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APP Seoul SUP Open 2025

Young Talent and Consistent Performances Mark Seoul SUP Open 2025

After multiple years of holding the SUP Races under the KAPP Banner in Busan the APP moved its location this year to Seoul. In a recent interview with TotalSUP, Tristan Boxford (CEO) explained the move as follows:

“We loved the Busan SUP Open and KAPP created a new wave of interest and lifestyle engagement through the establishment and development of this event in Busan. However, it was the right time to head north to Seoul and from a global perspective, especially as we look ahead to a new era for the APP World Tour from 2026 and beyond, Seoul represents an iconic and premium destination for the Tour as Korea’s most high-profile and populated city.”

📸 APP TOUR

The 2025 Seoul SUP Open concluded with strong performances across both sprint and distance races, highlighting emerging talents from outside of Europe.

Rising female names to keep an eye on:

In the women’s division, 13-year-old Hirata Otono from Japan claimed overall victory by winning both the sprint and distance events. Otono had previously placed third at the 2024 Busan SUP Open and continued her steady progress on the international scene with a well-paced and composed showing across both race formats in Seoul.

Sujeong Lim, representing the host city of Seoul, secured second place in both disciplines, leading to a second-place overall finish. The local athlete delivered consistent results throughout the event, maintaining pressure on the leader.

Completing the women’s podium was Rinka Mizutani from Japan. Her third-place finishes in both races marked a step forward from her previous fourth-place result at the Busan event, underscoring her ongoing development.

Low participation from the international elite

KAPP-Seoul-SUP-Open

Given the announcement and price money, the APP set the expectations as far as participation went high. Donato Freens, the main character on the event poster for example was absent. Former APP athletes like Christian Andersen, or some of last years women athletes did also not go to Seoul. In the interview with TotalSUP Tristan Boxford acknowledged the problem of board transport:

“As always, logistical challenges with board transport make international participation more of an obstacle, but we nonetheless have a good crop of athletes coming from all across the world to participate in this year’s edition.”

In the men’s competition, Shuri Araki of Japan once again demonstrated his race control with back-to-back wins in the sprint and distance categories. Araki, who came into the event as one of the favorites, executed his sprint heats with precision and maintained his lead throughout the longer distance race, despite pressure from Greek competitor Anastasios Tsouris.

Tsouris encountered an early setback in the sprints due to interference but recovered to finish fourth overall after a strong performance in the distance race.

Another Greek athlete, Nikolaos Malekakis, showed solid all-around ability with a second-place sprint finish and third in the distance race. At 19 years old, Malekakis is one of the younger athletes showing potential on the international circuit.

Ivan de Frutos Ruiz from Spain completed the men’s overall podium. His third-place finish in the sprint and fourth in the distance event contributed to a consistent performance throughout the weekend.

Watch the full recap of the action:

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The future of the APP

A question looming for a while now was: What is the future of the APP looking like if there is one? The event in Seoul and the interview on TotalSUP is giving us a hint. When asked about the current state of the APP Tristan Boxford answered as follows:

“As referenced above, the logistical challenges faced to deliver a World Championship Tour are significant, with global board transport being near to impossible with the current 14’ board class, and financial support for the athletes diminishing year on year, as race board sales aren’t sufficient to justify the level of investment required to support an international team. At a Tour level, the costs involved are high, and we have maintained prize-money levels over double what anything else is delivering, coupled with global TV production commitments which have been a challenge to maintain financially, only made worse by a series of unfortunate events that further inhibited what we had in motion.

However, we have hit reset and are working towards an exciting new and re-imagined future for the Tour and the sport as a whole. With revolutionary and exciting new formats for both race courses and equipment that will in turn be more accessible and exciting for new audiences and participants alike. In short, we have created a new business model that can deliver World Class sporting action in all four corners of the world and provide security for athletes, thereby allowing them to pursue legitimate careers in the sport and provide entertainment to global audiences.”

SUP Racing on 14′ Boards | 📸 APP TOUR

Tristan acknowledges the major problems in our sport: Cost of board transport, financial support for athletes and what lies underneath it all: Sales of boards. More interestingly is the approach of the APP to solve the problem or in better terms the vague info given. We are wondering, what are revolutionary new race formats and equipment? While we see race formats differ from organization to organization we are sure wondering what the equipment part is supposed to tell us? Board transport is a problem we all know that. Is the APP looking for shorter race boards? Or maybe even for inflatables? We don’t know yet, but did hear some rumors of ideas of sub 14′ boards floating around. For now we have to wait and see what this “new business model” is all about. Maybe shift the focus entirely to Asia is part of it.

