just take a look at these numbers:
Hungary: ~80 paddlers
Italy: ~80 paddlers
Germany: ~50 paddlers
Austria: ~40 paddlers
Benelux: ~30 paddlers
Switzerland: 12 paddlers
Poland: 12 paddlers
Great Britain: 8 paddlers
Slovenia, North Macedonia, Croatia (combined): 15 paddlers
Total participating nations: 20+
Check out the highlights from 2024
Race Format & Prizes
The weekend kicks off with the long-distance race, with separate starts for men and women. All age groups will race at the same time. There will be prize money and medals for the fastest overall finishers, plus additional podiums for:
U12
U16
Master 40
Master 50
Master 60
This means top athletes such as Joep van Bakel and Manuel Lauble (both Master 40) are eligible for prize money. Notably, at the last World Championships, the fastest Master 40 paddlers were not far off the Open Class times.
Remember the legendary moment from 2024. Looks like we are in for a rematch of the Legend Boothy and the Young Gun Donato. This will be very exciting!
Podium Contenders
Men’s Elite Favorites:
Michael Booth
Donato Freens
Phaedon Doukas
Filippo Mercuriali
Normen Weber
Joep van Bakel
Manuel Lauble
Top Masters Competitors (Women):
Penny Tsaoutou
Sara Oddera
Polona Pusljar
Masters 40 – ICF World Championship Alumni:
Joep van Bakel (World Champion)
Christian Taucher
Szabolcs Fodor
Manuel Lauble
Alessandro Sapigni
Olivier Comazzi
Women’s Elite Favorites:
Juliette DuHaime (top contender)
Reka Slekta
Skaadi Langbein
Challengers & Young Talents:
Benyam Bossack
Marlon Daskiran
Giulio Lazzarini
Enrico Mandoloni
Zeno Szabo
Bastian Grimm
Masters 50 Men – Deep Field:
Peter Weidert (3× World Champion)
Gabor Szabo
Gerd Weisner
Viktor Zöllner
Roberto Mandoloni
Holger Hassenpflug
Balazs Dori
Norbert Hödl
Daniele Cani
Eleftherios Maroulakis
The SUP Alps Trophy – THE LAKE ROCKS is part of the ICF World Ranking Series and more than just a race – it’s a full paddle festival for pros, pro-ams, and all SUP race enthusiasts. The event features training opportunities, equipment demos, and vibrant social gatherings, all set in one of the most stunning locations in the world.
It takes a team
This event is made possible thanks to the passion and dedication of:
Gerd Weisner (SUP Alps Trophy)
Rudy van Haven
Normen Weber
Mathieu Astier
Lizzy van Haven
Media crew: Tiemo, Marco, Dagi, Volker, Jörg Bossack
Michael Sternig and the local tourism office team
And especially you – our paddlers, friends, and competitors.
Do you feel it is good that the Stand Up Magazin is part of the SUP Commuity and takes time and effort to amplify the stoke of the sport? If so please become a supporter.
Infinity Surfboards is a renowned surfboard manufacturer and surf shop located in Dana Point, California. Established in 1970 by Steve and Barrie Boehne, the company has been a significant presence in the surfing community for over five decades. Steve Boehne, an experienced shaper, began crafting surfboards in the 1960s and later expanded into designing stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), becoming one of the early adopters of the sport in 2004. The Boehne family’s dedication to quality and innovation has solidified Infinity’s reputation in the industry.
The company has also been recognized for its contributions to the surfing world, with Steve and Barrie Boehne being honored with a bronze sculpture in Dana Point commemorating their impact on the sport.
Building on his fathers legacy Dave Boehne, has continued to build a strong reputation in SUP Racing. As of 2025 some of the best paddlers in the world are on Infinity Boards. Namely Marie Carmen Rivera, Juliette DuHaime and Donato Freens who are some of the stand outs.
In this buyers guide we are highlighting some of the most popular boards and paddles in the Infinity SUP Line.
EVERREADY
The EVERREADY board is designed to replace the popular Blackfish Dugout with significant improvements in rocker, bottom shape, and outline. Developed by Dave Boehne and his team, the board aims to excel in all racing conditions, offering efficiency in flat water and stability in choppy conditions. Its playful design allows for easy handling and quick adaptation. The board has proven its versatility with notable race results, including Arthur Arutkin’s 2nd place finishes and multiple wins by MarieCarmen Rivera and others in various race formats.
