More than 250 paddlers from over 20 countries are heading to Crete as Agios Nikolaos prepares for its biggest SUP event yet. From September 18–23, 2026, the Greek destination will host both the Paddle Europe SUP Championships and a SUP World Cup, bringing six days of international racing to one of the most spectacular locations on the SUP calendar.
There are SUP races where the venue is simply the backdrop – and then there is Agios Nikolaos on Crete.
Over the past decade, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has developed from a local race into one of the Mediterranean’s standout international SUP events. Racing around the coastline of eastern Crete, past Plaka and the historic island of Spinalonga, and into the heart of Agios Nikolaos at Lake Voulismeni, gives the event an identity that very few races can match.
In 2026, the sporting significance rises another level. For the first time, the Paddle Europe Stand Up Paddling European Championships and a SUP World Cup will be held during the same competition week.
With European titles, World Cup points and €12,000 in prize money at stake, Agios Nikolaos will become one of the focal points of international SUP racing in September.
From local SUP race to international championship
The story of Agios Nikolaos on SUP began in 2015. What started as a local event has steadily developed into an international competition and an important showcase for Crete as a watersports and sports-tourism destination.
The 2026 edition is its most ambitious yet.
More than 250 athletes representing over 20 countries are expected to compete, with racing spread across several locations in the greater Agios Nikolaos region.
The event is organised by the Hellenic Canoe, Kayak, SUP & Surf Federation in cooperation with the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, DAEAN, the Nautical Athletic Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN), Paddle Europe and Paddle Worldwide.
It is supported by the Region of Crete and held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the General Secretariat of Sports.
European SUP Championships and World Cup in one week
What makes Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2026 particularly important is the combination of two major international competitions.
The first part of the week will determine the 2026 Paddle Europe SUP Champions, with European Championship races in Sprint, Technical and Long Distance.
The competition then transitions into the SUP World Cup, giving international athletes another opportunity to race for ranking points in Sprint and Technical.
The Long Distance race on September 20 will serve as a joint Paddle Europe and Paddle Worldwide event, counting as both the European Championship Long Distance race and part of the SUP World Cup.
That should make Sunday one of the highlights of the entire week.
A Long Distance course worthy of a European Championship
Agios Nikolaos has another major advantage: its geography allows the organisers to take SUP racing beyond a conventional beach course.
The Long Distance race will take competitors through Plaka and past Spinalonga before finishing at Lake Voulismeni in the centre of Agios Nikolaos.
It is difficult to imagine a much more recognizable setting for a major SUP race.
Spinalonga is one of Crete’s best-known landmarks, while the finish at Lake Voulismeni brings the competition directly into the city. Instead of racing in an isolated competition area, athletes and spectators become part of the landscape and atmosphere of Agios Nikolaos itself.
Other races will be held at EOT Beach and Milatos, giving the championships several different racing environments over the six-day competition.
More than 250 athletes from over 20 countries
The international entry is another indication of how far the event has developed.
More than 250 paddlers from over 20 nations are registered across Junior, Open, Masters 40+ and Masters 50+ divisions. Recreational races for U14 paddlers and inflatable boards will also form part of the program.
The combination of such a large international field with European Championship titles and World Cup points should produce a very high level of competition across all three major SUP racing disciplines.
For many of Europe’s leading paddlers, Agios Nikolaos will be one of the key races of the 2026 season.
Important World Cup points ahead of Sabaudia
The timing also adds significance to the World Cup.
Points earned in Agios Nikolaos count toward the international rankings ahead of the 2026 World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy, from October 14–18.
With less than a month separating the competitions, Crete provides an important opportunity for athletes to test their form against international opposition before attention shifts to the World Championships.
The €12,000 prize purse adds another incentive to what is already a highly competitive week.
Parade of Nations opens the European Championships
The event will officially begin on Thursday, September 17, with an opening ceremony for the Paddle Europe SUP Championships.
For the first time in the history of Agios Nikolaos on SUP, the ceremony will include a Parade of Nations, bringing together athletes and delegations from the participating countries before racing begins.
With more than 20 nations represented, it should provide an appropriate opening for what has become a genuinely international event.
Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2026 – Schedule
September 17: Opening Ceremony – Paddle Europe SUP Championships
September 18: Paddle Europe SUP European Championship – Sprint
September 19: Paddle Europe SUP European Championship – Technical Race
September 20: Paddle Europe / Paddle Worldwide Joint Event – Long Distance European Championship & SUP World Cup
September 22: SUP World Cup – Sprint
September 23: SUP World Cup – Technical Race
A big week for European SUP racing
Agios Nikolaos has been building its reputation in international SUP racing for years, but 2026 represents an important next step.
A European Championship, a World Cup, more than 250 competitors, over 20 nations and three major racing disciplines would already make this one of the standout SUP events of September. Put those races against the backdrop of Crete, Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos, and the event has all the ingredients to become one of the memorable stops of the 2026 season.
For the athletes, there are European titles, World Cup points and prize money on the line.
For Agios Nikolaos, there is something equally valuable: another opportunity to establish Crete as one of Europe’s premier destinations for international Stand Up Paddling.
Stand Up Magazin will be following the racing in Agios Nikolaos closely, with particular attention on the European Championship battles, the international top athletes and the World Cup results.
The organizers of this race are active members of our Support Community. They understand the importance of a healthy ECO System of giving back to the sport.
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