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In a further question about APP alignment with all the other organizations Tristan Boxford speaks about board transport again:

“The reality is that with the current board challenges, outside of Europe even getting boards to a single event like the ICF or ISA each year is challenging and majority of the events feature minimal prize-money and media interest outside of the very core markets.

Our positioning moving forward is to re-establish a World Championship Tour that sees the very best athletes follow the global series in pursuit of a World Championship Title, much like the WSL is for Surfing and much like it was for many years on the Tour with Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Candice Appleby etc. This will include not only elevated prize-money and athlete subsidies and support, but also a global media strategy that can grow the competitive side of the sport beyond the confines of the current niche market. We are not just a series of events linked together loosely, we are a structured Tour that delivers a consistent and unified global representation for the sport.“

The problem of board transport is heard loud an clear. What resonates with us is, the resemblance to the WSL and the past of the APP when the pioneers of the sport were front and center. We have written a lengthy essay on the future of the sport (You can read it here) where we pointed out the WSL model. The only problem is, that even the WSL is depending on outside funds to survive. We sure welcome the vision of the APP and the WSL model, but the question remains: Who is going to pay for it all?

Tristan Boxford says further:

“While a sport making the Olympics always helps to elevate it beyond a core market, as we have seen with many of the board sports within the sector (surfing / windsurfing / kitesurfing – all of which are olympic sports), it is not the be all and end all and in fact, as has been proven, a career in competitive surfing is a following the WSL’s world championship Tour. We want to transform the sport into something young people can aspire to be a part of and pursue a career in, something that inspires and entertains. As it stands, while there is competition taking place around the world, this cohesive approach to promoting and developing the sport is missing and this is what we are focused on.“

When asked about the rest of the 2025 season and next year, Tristan Boxford is excited about an all new APP Tour but as always leaving a cliff hanger for us to stay tuned for the big news to come out soon:

“We will have some surfing through the back end of 2025, but all eyes will be on the launch of the revamped Tour for 2026, with exciting news to come regarding the venues, the formats and other groundbreaking changes in store for 2026 and beyond.

The Racing Tour will feature a mix of flat water and surf venues as well as exciting new formats that we anticipate will revolutionize racing in all respects. For Surfing, we will finally return to a minimum of a 3 event Tour to provide a legitimate and dynamic pathway to a World Championship crown for the World’s best SUP Surfers. More to come on this, so stay tuned.

It will be a new era for the Tour and the sport and we look forward to sharing all this with you once we are ready to launch.“

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10 Years Agios Nikolaos On SUP

A Landmark Event for Crete and the International SUP Community

The heart of international SUP beat once again in Crete – more specifically, in Agios Nikolaos – which proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP (May 3–4), the premier Greek stand-up paddling event and one of only five stops of the ICF World Ranking Series 2025 that will determine the overall winner at the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This year’s event marked not only a top-level competition, but also a symbolic milestone for the sport in Greece. Since 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has grown into one of the key forces driving the development of SUP nationwide, attracting world-class athletes to Crete every year and elevating the town’s status as a major destination for international SUP racing.

The visionary and driving force behind the event is Mikhalis Farsaris, who served as President of the Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN) from 2015 to 2023. He currently holds the positions of President of the Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) and SUP Representative of the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP & Surf Federation since 2024.

DAEAN, under the leadership of its current President Giorgos Astroulakis, its dedicated staff – and in particular Maria Datseri, who has played a pivotal role in the event’s organization – as well as the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and Deputy Mayor for Sports Giorgos Xenos, the Region of Crete, the TOURIX – Digital Tourism Marketing team, and the broader local community, have all consistently recognized the importance of Agios Nikolaos on SUP and supported it meaningfully throughout the years. The creation of the Agios Nikolaos Nautical Athletic Association (NASAN) was an outgrowth of this developmental course, meeting the growing need for sporting activity in SUP in the region.

With this joint support, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has managed to evolve into a model event that unites sport with tourism extroversion, establishing Agios Nikolaos as an authentic and quality sports tourism destination at an international level.

Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has mirrored the dynamic evolution of stand-up paddling in Greece. A clear testament to its growth? More than 200 athletes from 23 countries competed this year in Agios Nikolaos and nearby Sitia, with a combined prize pool of €18,000 – delivering four days filled with intensity, high-level competition, and unforgettable moments for both athletes and spectators alike.

——–

Day 1 – Technical Race:

Power, Precision & Spectacle in Almyros

The first day of competition at Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 kicked off with energy and intensity, as the Technical Race unfolded at Almyros Beach under striking weather conditions: a sunny sky, strong crosswinds, and friendly waves that raised the level of difficulty while providing an exciting visual experience for the spectators.

The race course was demanding – 1.5 kilometers, two laps, 16 buoy turns, and two beach sprints on the sand. This unique format offered a truly authentic “Beach Race” experience – complete with waves, wind, sprinting transitions, and sharp buoy turns, showcasing not only paddling strength and technique but also essential wave-reading and ocean-handling skills.

The mix of natural elements made the race both unpredictable and visually stunning – a true challenge requiring full focus and resilience from the athletes. This type of race stands out as one of the most enjoyable and engaging formats in the sport, both for paddlers and fans alike.

In the Open Men’s division, Japan’s Shuri Araki proved his strength and consistency, claiming victory ahead of top-level contenders like Donato Freens (Netherlands), Eri Tenorio (Brazil), Blue Ewer (United Kingdom), and Paolo Marconi (Italy) who secured a solid 5th place.

In the Open Women’s division, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico topped the podium after a tight and action-packed race. Csillag Kocsis from Hungary followed in second place, while local talent Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece) fought hard to take third. Susak Molinero (Italy) finished fourth, and Katniss Paris (USA) – world sprint champion – rounded out the top five in a race marked by intense buoy battles and relentless pace changes.

As the sun set over Almyros, the day concluded with a warm and celebratory awards ceremony on the beach, where medals and prize money were presented – embracing the true spirit of the sport. A sport with salt and sand in its DNA, this was beach racing at its very best: challenging, fun, and unforgettable.

——–

DAY 2 – LONG DISTANCE

Endurance, Tactics & Heart at the Finish Line

The 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 came to a close in the best possible way – with the Long Distance Race, a highlight event that counted both for the ICF World Ranking Series and the Greek National Championship. A demanding test of physical endurance, strategic thinking, and mental strength, the race honored the ten-year legacy of the event and once again showcased the spirit of international stand-up paddling at its finest.

The classic 13.5-kilometer course, stretching along the coastal route with a start line opposite the emblematic island of Spinalonga, offered once again a unique set of challenges and conditions – always intense, always different.

With men starting at 10:00 and women at 13:00, the changing weather conditions gave each race a distinct character. The men faced light headwinds for the majority of the route, followed by a calmer stretch leading to the finish line. On the other hand, the women encountered a constantly shifting course – downwind conditions for much of the first half, followed by headwinds and some particularly demanding crosswind segments. It was a tough and challenging race – both physically and mentally.

Notably, 8 out of the last 10 editions of this race have offered favorable downwind conditions – with the exception of the last two years! We hope this impressive streak continues in future editions!

In the men’s race, Japan’s Shuri Araki continued his undefeated streak, crossing the finish line first and confirming his world-class status. He was followed by the ever-consistent Donato Freens from the Netherlands and the talented Greek athlete Anastasios Tsouris, who secured third place with an impressive performance. Eri Tenorio of Brazil finished fourth, while Italian Paolo Marconi claimed fifth place after a fierce battle with his national teammate Filippo Mercuriali.

In the women’s race, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico once again dominated, showcasing her consistency and experience in long-distance racing. Susak Molinero of Spain delivered a strong performance to take second place, while the young and promising Greek athlete Kyriaki Logotheti completed the podium in third. Natalia Novitskaia placed fourth, with Germany’s Skadi Langbein rounding out the top five, confirming her rising potential on the international scene.

The day concluded with emotion and celebration, as athletes, coaches, and volunteers were cheered on during the awards ceremony in front of the iconic lake of Agios Nikolaos. The celebrations peaked with a joyful greek dance that brought together top athletes from around the world, followed by a lively concert by Vaggelio Fasoulaki and her band.