NOSE
Narrower than Blackfish wider than Whiplash
Allows for more acceleration off the line
SIDE RAILS
Increases stability with a larger secondary stability matched with a low cockpit
Taller rails allow dropping the standing zone even lower to the water line
Available sizes
14′ x 21″ x 282L / 23lbs – 10.43kg
14′ x 22.5″ x 293L / 23.8lbs – 10.79kg
14′ x 24″ x 320L / 26lbs – 11.79kg
14′ x 26″ x 349L / 26.4lbs – 11.97kg
CONSTRUCTION
Team elite carbon molded sandwich
Lightweight EPS core
Full pvc shell
Full carbon fiber wrap with fiberglass reinforcement
Reinforced high density inserts all plugs and boxes
The Blackfish is a highly recognized SUP raceboard known for its versatility and speed. The latest version features Team Elite Tech2 Carbon construction, making it lighter and more durable. Designed by Dave Boehne, it excels in all conditions, from flat water to choppy seas. The board has won multiple world titles and races, proving its reliability. The new design includes a taller, sharper nose for better efficiency in upwind conditions and a hybrid planning hull for stability. The flat deck version offers a sure-footed stance and is ideal for various water types.
New for 2025 with requests from our team we have sunken the flat deck approx .5″ deeper and added a single drain under the handle in the narrower sizes 21.5″ and 23″ the wider versions have the standard flat deck and no drain needed.
If you are looking for the easiest most versatile board in the range that is designed to paddle all types of water from flat water lake, open ocean, windy and chop this board is for you.
Sizes / Estimated Weights / Rider Recommendation
14′ x 21.5″ x 275L = 20lbs (9.07 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 190lbs / 86kg
14′ x 23″ x 288L = 21.6lbs (9.79 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 210lbs / 95.2kg
14′ x 24.5″ x 306L = 23.8lbs (10.79 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 220lbs / 99.7kg
14′ x 26″ x 323L = 25lbs (11.33 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 240lbs / 108.8kg
14′ x 28″ x 352L = 26.2lbs (11.88 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 265lbs / 113.3kg
14′ x 30″ x 353L = 28lbs (12.7 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 265lbs / 113.3kg
The Whiplash is designed for flat water and mild chop racing, featuring advanced hollow carbon technology. It has a revolutionary hybrid elevated tail for maximum glide and release, making it fast and stable. The board excels upwind and handles moderate bumps well. Key refinements include a sharper nose entry, a wider cockpit, and a flatter rail panel for increased stability. The tail design offers unmatched glide per stroke and stability, combining narrow low drag speed with wider max stability when engaged. A true industry first in tail design. The feel will blow your mind.
Construction
Hollow core
100% carbon fiber
3 in 1 molded construction with internal stringer structure.
Pre installed reinforced fin box, handle, vent plugs and signature “brushed” carbon matte paint finish to help hide typical scratches, repairs, and remove additional weight.
Sizes / Recommended Rider Weight
14′ x 21″ x 254L (recommended MAX rider weight 170lbs / 77.11kg)
14′ x 22.5″ x 272L (recommended MAX rider weight 190lbs / 86.18kg)
14′ x 24″ x 298L (recommended MAX rider weight 210lbs / 95.25kg)
14′ x 25.5″ x 316L (recommended MAX rider weight 225lbs / 102.05kg)
The E-Ticket Touring board is based off of the original Blackfish design with a nice wide tail that keeps the outline in the back very parallel for stability and easy glide. The wide point forward outline in the nose keeps the width underneath and slightly in front of the stance for predictable – easy cruising stability and comfort. The bottom contour is a hybrid-planning hull with the original Blackfish concave in the tail. This has been adopted by many of the top brands over the last few years. Blackfish was the first! In addition to its world class DNA, we’ve chose to build this board in our Wide Aquatic Innegra tech construction to it offer it at a great price and come in as a lights out value for this category.
The SUP surf lineup is influenced by traditional surfboard shapes, with the popularity of twin fin boards inspiring the new B-Line Twin. Designed by Dave Boehne and Bernd Roediger, this performance-driven twin fin board offers highline speed and sharp transition turning. It features three fin boxes set further back and clustered together for enhanced performance. The B-Line Twin combines the control of the BlurrV3 with the stability of the Wide Speed, resulting in a faster, more stable ride. The nose is slightly wider than the Blurr, with a linear outline for added stability and a “bump” at the fins for great pivot off the bottom. The lower tail rocker and bottom vee concave contour provide quick re-direction.
DESIGN FEATURES
Low aspect shortboard style rails
Jet tail adds more grip on rail and added control
Performance hybrid style outline slightly wider nose and tail adding stability and speed
Moderate entry rocker and curve with a slightly lower tail rocker
The Blurr V3 is the latest evolution in the Blurr performance series, designed by SUP shaper Dave Boehne. This shortboard-inspired design features a traditional outline and bottom contour, offering versatility in various wave conditions. It excels in beach breaks, points, and hollow tubes, responding well to aggressive riding and smooth rail-to-rail arcs. Developed with input from top riders like Sebastian Gomez, Izzi Gomez, and Candice Appleby, the Blurr V3 has achieved notable successes, including gold medals at the 2024 Pan American Games and a first-place finish at the 2025 DaHui Backdoor Shootout.
