ICF Moves 2026 SUP World Championships to Sabaudia After Storm Damage in Sicily
Recovery continues in Taormina and Giardini Naxos following Cyclone Harry
The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has confirmed that the 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships will take place in Sabaudia, Italy from October 14–18, 2026, replacing the originally planned venue of Taormina and Giardini Naxos in Sicily.
The change follows severe storm damage in eastern Sicily earlier this year, when Mediterranean Cyclone “Harry” struck the Ionian coast, impacting several coastal towns including Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Letojanni, and surrounding areas. The storm brought heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and powerful wave action that damaged infrastructure along the coastline.
Although recovery efforts are underway, the scale of the damage has forced organizers to reconsider the feasibility of hosting a global sporting event in the region this year.
Sicily’s Iconic SUP Venue Faces Long Recovery
The Taormina–Giardini Naxos area had originally been selected as the host location for the 2026 ICF SUP World Championships. The Ionian coastline offers dramatic scenery and open-ocean racing conditions, making it an attractive destination for international stand-up paddling competitions.
However, the storm left significant damage to coastal promenades, access roads, and public utilities, prompting Italian authorities to declare a state of emergency in affected regions.
Local governments and tourism operators are currently working on rebuilding waterfront infrastructure and restoring beaches and public spaces. While the region remains a major tourist destination, large-scale international events require reliable infrastructure and logistical certainty months in advance.
For the global SUP community, the decision to relocate the championships ensures that the event can proceed without disruption while allowing Sicily time to focus on recovery.
Sabaudia Emerges as Alternative Host
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With the Sicilian venue no longer viable for 2026, the ICF has announced that the championships will move to Sabaudia, a coastal town in the Lazio region of central Italy.
Located about 90 km south of Rome, Sabaudia sits between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Lago di Paola (Lake Sabaudia) within the protected Circeo National Park.
The location offers a rare geographic combination that could prove highly advantageous for stand-up paddling competitions.
Natural Venue for Multiple SUP Disciplines
One of the defining features of Sabaudia is its unique layout:
- 15 km of open coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing ideal conditions for ocean racing and technical surf courses.
- Lake Paola (Lago di Sabaudia), a sheltered coastal lagoon with calm waters suitable for sprint and technical racing formats.
Separated from the sea by a narrow strip of dunes, the lake creates a protected inland waterway system while remaining only a short distance from the open ocean.
This dual-environment setup could allow event organizers to run multiple SUP disciplines in close proximity, potentially offering:
- Long distance races in the open sea
- Technical races near the beach
- Sprint competitions on flatwater inside the lagoon
Such versatility is rare for international paddling venues and could simplify logistics for athletes, spectators, and media.
Details Still Pending
While the dates and location have now been confirmed, the ICF has not yet released detailed information about the competition format, race courses, or event schedule.
Organizers are expected to provide additional updates in the coming months as preparations for the October championships move forward.
A New Chapter for the 2026 SUP Worlds
The relocation of the event highlights both the vulnerability of coastal venues to extreme weather and the flexibility required to organize global sporting competitions.
For the SUP community, the move to Sabaudia introduces a new venue that combines open-ocean racing with protected flatwater conditions — a combination that could make the 2026 ICF SUP World Championships one of the most versatile editions yet.
Meanwhile, the recovery of Taormina and Giardini Naxos continues, with local authorities working to restore one of Italy’s most famous coastal regions.
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