——–

The heart of SUP beats strongly on the island of Crete, a destination that meets all the criteria for hosting top-level events – showcasing both the sport and Greece on the global stage. The participation of elite athletes and the warm hospitality of the local community create an ideal environment for even greater events in the future. It’s also worth highlighting the high participation levels in the Junior categories – especially from Greek U18 athletes – whose strong performances demonstrated that the sport is evolving rapidly and that its future belongs to the next generation.

——–

Always Part of Our Story

As this special edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP comes to a close, our thoughts turn to Amandine Chazot – a beloved figure of our SUP family. A world-class athlete, but above all, a gracious and generous soul, Amandine embraced this event and this place with rare warmth. Though she is no longer with us, her light, her smile, and her unwavering love for Agios Nikolaos remain woven into the fabric of our story. She will always have a place in our hearts – and on our starting line.

A BIG THANK YOU

TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE AGIOS NIKOLAOS ON SUP 2025 – ICF WORLD RANKING EVENT

  • The Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN) and its President, Mr. Giorgos Astroulakis
  • The Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the Deputy Mayor of Sports, Mr. Giorgos Xenos
  • The Region of Crete, and the Deputy Regional Governor of Lasithi, Mr. Giannis Androulakis, as well as Mr. Leonidas Terzis
  • The Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and the Deputy Minister, Mr. Giannis Vroutsis
  • The Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) and its President, Mr. Michalis Farsaris
  • The Hellenic Canoe–Kayak, SUP, Surfing Federation
  • The International Canoe Federation (ICF)
  • The Port Fund of Agios Nikolaos and its President, Mr. Dimitris Agapitos
  • The Sailing Club of Agios Nikolaos
  • TOURIX – Digital Tourism Marketing

We also extend our gratitude to our safety/support boats and captains:

  • Michalis Vasilakis (mvdiving.com)
  • Giannis Mastorakis
  • Michalis Markantonakis (www.captain4aday.gr)
  • Dimitris & Nikos Mathioudakis (Nausboats.gr)
  • Konstantis Zacharopoulos (leisureyachts.gr)
  • Giorgos Klontzas, professional diver
  • Giorgos Kostampeis (Plaka Watersports)
  • Nikos Koutoulakis (Happy Divers)
  • Stefanos Bonis (divecrete.com)
  • Angelos Koukourakis and the Evangelou family’s watersports business

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our partners, volunteers, and the dedicated staff of DAEAN, who contribute to the success of this major event each year with their smiles, passion, and unwavering commitment.

—

GOLD SPONSOR

Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN)

SPONSOR

  • DAIOS COVE

REGION OF CRETE

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports

ANEK LINES – official transport sponsor

Hospitality Sponsors:

  • Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites
  • Faedra Beach Resort
  • Intercontinental
  • Lato Hotel
  • Minos Palace Hotel & Suites
  • Mirabella Apartments
  • Mistral Bay Hotel
  • Porto Elounda
  • Santa Marina Unique Hotel
  • St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas

Sponsors – Suppliers:

  • Funsports-Surfmarket
  • Νερά Σεληνάρι
  • Νίκος Αγγελάκης για τις μπανάνες

Communication Sponsors:
ΑΝΑΤΟΛΗ, fonien.gr, cna.gr, Ραδιοφωνικός Σταθμός Αγίου Νικολάου 104,4fm, Λατώ fm 103.3

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The Lake Rocks – Possibly the largest SUP Event in History

A Paddle Festival Like No Other – Welcome to THE LAKE ROCKS 2025

Get ready for one of Europe’s most exciting and international SUP race weekends of the year! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Austria, THE LAKE ROCKS, part of the SUP Alps Trophy and the ICF World Ranking Series, is where the global SUP community comes together to celebrate speed, endurance, and stoke.

With over 400 competitive racers and paddlers from 20 nations, this event is more than just a race – it’s a full-on festival for professionals, amateur racers, and first-timers alike. From world champions and rising young talents to passionate masters and fun-race newcomers, this weekend will showcase the full spectrum of stand-up paddling.

In this preview, we break down the athlete field, race structure, prize categories, and everything else that makes THE LAKE ROCKS an unmissable highlight of the 2025 SUP season.

We at the Stand Up Magazin love data and picked all the info available apart and to say the least, it is impressive. If we were just a bit closer we be on the next plane to be there.