Design Highlights:
Single concave bottom with a wing pin tail (inspired by the New Deal model).
Step rail design:
Hides volume in the board center.
Thins out the rails for a low-aspect, shortboard-style edge.
Adds structural strength and flex response.
Performance: Offers strong pivot and carving abilities; smooth and responsive ride.
Positioning: Dims sit between the RNB and BLine models.
Less aggressive than the BLine.
More refined than the RNB.
Moderate, traditional rocker for predictable speed and transitions.
Introducing our latest collaboration with BLACK PROJECT and the Infinity Synergy-X Race Paddle!
We are stoked to be able to offer what we believe is THE best premium race paddle on the market in the Hydro Synergy-X with all of our SPEED FREAK branding. Match this premium blade with one of our premium race boards and it’s time to Paddle Like A Freak!
We wanted to keep it simple in that this paddle is the exact specs of the Black Project only ours have our logos and branding for all of the Infinity fans out there.
Simple Info:
This paddle is best for mid to long distance racing and paddling or for people who want a top of the line premium product for recreational distance and touring.
One specific shaft option to match the blade size with the optimal flex.
Choose what size blade you want and we fit the shaft flex automatically to match
Used by Infinity team riders Arthur Arutkin, Donato Freens, Campbell Carter.For more in depth specs and info on the Hydro Synergy-X paddle you can visit Black Projects website HERE.
This is a collaboration between two like-minded companies, Infinity and Black Project!
SUP Surfing Paddle
The lightweight, powerful & responsive SUP paddle for surfers.
The QUICK STRIKE! SUP surfing paddle is for paddlers who want to catch more waves and surf better with less fatigue during long sessions. Lightweight and durable, the QUICK STRIKE! combines exceptional power, blade stability and dynamic flex to help you paddle faster into waves and enhance your surfing, while protecting your body from injury during long sessions.
The International Canoe Federation (ICF), in collaboration with various Greek organizations and the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, proudly presents Agios Nikolao on SUP an ICF SUP World Ranking Event. This prestigious competition will be held next weekend, in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, alongside the Hellenic Long Distance SUP Championship and the Hellenic Technical SUP Cup.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has grown from a local race into a high-level international event, attracting top athletes from around the world. Last year’s event saw 230 athletes from 15 countries, solidifying Agios Nikolaos as a leading SUP destination.
This year’s event is an official ICF SUP World Ranking Event, with points contributing to athletes’ rankings ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi. For the first time, the World Championships will feature a special award for the Overall Winner of the ICF World Ranking Series.
With €9,000 in prizemoney for the top five finishers in both Long Distance and Technical Races, and a total of €18,000 when combined with the SITIA ICF SUP World Cup, the event promises to attract top SUP athletes. There will be 215 athletes from 23 countries competing.
Stacked field of international stars
SUP fans will be delighted to see Japan’s superstar, Shrimpy Shuri Araki, make an appearance in Crete next weekend. This will be Shrimpy’s season opener, as we have not seen him racing since Sarasota 2025. We are especially looking forward to seeing Shrimpy paddle against Donato Freens, who is coming off a long-distance victory at the Battle for Hercules.
Eri Tenorio will be there two, just like Donato he is travelling from Spain to Greece for the 2nd stop of our Super SUP Euro Spring Tour. Eri will have his work cut out against Donato and Shrimpy his results in Spain did not earn him any price money. If he wants to get some extra cash he has to make the top 5 this time. We are sure he is extra motivated to have a pay day this time.
Another name to pay attention to will be Blue Ewer. This will be the first time in 2025 that we see him race against an international field, and we are looking forward to seeing how he starts the season. Further in the field, we have Italy’s Paolo Marconi, Simone Tugnoli Peron, and Filippo Mercuriali. These are the noteworthy international names competing against a strong group of Greek nationals, notably Phaedon Doukas and Anastasios Tsouris, both local athletes who have made a name for themselves on the global stage.
As much as we are excited to see the men racing, we can’t wait for the first appearance of Marie Carmen Rivera. She is making the trip to Crete from Puerto Rico to compete for important ICF points as well as some good prize money.
However, Marie Carmen won’t have an easy path in Greece. Her biggest opponents will be Katniss Paris, Csillag Kocsis, and Susak Molinero. For starters, Katniss is coming to Greece with strong momentum, currently holding the ICF SUP Sprint World Title and highly motivated to further her career in the sport.
