Spain Clinches Team Gold as Rivera and Andersen Triumph in SUP Sprint Finals at 2025 ISA WSUPPC
The final day of the 2025 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC) delivered high-energy SUP Sprint action in Surf City El Salvador, sealing the last World Titles and determining one of the closest team races in event history. Under bright afternoon conditions at El Sunzal, Team Spain secured back-to-back WSUPPC team gold, successfully defending their 2024 title.
The sprint finals brought emotional victories as Mariecarmen Rivera (PUR) and Christian Andersen (DEN) claimed long-awaited gold medals after years of near-misses. Their breakthrough performances capped a dramatic week marked by tight finishes and world-class racing.
Spain’s overall triumph was reinforced by podium finishes from Alba Frey (ESP)—silver in the Women’s SUP Sprint and bronze in Men’s Sprint for Sergio Cantoral (ESP). Frey ended the championship with an impressive three medals, contributing heavily to Spain’s 11-medal haul. Multiple gold finishes from Duna Gordillo (ESP) and Judit Vergés (ESP) pushed Spain beyond France, who earned team silver, with Japan and Brazil taking bronze and copper.
Rivera, who had previously earned ISA medals in nearly every discipline except sprint, finally secured the title she had long pursued. After a stumble in the semifinals, she surged to a flawless final performance, powering past Cecilia Pampinella (ITA) and Alba Frey (ESP) for the win.
On the men’s side, Andersen completed a remarkable career arc. Six years after winning junior gold on the same beach, the Dane delivered a commanding performance to capture his first men’s sprint world title. A clean dismount secured his lead over Ethan Bry (FRA) and Sergio Cantoral (ESP), sealing an emotional victory he described as “a very special moment.”
ISA President Fernando Aguerre praised El Salvador for its world-class hosting and the athletes for elevating the global SUP stage, closing a historic week in Surf City.
Team Results
🥇 – Spain
🥈 – France
🥉 – Japan
🥉 – Brazil
Women’s SUP Sprint Race
🥇 – Mariecarmen Rivera (PUR)
🥈 – Alba Frey (ESP)
🥉 – Cecilia Pampinella (ITA)
🥉 – Roseli Krepel (BRA)
Men’s SUP Sprint Race
🥇 – Christian Andersen (DEN)
🥈 – Ethan Bry (FRA)
🥉 – Sergio Cantoral (ESP)
🥉 – Nicolò Ricco (ITA)