A truly international and diverse European starting field. Just take a look at these numbers:

  • Hungary: ~80 paddlers
  • Italy: ~80 paddlers
  • Germany: ~50 paddlers
  • Austria: ~40 paddlers
  • Benelux: ~30 paddlers
  • Switzerland: 12 paddlers
  • Poland: 12 paddlers
  • Great Britain: 8 paddlers
  • Slovenia, North Macedonia, Croatia (combined): 15 paddlers
  • Total participating nations: 20+

Check out the highlights from 2024

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Race Format & Prizes

The weekend kicks off with the long-distance race, with separate starts for men and women. All age groups will race at the same time.
There will be prize money and medals for the fastest overall finishers, plus additional podiums for:

  • U12
  • U16
  • Master 40
  • Master 50
  • Master 60

This means top athletes such as Joep van Bakel and Manuel Lauble (both Master 40) are eligible for prize money. Notably, at the last World Championships, the fastest Master 40 paddlers were not far off the Open Class times.

Remember the legendary moment from 2024. Looks like we are in for a rematch of the Legend Boothy and the Young Gun Donato. This will be very exciting!

Podium Contenders

  • Men’s Elite Favorites:
  • Michael Booth
  • Donato Freens
  • Phaedon Doukas
  • Filippo Mercuriali
  • Normen Weber
  • Joep van Bakel
  • Manuel Lauble

Top Masters Competitors (Women):

  • Penny Tsaoutou
  • Sara Oddera
  • Polona Pusljar

Masters 40 – ICF World Championship Alumni:

  • Joep van Bakel (World Champion)
  • Christian Taucher
  • Szabolcs Fodor
  • Manuel Lauble
  • Alessandro Sapigni
  • Olivier Comazzi
  • Women’s Elite Favorites:
  • Juliette DuHaime (top contender)
  • Reka Slekta
  • Skaadi Langbein

Challengers & Young Talents:

  • Benyam Bossack
  • Marlon Daskiran
  • Giulio Lazzarini
  • Enrico Mandoloni
  • Zeno Szabo
  • Bastian Grimm

Masters 50 Men – Deep Field:

  • Peter Weidert (3× World Champion)
  • Gabor Szabo
  • Gerd Weisner
  • Viktor Zöllner
  • Roberto Mandoloni
  • Holger Hassenpflug
  • Balazs Dori
  • Norbert Hödl
  • Daniele Cani
  • Eleftherios Maroulakis

The SUP Alps Trophy – THE LAKE ROCKS is part of the ICF World Ranking Series and more than just a race – it’s a full paddle festival for pros, pro-ams, and all SUP race enthusiasts. The event features training opportunities, equipment demos, and vibrant social gatherings, all set in one of the most stunning locations in the world.

It takes a team

This event is made possible thanks to the passion and dedication of:

  • Gerd Weisner (SUP Alps Trophy)
  • Rudy van Haven
  • Normen Weber
  • Mathieu Astier
  • Lizzy van Haven
  • Media crew: Tiemo, Marco, Dagi, Volker, Jörg Bossack
  • Michael Sternig and the local tourism office team
  • And especially you – our paddlers, friends, and competitors.

Do you feel it is good that the Stand Up Magazin is part of the SUP Commuity and takes time and effort to amplify the stoke of the sport? If so please become a supporter.

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Infinity SUP and Paddles Buyersguide

Infinity-SUP-Buyergsuide

The Brand Story

Infinity Surfboards is a renowned surfboard manufacturer and surf shop located in Dana Point, California. Established in 1970 by Steve and Barrie Boehne, the company has been a significant presence in the surfing community for over five decades. Steve Boehne, an experienced shaper, began crafting surfboards in the 1960s and later expanded into designing stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), becoming one of the early adopters of the sport in 2004. The Boehne family’s dedication to quality and innovation has solidified Infinity’s reputation in the industry.

The company has also been recognized for its contributions to the surfing world, with Steve and Barrie Boehne being honored with a bronze sculpture in Dana Point commemorating their impact on the sport.

Building on his fathers legacy Dave Boehne, has continued to build a strong reputation in SUP Racing. As of 2025 some of the best paddlers in the world are on Infinity Boards. Namely Marie Carmen Rivera, Juliette DuHaime and Donato Freens who are some of the stand outs.