Csillag, who just turned 18, made a great impression last weekend at the Battle for Hercules, where she raced against some of the strongest women in the sport — with the exception of Marie Carmen. We are particularly looking forward to seeing how Csillag will perform.
Susak Molinero is a very experienced athlete who has been in the sport for a long time. Her experience could prove especially valuable in the long-distance race.
We must also not rule out the dark horse potential of Natalia Notvistkaia, who is finding her way back into the sport. The last time we saw her was in Florida at the ICF Worlds. We will also keep an eye on Linda Syrovátková from the Czech Republic and Marta Apanasewicz from Poland.
While there’s no doubt that SUP as a competitive hobby sport is thriving, one group is being left behind: young athletes with bigger dreams. These are athletes who see SUP as more than just a pastime — they see the potential for a sports career, the hope of earning a living, and maybe even the dream of becoming an Olympian one day.
A recent news release from the ISA, confirming that longboarding will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, has cast fresh doubt on SUP’s Olympic future — at least in the near to mid-term. We covered this development and shared the news across our social media channels for many years.
This is a quick history lesson:
Watch this podcast with Connor Baxter about the CAS decision 4 years ago. The Olympic responsibility was handed to the ISA away from the ICF. It was a moment when the hopes for Olympic inclusion were extremely high. The community waited a very long time for this decision.
One year ago it became clear: SUP won’t be included in LA 2028
This is not the moment to dig in the past, but a moment to take step back and look at the sobering reality: The Olympic inclusion of SUP is in the far and not the near future.
It was the statement, following the recent news from the ISA, by a father of a very talented girl with big ambitions, that made me think. It was Miklos Kocsis the dad of Csillag Kocsis who said the following:
“These news made me very disappointed. If sup won’t be an Olympic sport soon, financing won’t be solved at all. How can I keep my girl Csillag Kocsis in the sport ? She trains with the promise she becomes an Olympic gold medalist… just like the other top paddlers under 25. What have we got to tell them ? Sup will be a hobby for people over 40 in a couple of years, which is great but don’t give the perspective of a bright future. Sorry guys ! We can’t keep traveling and competing around the world without any financing. Personally I am tired to put my money into it. Our sponsors help a lot, but if stays as a hobby ( train professionally, earn nothing ) my girl will turn to something else.”
This statement really resonated with me. fI’m a father of teenagers in a similar age group, and we’re a family of competitive surfers. Even though surfing is now an Olympic sport, the financial hurdles remain high. However, we’ve seen how Olympic inclusion has helped kids become more professional and how it has fostered the growth of a support system. Without financial backing, youth sports can become prohibitively expensive.
There was another statement from the dad of Cameron Tripney:
“So if ISA a no go for Sup inclusion, what about pursuit by ICF? “
My answer:
“They cant, Olympic Court of Arbitration did rule against ICF, its all in the hands of ISA.”
Response:“So we doomed then. Killed the sport. My son will leave the sport possibly as it’s so obvious that only Olympics as goals will add value.”
The key message that resonated and saddened me the most was:“My son will leave the sport…” “…my girl will turn to something else.” This is a reality that many don’t dare to speak out loud: We are loosing young talented athletes if we don’t find a path forward.
Another active voice in this conversation is Paco Freens. His son Donato has made a big name for himself over the years, and Paco is now calling on the SUP community to organize itself. Such a move could create autonomy from the feuding federations and potentially send a strong message to sponsors.
Efforts like this have been made in the past — and it’s something I’ve been advocating for a long time: SUP for SUP, where the athletes call the shots. But it never materialized. It’s a topic that deserves an essay of its own.
I see growing frustration among parents about the sport’s lack of movement toward true professionalism. Yes, we have big events, SUP festivals with strong participation, and even a EURO TOUR with prize money — and all of that is great. But what’s missing is a structured pathway for athletes to grow within.
For a young and thriving athlete like Csillag, there’s no clear endgame, no ultimate goal, no climax — and certainly no compensation. Claiming an ISA, ICF, or whatever world title is an impressive achievement, but the reality is that it doesn’t move you forward financially or land you a major sponsorship deal.
In fact, you end up spending money with very little chance of return on investment. It’s a hobby where you spend money — but don’t make any.
Speaking of the ISA, surfing offers a great example of how a fringe sport can move toward a more professional environment. Surfing has long been on the edge of mainstream sports — and in many ways, it still is. However, its close ties to other board sports and its strong lifestyle appeal have made it attractive to the fashion industry, which has long been a major financial backer of surf athletes.
