Exclusive: 2027 Rule Changes

Stand Up Magazin obtained internal document revealing nine approved rule proposals – including a long-awaited 60+ World Championship category and an interesting connection to Germany.

It appears that the voices of the older SUP racing generation have finally been heard. Against the backdrop of renewed calls for a 60+ Masters category following the 2026 SUP World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy, Stand Up Magazin has obtained an internal document revealing significant rule changes planned for 2027.

And the biggest news? A 60+ Masters category for men and women has received Board approval.

The document, titled 2027 SUP SR Rule Change Proposals, outlines nine proposed modifications to the Stand Up Paddling racing regulations of the International Canoe Federation, now operating under the Paddle Worldwide brand.

According to the document obtained by Stand Up Magazin, all nine proposals have received favorable votes from the relevant committee and sports commission, as well as Board approval.

While final Congress approval is not recorded in the document, it provides the clearest indication so far that major changes are on their way.

The Big News: SUP World Championships for Athletes Over 60

For years, Masters categories at international SUP competitions have been a topic of discussion. As the sport matures, so does its community.

Many athletes who helped establish stand up paddling as an international racing sport are now entering their sixties. Yet opportunities to compete for World Championship titles in their own age category have remained limited.

Following the 2026 World Championships in Sabaudia, calls for a dedicated 60+ category became louder.

Stand Up Magazin recently explored this very question, discussing whether additional Masters titles were justified and whether international SUP racing should better recognize its aging but highly competitive athletes.

Now, an internal document suggests that Paddle Worldwide is moving in exactly that direction.

Proposal No. 9 – Article 12.13.3 introduces the following Masters categories:

Men 40+ and Women 40+
Men 50+ and Women 50+
Men 60+ and Women 60+ on 14-foot hardboards

The stated reasoning is to increase participation, meet the needs of Masters paddlers aged 60 and over, and acknowledge the growing demographic of older athletes.

The proposal has received favorable votes from the Committee and Sports Commission, followed by Board approval.

This is a significant development for an age group that has helped shape the sport over decades.

The German Connection: Who Is Behind the Proposal?

One particularly interesting detail caught our attention while examining the document.

Of the nine proposed rule changes, eight are attributed to the SUP Committee (SUPC). Only one carries a different designation: GER – Germany.

And that proposal happens to be the introduction of the 60+ Masters category.

So who in Germany is behind this initiative?

Was it a group of experienced Masters athletes pushing for greater recognition? Did the initiative originate within the German federation, or was it brought forward by someone representing Germany internationally?

The document does not identify the individual or organization responsible. However, the German designation suggests that the proposal came through Germany rather than directly from the SUP Committee.

Given the success of German Masters athletes at recent World Championships, this connection is particularly interesting.

Stand Up Magazin will be looking into the German connection. Perhaps someone involved in the process will be willing to tell us more.

Eight More Rule Changes for 2027

The proposed 60+ category is not the only change. Paddle Worldwide is also looking to revise race starts, paddling positions, and ranking regulations.

1. Changes to World Ranking Calculations

Articles 15.5.1(b) and 15.5.2 address ranking calculations.

The proposals remove redundant ranking provisions and refer to the existing ranking table under Article 15.5.1.

One reason given is that the ranking system awards points beyond 90th place. Another is that the current Sprint and Technical wording refers to a final involving 24 athletes, which does not reflect the competition format.

These are primarily administrative changes designed to make the ranking regulations more consistent.

2. New Terminology for Race Starts

Several amendments address terminology used for SUP race starts.

The existing terms Beach Start and Bank Start would be replaced with Beach in Water Start and Bank Beach Start.

The changes appear in Articles 10.3.1(a), 10.3.1(b), 10.4.2(a), and 10.4.3, including the false-start regulations.

The stated objective is to eliminate confusion and ensure consistent terminology throughout the rulebook.

3. Sitting on the Board Explicitly Prohibited

Article 10.1.4 currently prohibits active kneeling except when required by unsafe conditions.

The proposed amendment explicitly adds sitting to the prohibition.

Under the revised wording, active kneeling and sitting would not be permitted unless required by unsafe conditions.

The Race Director would retain discretion over whether to penalize an infringement.

4. Athletes May Lift Their Boards at the Start

Another practical amendment concerns the position of boards before the start.

Under the current rule, athletes may hold their boards, but the boards must remain on the ground.

The proposed change would allow athletes to hold and lift their boards, provided they remain next to the athletes.

The document explains that the amendment is intended to bring the written regulations into line with actual race practice.

What Happens Next?

The document obtained by Stand Up Magazin shows all nine proposals progressing through the approval process, with Board approval recorded for each.

However, the Congress Approval column does not contain a recorded decision.

That means the amendments should still be regarded as proposed changes with Board approval until their final regulatory status is confirmed.

Nevertheless, the direction is clear: Paddle Worldwide is preparing adjustments to the international SUP racing rulebook, and the introduction of a 60+ Masters category stands out as the most important development for the racing community.

Stand Up Magazin’s Take: A Long-Overdue Recognition?

We have previously questioned whether SUP really needs more and more age categories at World Championships. Where should the line be drawn? How many World Championship titles should a relatively small sport award?

Those remain legitimate questions.

But there is another side to this debate.

The athletes now entering the 60+ category are often the very people who helped build the sport. They continue to train, travel, compete, and support international events.

If the objective is to increase participation and keep these athletes involved, a dedicated category makes sense.

The German connection adds another interesting dimension to this development. Whoever initiated the proposal appears to have found support at the highest levels of the rulemaking process.

For now, we are awaiting confirmation of the final rulebook.

One thing is certain: the 60+ generation has made its voice heard, and Paddle Worldwide appears to be listening.

Stand Up Magazin obtained and reviewed the 2027 SUP rule change proposal document ahead of this report. The document records Board approval of all nine amendments but does not show final Congress approval.

See the Document