The SUP community needs a 60+ class.
The call for a Grand Master class for over-60s is getting louder and louder. The topic has been raised again and again for some time and was already discussed in Stand Up Magazine a year ago. Back then, it was about the parallels between SUP and another sport that is very popular with seniors: pickleball. (Click here for the report)
Now, however, the issue is getting a little more serious, as a petition was recently submitted to the ICF on Change.org calling for the introduction of a 60+ class. The initiator of the petition is Thomas Ullstein, and we have summarized his text as follows:
This appeal is addressed to the ICF on behalf of the SUP sports community and calls for more fairness at the SUP World Championships, especially for athletes over the age of 50. Currently, up to 65-year-old athletes have to compete against much younger 50-year-olds, which is perceived as unfair. At national level, this problem has already been solved in many European countries by introducing a 60+ classification.
The growing number of participants in the 50+ category clearly shows the need for an additional age category such as Master 60. Such an adjustment would do justice to the increasing number of performance-oriented older athletes, make the competition fairer and strengthen the diversity and sporting spirit of the event.
The ICF is therefore being asked to introduce a 60+ age category at future SUP World Championships – a simple but important step towards more recognition, equal opportunities and inclusion in SUP sport.
It is quite obvious and can no longer be denied that the over-50s and over-60s age groups are getting stronger and stronger and the early seniors are by no means thinking about quitting. Action should now be taken so that the Grand Master Seniors can also decide among themselves who is the fastest.
Peter Weidert is a prime example of a top over 50 athlete. He is undoubtedly the world’s best SUP athlete in his age group and will most likely continue to win medals well into his sixties.
We at Stand Up Magazine first paid attention to these demands a year ago. And although we would actually prefer to report more on juniors, we cannot and do not want to keep quiet about the reality: SUP is an ideal sport for people of an advanced age. What was already considered a fact years ago – SUP as a very good full-body workout – is now having a clear impact on the demographics of the sport. Older people keep fit with SUP and enjoy competing with others.
Incidentally, this does not only apply to SUP. We asked the AI to identify other sports that already have an O60 class and even found sports with O70 classes.
A request for an interview with Thomas Ullstein is currently still pending. Over 100 signatures have already been collected to date. Click here for the petition.
🏃♂️ Athletics (Masters)
- In masters athletics, the age groups usually start at 35 and continue in 5-year increments (e.g. 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, etc.).
- There are national championships, world championships and official records.
- Very performance-oriented and internationally recognized.
🏊♀️ Swimming (Masters)
- Masters swimming offers age groups such as 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and beyond.
- With national and international competitions as well as world championships.
- One of the most popular competitive sports in the 60+ segment.
🔥 CrossFit
- CrossFit has its own Masters categories, including 60-64 and 65+ (men & women).
- Qualifications and own competitions through to the CrossFit Games.
- Very performance-oriented, focus on strength, endurance and functionality.
🎾 Tennis
- Age groups from 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+ and more.
- National championships, international tournaments and team competitions.
- Very well structured in many countries.
🏀 Team sports for senior citizens
There are separate leagues and tournaments for:
- Senior basketball
- Senior softball
- Walking Football / Walking Netball
- Senior ice hockey (often up to 75+)
⚾ Baseball
- Senior baseball leagues with age groups 60+, 65+, 70+.
- National tournaments and championships.
- Particularly strongly organized in the USA.