Well-known surfers have earned millions through sponsorships from brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Nike, and others. In recent years, surfing has also caught the attention of energy drink companies and even car brands. Clothing, automotive, and beverage industries — all mainstream — have helped transport the surfing lifestyle to a much broader audience. This is something the SUP sport still completely lacks.
Surfing wasn’t always like this. In fact, it likely wouldn’t be where it is today without billionaire investor Robert Ziff. Long before Olympic inclusion or major streaming deals, Ziff invested $25 million into a company called ZoSea in 2012, shortly after it acquired the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals). By 2014/15, the ASP was rebranded as the World Surf League (WSL).
In 2017, Ziff reportedly invested another $25 million — a figure revealed in a recent lawsuit. According to ZIPPIA, the WSL reached peak revenue of $33 million in 2023. The organization currently employs 342 people, with a revenue-per-employee ratio of $96,491.
Since the WSL remains privately held under Ziff’s control, concrete financial data is hard to come by. However, word on the street continues to suggest that the league is far from profitable.
Even with Olympic inclusion and efforts like the Apple TV+ partnership for the behind-the-scenes series “Make or Break”, the sport has struggled to break into the mainstream. The show was canceled after just two seasons.
Why am I telling you this story?
As of now, the only viable path forward I see for our sport is one similar to that of surfing: an investment from an ultra-wealthy individual who can buy into the sport and replicate what the WSL has done. That means putting athletes under contract, paying them, and organizing a tour with professional-level media production.
Robert Ziff invested in surfing as a passion project — with the possibility of a return on investment far off in the future — but he was willing to take the risk. And if you’re worth several billion dollars, what’s $25 million to buy a sport? Maybe it simply becomes a personal hobby or legacy project.
What makes me slightly pessimistic is that the APP (formerly the Waterman League) already tried to follow a similar path. Tristan Boxford began this journey more than 15 years ago, at a time when SUP was still focused on ocean racing and surfing. The Waterman League was eventually rebranded as the APP, and a very wealthy Japanese financier stepped in to support the tour.
The media production was phenomenal, and the promises made to athletes were sky-high. But after covering too many dramas and sagas, I witnessed firsthand the APP’s gradual downfall — and how it lost the trust of an entire industry.
Where are we going from here?
I think about SUP the same way I think about surfing for my kids. They’re having an amazing experience, traveling to select contests and forming strong friendships with other surfers. They’re growing up with a beautiful sport, get to travel and learn to respect the nature.
As a dad, I’m fully aware that none of my kids will go on a world tour or compete in the Olympics. As a family, we understand that there’s more to life than dedicating all our energy toward chasing a sports career. Besides, we simply don’t have the finances to fund extensive travel and coaching. And even if we did, there’s no guarantee of a return on that investment.
If we were in it just to make money, we’d probably be better off choosing sports like golf, tennis, football, baseball, soccer, basketball and or many others. But we’re not. We enjoy our family adventures through surfing, and that’s what matters.
I hope I haven’t crushed anyone’s dreams or hopes — that’s not my intention. But I do think it’s time for a clear-eyed reality check. Even if SUP does become an Olympic sport, funding is often slow and limited. Other sports still take priority. My kids are on the Swiss Surf Team, and even in a wealthy country like Switzerland, and even with surfing in the Olympics, we’re far from being showered with financial support.
Let’s just enjoy SUP for what it is right now: a fantastic way to stay in shape, connect with nature, and be part of an inspiring and tight-knit community.
Maybe one day, a billionaire will read Stand Up Magazin and want to hear my ideas and dreams — the ones I dream of if I had Mr. Ziff’s kind of money.
The SUP Spring Race in Italy once again delivered an exciting weekend of racing, cementing its place as one of the early highlights of the European SUP calendar. As part of the ICF SUP World Cup series, the event carried extra weight this year, serving as an official qualifier for the upcoming ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
The level of participation was great, with a solid international field showing up, such as Donato Freens, Duna Gordillo and fresh out of the junior class Cecilia Pampinella and Csillag Kocsis. The stage was set for the first SWR 5 – Star Event of the year.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the organizers introduced a brand-new format: the 100-meter SUP Foil sprint. It was the first time this discipline featured at the event, bringing high speeds and thrilling action to the program. This innovation highlighted the evolving nature of the sport and kept the audience on their toes throughout the weekend.
Overall, the SUP Spring Race in Italy successfully combined top-level competition with great conditions and an enthusiastic community vibe, setting the tone for the season ahead.
Men Open Longdistance
Donato Freens is having a great start into the 2025 season taking the win in his favorite category with a narrow lead of 5 seconds over Ethan Bry, while Nicolò Vincenzo Ricco secured third place, about 24 seconds behind the leader.