In this buyers guide we are highlighting some of the most popular boards and paddles in the Infinity SUP Line.

EVERREADY

The EVERREADY board is designed to replace the popular Blackfish Dugout with significant improvements in rocker, bottom shape, and outline. Developed by Dave Boehne and his team, the board aims to excel in all racing conditions, offering efficiency in flat water and stability in choppy conditions. Its playful design allows for easy handling and quick adaptation. The board has proven its versatility with notable race results, including Arthur Arutkin’s 2nd place finishes and multiple wins by MarieCarmen Rivera and others in various race formats.

NOSE

  • Narrower than Blackfish wider than Whiplash
  • Allows for more acceleration off the line

SIDE RAILS

  • Increases stability with a larger secondary stability matched with a low cockpit
  • Taller rails allow dropping the standing zone even lower to the water line

Available sizes

  • 14′ x 21″ x 282L / 23lbs – 10.43kg
  • 14′ x 22.5″ x 293L / 23.8lbs – 10.79kg
  • 14′ x 24″ x 320L / 26lbs – 11.79kg
  • 14′ x 26″ x 349L / 26.4lbs – 11.97kg

CONSTRUCTION

  • Team elite carbon molded sandwich
  • Lightweight EPS core
  • Full pvc shell
  • Full carbon fiber wrap with fiberglass reinforcement
  • Reinforced high density inserts all plugs and boxes
More Details
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BLACKFISH

The Blackfish is a highly recognized SUP raceboard known for its versatility and speed. The latest version features Team Elite Tech2 Carbon construction, making it lighter and more durable. Designed by Dave Boehne, it excels in all conditions, from flat water to choppy seas. The board has won multiple world titles and races, proving its reliability. The new design includes a taller, sharper nose for better efficiency in upwind conditions and a hybrid planning hull for stability. The flat deck version offers a sure-footed stance and is ideal for various water types.

New for 2025 with requests from our team we have sunken the flat deck approx .5″ deeper and added a single drain under the handle in the narrower sizes 21.5″ and 23″ the wider versions have the standard flat deck and no drain needed.

If you are looking for the easiest most versatile board in the range that is designed to paddle all types of water from flat water lake, open ocean, windy and chop this board is for you.

Sizes / Estimated Weights / Rider Recommendation 

  • 14′ x 21.5″ x 275L = 20lbs (9.07 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 190lbs / 86kg
  • 14′ x 23″ x 288L = 21.6lbs (9.79 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 210lbs / 95.2kg
  • 14′ x 24.5″ x 306L = 23.8lbs (10.79 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 220lbs / 99.7kg
  • 14′ x 26″ x 323L = 25lbs (11.33 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 240lbs / 108.8kg
  • 14′ x 28″ x 352L = 26.2lbs (11.88 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 265lbs  / 113.3kg
  • 14′ x 30″ x 353L = 28lbs (12.7 kg) recommended MAX rider weight 265lbs / 113.3kg
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WHIPLASH HOLLOW DUGOUT

The Whiplash is designed for flat water and mild chop racing, featuring advanced hollow carbon technology. It has a revolutionary hybrid elevated tail for maximum glide and release, making it fast and stable. The board excels upwind and handles moderate bumps well. Key refinements include a sharper nose entry, a wider cockpit, and a flatter rail panel for increased stability. The tail design offers unmatched glide per stroke and stability, combining narrow low drag speed with wider max stability when engaged. A true industry first in tail design. The feel will blow your mind.

Construction 

  • Hollow core
  • 100% carbon fiber
  • 3 in 1 molded construction with internal stringer structure.
  • Pre installed reinforced fin box, handle, vent plugs and signature “brushed” carbon matte paint finish to help hide typical scratches, repairs, and remove additional weight.

Sizes / Recommended Rider Weight

  • 14′ x 21″ x 254L  (recommended MAX rider weight 170lbs / 77.11kg)
  • 14′ x 22.5″ x 272L (recommended MAX rider weight 190lbs / 86.18kg)
  • 14′ x 24″ x 298L (recommended MAX rider weight 210lbs / 95.25kg)
  • 14′ x 25.5″ x 316L (recommended MAX rider weight 225lbs / 102.05kg)
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E-Ticket Touring

The E-Ticket Touring board is based off of the original Blackfish design with a nice wide tail that keeps the outline in the back very parallel for stability and easy glide. The wide point forward outline in the nose keeps the width underneath and slightly in front of the stance for predictable – easy cruising stability and comfort. The bottom contour is a hybrid-planning hull with the original Blackfish concave in the tail. This has been adopted by many of the top brands over the last few years. Blackfish was the first! In addition to its world class DNA, we’ve chose to build this board in our Wide Aquatic Innegra tech construction to it offer it at a great price and come in as a lights out value for this category.

