Once the boat had successfully resumed operations after the pandemic, the wing and foil trend was in full swing. In fact, the pandemic gave these new sports a real boost. boot 2023 was better attended than ever before. But something was missing. Towards the end of the ten days of the trade fair, it became clear that the German and international SUP scene was severely underrepresented – in fact, non-existent. While there were still real SUP races and SUP surf content before the pandemic, this was now a thing of the past. The wave was replaced by fans and foiling took center stage. Even though visitors and industry members were happy about the innovations, the disappointment that SUP was barely present was palpable.
In January of this year, the scenario repeated itself and some people were quick to declare SUP dead. However, the crowds were fascinated by the foilers, who floated across the water as if by magic. For us as a medium, however, it was clear: Beachworld is incomplete without a real SUP race and athletes, even if the trade fair was once again well attended. What was once THE meeting place for the scene seemed to be slowly falling apart. Pump foiling, as exciting as it is, is still in its infancy as a sport, and the pool for the wingfoilers was simply too small. Even the wind from the fans is not enough to make real sailing possible.
Now the trade fair management has listened to the SUP community and is bringing the EURO TOUR to Beachworld on the second weekend . Stars of the scene will be on site, and the EURO TOUR will invite its best athletes. The qualifying races will start on Saturday and the grand finale will take place on Sunday.
The prize money is impressive: At EUR 8,000, the race is not only a Grand Slam 5-star event, but also extremely lucrative for the winners. There will also be a few other innovations that will please the water sports scene.
If Stand Up Magazine has its way, there will also be a German SUP Awards ceremony – this is still in the works. You will find out more about it here. But one thing is for sure, Beachworld 2025 will be a SUP wing and foil spectacle.