📸 TotalSUP
Name
NF
Time
1
Donato Freens
NLD
1:07:58
2
Ethan Bry
FRA
1:08:03
3
Nicolò Vincenzo Ricco
ITA
1:08:22
4
Manuel Hoyuela
ESP
1:08:26
5
Sergio Cantoral Quirant
ESP
1:08:30
6
Kotaro Miyahira
JPN
1:08:34
7
Lluis Perotti
ESP
1:08:49
8
Aaron Sanchez
ESP
1:09:05
9
Teulade Ludovic
FRA
1:09:41
10
Filippo Mercuriali
ITA
1:10:06
11
Phaedon Doukas
GRC
1:10:29
12
Davide Alpino
ITA
1:11:32
13
Normen Weber
DEU
1:12:09
14
Iván De Frutos Ruiz
ESP
1:14:49
15
Vincenzo Manobianco
ITA
1:16:31
16
Marc Simoncelli
ESP
1:16:33
17
Unax Etxeberria
ESP
1:16:35
18
Filippo Alberti
ITA
1:16:38
19
Dylan Sartori
ITA
1:18:18
20
Gal Gros
SVN
1:18:29
21
Roberto Felletti
ITA
1:20:06
22
Wim Luyckx
BEL
1:20:19
23
Alessandro D’ignazi
ITA
1:24:17
24
Krystian Świerkowski
POL
1:25:18
25
Petr Sunkovský
CZE
1:25:18
26
Mile Gaćeša
HRV
1:29:41
27
Giuseppe Carboni
ITA
1:30:26
28
Maicol Tagliatti
ITA
1:30:55
29
Alessandro Fongher
ITA
1:30:55
Women Longdistance Open
📸 TotalSUP
After Sarasota we knew Csillag Kocsis was strong. How strong she is just became clear in this first big race of the season, finishing almost 3 minutes ahead of Duna Gordillo. Meanwhile, the battle for second was tight, with Gordillo edging out Pampinella by just 2 seconds. Cecilia and Csillag both just aged out of the junior class this year and we are looking forward to a great competitive season. Women SUP just got that much more exciting.
Rank
Name
Nat
Time
1
Csillag Kocsis
HUN
1:15:37
2
Duna Gordillo
ESP
1:18:33
3
Cecilia Pampinella
ITA
1:18:35
4
Rika Okuaki
JPN
1:21:19
5
Susak Molinero
ESP
1:21:23
6
Laura Quetglas Garcia
ESP
1:21:28
7
Claudia Postiglione
ITA
1:21:31
8
Sonia Caimari Pol
ESP
1:22:30
9
Laura Nitti
ITA
1:22:31
10
Athanasia (nancy) Karaindrou
GRC
1:22:55
11
Emma Freja Pedersen
DNK
1:25:39
12
Elene Etxeberria
ESP
1:26:00
13
Bianca Scarangella
ITA
1:29:49
14
Stinna Morell Lerche
DNK
1:34:30
15
Maria Østergaard Holm
DNK
1:34:51
16
Eleni Giakoumaki
GRC
1:36:35
17
Maria Laura Metta
ITA
1:39:01
📸 SUP Spring Race
Open Women Sprint Final A
Cecilia Pampinella starting her season the way she ended it in 2024 in Sarasota, with a win. Claudia Postiglione looked also very strong with her 2nd place and Rika Okuaki took the 3rd place continuing to put the Japanese flag out there in SUP Racing.
Rank
Name
Nat.
Time
1
Cecilia Pampinella
ITA
00:00:27:359
2
Claudia Postiglione
ITA
00:00:28:209
3
Rika Okuaki
JPN
00:00:29:074
4
Duna Gordillo
ESP
00:00:29:408
5
Susak Molinero
ESP
00:00:30:488
6
Csillag Kocsis
HUN
00:00:31:460
Open Men Sprint Final A
Andrii Kraitor showed once a again clear dominance in Sprint Racing. The ICF World Champ claimed victory ahead of Manuel Hoyuela with a clear margin.
Rank
Name
Nat
Time
1
Andrii Kraitor
BGR
00:00:19:799
2
Manuel Hoyuela
ESP
00:00:21:678
3
Sergio Cantoral Quirant
ESP
00:00:22:012
4
Normen Weber
DEU
00:00:22:709
5
Davide Alpino
ITA
00:00:23:485
6
Ruslan Huseinov
POL
00:00:31:571
Junior Men Sprint Final
Rank
Name
Nat
Time
1
Tatsuma Nishikawa
JPN
00:00:23:871
2
Gian Luca Corriero
ITA
00:00:26:122
3
Matyáš Soukup
CZE
00:00:26:471
4
Daniel Senoglu
ESP
00:00:26:850
5
Miłosz Sytnik
POL
00:00:27:197
6
Matteo Pernisco
ITA
00:00:27:713
Women Junior Sprint Final
Rank
Name
Nat.
