In November 2024, Sarasota, Florida, will come alive as Nathan Benderson Park hosts the ICF SUP World Championship from the 19th to the 24th. Paddlers from around the world will gather for five days of intense competition.
As early as November 12, athletes can begin training on-site, preparing for what promises to be a week of unforgettable races. On November 20, the championship kicks off with the sprint preliminary rounds. The evening will feature the grand Opening Ceremony, where nations parade with flair, and Sarasota’s local culture shines in a festive atmosphere.
The races heat up on Day 2, with technical heats and quarterfinals, as competitors battle through the demanding courses. On Day 3, the sprint semifinals and finals will determine who reigns supreme in this fast-paced discipline.
The action continues on Day 4 with more technical quarterfinals and finals, testing paddlers’ skill and endurance. The event reaches its climax on the final day, November 24, with the long-distance finals, inflatable SUP races, and even kids’ races, offering excitement for all ages. After the races, the park will host a legendary closing ceremony, complete with a street fair, live DJ, and the ultimate celebration of athletes’ accomplishments throughout the week.
Event Schedule:
- Day 1 (November 20): Sprint preliminary rounds, heats, and quarterfinals, followed by the Opening Ceremony and a party. The festivities will kick-off with tons of excitement and merriment. Join us for the Presentation of Nations filled with Sarasota flair, pageantry, performers, and opening ceremonies of epic proportions!
- Day 2 (November 21): Technical preliminary rounds, heats, and quarterfinals.
- Day 3 (November 22): Sprint semifinals and finals.
- Day 4 (November 23): Technical quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
- Day 5 (November 24): Long Distance finals, Inflatable finals, Kids races, and the Closing Ceremony.
A final farewell to all athletes with a legendary party featuring a street fair & DJ spinning all the latest hits. Dance the night with old and new friends while sharing memories of all the week’s events.
Race Courses
Longdistance
Since the event will be held in a man-made pond, the long-distance race course is naturally restricted by the size of the venue. This forces the organizers to incorporate 90-degree turns, despite the general consensus that such turns are unsuitable for a long-distance race. The event includes a 5K race (green) and a 10K race, which consists of two laps with an additional distance. As of September 20th, there are 292 entries in this category, divided as follows: 48 Juniors, 57 Masters 40+, 94 Masters 50+, and 84 in the Open (15+) or Opt-in divisions. It is likely that start times will need to be staggered by division, or the races may even be held separately, to prevent the elites from colliding with slower paddlers and to avoid overcrowding overall.
Tech. Race
An 800m technical race course will create fast and exciting SUP racing, with a chicane included as the fourth turn. One thing to note is that the course features three right-hand turns and two left-hand turns. While we are unsure of the general sentiment regarding the number of turns and their angles, it could be argued that regular footers might feel at a slight disadvantage on this course.
Sprint Race
New this year is that the sprint course has been shortened to 100 meters. This is likely the discipline we are most excited to see. The 100m sprints on the water will be thrilling to watch and incredibly fast. There’s even a rumor that there might be some SUP foil racing over 100 meters as well.
Accreditation: Accreditation and information desks will operate from November 19 to 24, between 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm. Board control will be available an hour before the first race.
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Accommodation & Transportation: Several hotels near the venue are partnered with the event, providing shuttle services starting 1.5 hours before the races. Parking at Nathan Benderson Park will cost $10 per day.
Throughout the event, food trucks will serve up tasty treats like Hawaiian shaved ice and Mexican favorites, while athletes will enjoy the convenience of shuttle services to and from nearby hotels. With a vibrant blend of competition and festivities, the 2024 ICF SUP World Championship promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.