Time
1
Hanna Kaminska
POL
00:00:26:676
2
Lisa Venturelli
ITA
00:00:27:693
3
Amelia Moral
ESP
00:00:28:057
4
Alexia Soto Sánchez
ESP
00:00:28:830
5
Sveva Sabato
ITA
00:00:29:104
6
Ioanna Papadimitrioy
GRC
00:00:41:788
Foil Final
It is great to see that there are 3 well known names in SUP are up to the challenge and showed their talent in SUP Foiling.
Rank
Name
NF
Time
1
Teulade Ludovic
FRA
00:00:19:448
2
Manuel Hoyuela
ESP
00:00:19:891
3
Sergio Cantoral Quirant
ESP
00:00:25:255
Open Women Tech. Final
In a fast and intense showdown, Csillag Kocsis claimed another victory with a strong performance, finishing the course in 4 minutes and 32 seconds. Close on her heels, Spain’s Duna Gordillo secured second place just 4 seconds behind, keeping the pressure high until the finish. Italy’s Claudia Postiglione rounded out the podium with a time of 4:40, holding her own in this competitive field.
Rank
Name
Nat
Time
1
Csillag Kocsis
HUN
4:32
2
Duna Gordillo
ESP
4:36
3
Claudia Postiglione
ITA
4:40
4
Sonia Caimari Pol
ESP
4:52
5
Cecilia Pampinella
ITA
4:53
6
Susak Molinero
ESP
4:58
7
Laura Quetglas Garcia
ESP
5:07
8
Elene Etxeberria
ESP
5:07
9
Maria Laura Metta
ITA
5:13
10
Emma Freja Pedersen
DNK
5:20
Open Men Tech. Final
A strong Spanish performance, with Cantoral Quirant taking the win and Sanchez securing the double podium for Spain. Normen Weber followed in third, keeping the gap manageable but unable to catch the Spanish duo. Seeing Manuel Hoyuela in last struck us with a bit of surprise.
The somewhat surprising announcement about a newly launched European SUP League, backed by the European Surfing Federation hit many with surprise and us here at the Stand Up Magazin with great skepticism. (Read here) We did a bit of research and contacted a few people and happen to find out that no other than Daniel Parres is part of this new initiative. This gave us a sense of relieve as Daniel has a great standing in our community by putting all of his energy into the SUP sport. We had to have an interview with him.
Aloha Daniel, thank you very much for your time clarifying some questions and details about the newly founded European SUP League. In all honesty, I was surprised that you are behind the ESL, I guess I did not know you are also involved in the Surfing World. With that being said, this is actually great news for the SUP community to have an insider and invested person behind all of that.
Nevertheless, the ESL mission statement sets a high bar and expectations for the future. We have written a critical news article about that and I believe you read it. The Stand Up Magazin has covered the SUP Sport for 15 years and we have seen initiatives like this come and go and we have grown skeptical over the years.
In a previous conversation you said:
“The motivation behind the ESL is to fill a gap. As you know, for SUP to have a chance at Olympic inclusion, it needs to show stronger organization and presence within the surfing structure — especially at the European level.”
You are absolutely right, if SUP wants to be Olympic the ISA holds the key to that right now. Regardless, the ISA has failed over the years to invest more in the sport and gain trust with the community. For example, it is April and we have not heard a thing from the ISA since Kopenhagen last year. In the meanwhile the ICF has launched a World Cup and holds World Championships of which we have dates all the way to 2027.
Are you able to reassure our community that this time it is different?
Yes, I completely understand the skepticism. SUP has gone through many failed attempts to establish a solid circuit, and the community is tired of big promises that never materialize. That’s why, rather than offering empty assurances, we want to prove it through our actions.
📸 SUP World Festival
What makes this different is that this project is born from a real collaboration between experienced private organizers — like myself — and the European Surfing Federation, which is the entity officially recognized by the ISA to represent surfing and SUP at the continental level. This alliance allows us to build something based on a federated structure, not driven solely by commercial interests, but also incorporating the perspective of those of us who have been developing this sport from the ground up for years.
Our goal is not to launch a massive tour right away, but to establish a stable structure with clear criteria, a mid- and long-term vision, and, above all, a willingness to listen to athletes, clubs, and organizers. We know this can’t be achieved in one season, but we believe that step by step we can create a league with a strong identity and lasting potential. For instance, we expect to announce the 2026 calendar well in advance — even before the end of 2025.
The reason we are having this conversation is because the ESF / ESL made some very strong statements, for example:Provide more opportunities for athletes to develop and gain exposure. Can you explain what that means? What are the opportunities to develop? What does it mean to “gain exposure?
This statement is at the core of our motivation. When we talk about “development,” we’re referring to several levels: from young athletes who need a federated calendar to progress, to elite paddlers looking for platforms to compete at the highest level under professional conditions.
On the federative side, the ESL allows results to be official, recognized by national federations, and useful when applying for travel assistance, grants, scholarships, or even to build a pathway toward national teams and international events like the ISA Worlds.
As for visibility, we know that SUP needs to move beyond its niche. That’s why we are working with a professional international TV production team to deliver high-quality audiovisual content that showcases athletes, sponsors, and events. It’s not just about streaming — we want to bring SUP to broader platforms with a consistent, modern, and professional image.
Additionally, we offer a unified space where athletes can compete under equal conditions, with clear rules, coherent categories, and pre-established prize structures. This, too, is part of development: providing structure, clarity, and growth potential.
The next statement was:Establish an officially recognized and respected SUP racing circuit in Europe.
Our answer to this was: It takes a bit more than utilizing 3 existing events, leave the door open for the 2nd half of the season to establish a recognized SUP Tour. Particularly on the back ground of the EURO TOUR having done just that for a decade.
Can you make a counter argument on this?
I agree that combining three events is not enough to build a recognized tour. That’s why we are not presenting the ESL as a finished product, but as a developing project with the necessary federative backing to grow meaningfully.
In this first edition, we started with the events that met the logistical, sporting, and administrative criteria in time. These are well-established races with strong organization and the ability to adapt to a unified structure. We’re not ruling out adding new venues, but we want to prioritize quality over quantity.
What’s important is that this is not an isolated initiative. It’s part of a broader plan with the European Surfing Federation, which includes official sanctioning, coordination with national federations, and a shared ranking and rules system. That’s what can make this a respected circuit in the mid-term — not just a loose series of races.
Another statement was: The ESL lays the foundation for a unified and internationally recognized SUP circuit, giving athletes the platform they deserve to compete and shine at the highest level.
We can get 100% on board with this. The sport needs a recognized SUP circuit, particularly for ambitious Athletes who like to raise to the top. Then again, we have the EURO TOUR that is doing this already. We had the APP that tried to do this, but failed.
How is this going to be any different? How can the community be sure that this is going to happen and its not just another big idea? I guess the bottom line is: How is this all going to be financed?
What makes the ESL different is that it comes from a European federative structure with long-term goals and a broader sporting mission than a commercial tour. We’re not here to replace the EuroTour or deny what the APP accomplished; in fact, we deeply value the contribution of both. The EuroTour has been key to the growth of SUP in Europe — and it remains essential. That’s why my own event is still part of it.
What the ESL brings is something that was missing: a federated, officially sanctioned structure that can validate results, justify public and private investment, and connect with other projects like national teams, grassroots development, or potential Olympic inclusion.
Regarding funding, we are working with a mixed model: each organizer covers part of their event’s cost and contributes to the league’s final prize pool, while the European Surfing Federation provides resources for prizes, sanctioning, and logistical support. Additionally, we are working on global sponsorship agreements that will allow for sustainable growth. This is a grounded project that will mature year by year.
The bottom line of this all, is that the sport is very fragmented, you saw it in Sarasota, the “canoefication” of the sport is well under way. In eastern Europe where the growth is strong, people can’t rely to the surfing culture or aspect of the SUP Sport. For the ICF we are paddling on boats, not boards. We have always been an advocate of an International SUP League in the example of the WSL or what the APP tried to do. The SUP Sport has a long way to go finding a structure for competitive elites.
As a final statement, can you share your visions and ideas for the future of an active, high level competitive SUP Sport?
My vision is clear: SUP needs strong structures that support both athletic development and real professionalization. It’s not just about big events — it’s about building a solid pyramid, starting from youth development and reaching elite competition through defined steps.
I dream of a European league that connects major events across countries, where athletes can plan their season, gain recognition, and get real visibility. A space where organizers, federations, and media work together. Where young paddlers training in small clubs can aspire to make national teams, travel across Europe, and compete under fair conditions.
I also want SUP to remain diverse: with all disciplines coexisting (race, tech, sprint, waves, paddleboard, foil…), and space for professionals, amateurs, masters, and inclusive paddling. Above all, I believe we must continue building this together — with athletes, organizers, and federations all contributing to the sport.
Thank you very much Daniel for this great insight and your dedication to all of this. We documented the Sport since 2010 and will continue to support SUP in anyway we can.
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