Sizes / Weights

  • 11’6″ x 28″ x 238L = 26lbs  SOLD OUT
  • 12’6 x 29″ x 291L – 29 lbs
  • 14′ x 28″ x 310L = 30lbs SOLD OUT
  • 14′ x 30″ x 333L = 32lbs
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SUP Surf – B-Line Twin

The SUP surf lineup is influenced by traditional surfboard shapes, with the popularity of twin fin boards inspiring the new B-Line Twin. Designed by Dave Boehne and Bernd Roediger, this performance-driven twin fin board offers highline speed and sharp transition turning. It features three fin boxes set further back and clustered together for enhanced performance. The B-Line Twin combines the control of the BlurrV3 with the stability of the Wide Speed, resulting in a faster, more stable ride. The nose is slightly wider than the Blurr, with a linear outline for added stability and a “bump” at the fins for great pivot off the bottom. The lower tail rocker and bottom vee concave contour provide quick re-direction.

Infinity-SUP-Surf-Board-B-Line-Twin

DESIGN FEATURES

  • Low aspect shortboard style rails
  • Jet tail adds more grip on rail and added control
  • Performance hybrid style outline slightly wider nose and tail adding stability and speed
  • Moderate entry rocker and curve with a slightly lower tail rocker

Standard Dims:

  • 7’2″ x 25″ x 80L
  • 7’8″ x 27″ x 91L
  • 7’11” x 28″ x 100L
  • 8’2″ x 30″ x 115L
  • 8’5″ x 31″ x 125L
  • 8’8″ x 32″ x 135L
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SUP Surf – Blurr V3

The Blurr V3 is the latest evolution in the Blurr performance series, designed by SUP shaper Dave Boehne. This shortboard-inspired design features a traditional outline and bottom contour, offering versatility in various wave conditions. It excels in beach breaks, points, and hollow tubes, responding well to aggressive riding and smooth rail-to-rail arcs. Developed with input from top riders like Sebastian Gomez, Izzi Gomez, and Candice Appleby, the Blurr V3 has achieved notable successes, including gold medals at the 2024 Pan American Games and a first-place finish at the 2025 DaHui Backdoor Shootout.

Infinty-SUP-Surfboard-Blurr-V3

Design Highlights:

  • Single concave bottom with a wing pin tail (inspired by the New Deal model).
  • Step rail design:
    • Hides volume in the board center.
    • Thins out the rails for a low-aspect, shortboard-style edge.
    • Adds structural strength and flex response.
  • Performance: Offers strong pivot and carving abilities; smooth and responsive ride.
  • Positioning: Dims sit between the RNB and BLine models.
  • Less aggressive than the BLine.
  • More refined than the RNB.
  • Moderate, traditional rocker for predictable speed and transitions.
  • Notable rider: Kai Lenny’s favorite board.
  • Available in various sizes
More Details

Find the right paddle for you

Synergy-X Paddle

Details

Introducing our latest collaboration with BLACK PROJECT and the Infinity Synergy-X Race Paddle!

We are stoked to be able to offer what we believe is THE best premium race paddle on the market in the Hydro Synergy-X with all of our SPEED FREAK branding. Match this premium blade with one of our premium race boards and it’s time to Paddle Like A Freak!

We wanted to keep it simple in that this paddle is the exact specs of the Black Project only ours have our logos and branding for all of the Infinity fans out there.

Simple Info:

  • This paddle is best for mid to long distance racing and paddling or for people who want a top of the line premium product for recreational distance and touring.
  • One specific shaft option to match the blade size with the optimal flex.
  • Choose what size blade you want and we fit the shaft flex automatically to match
  • Used by Infinity team riders Arthur Arutkin, Donato Freens, Campbell Carter.For more in depth specs and info on the Hydro Synergy-X paddle you can visit Black Projects website HERE.
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Quick Strike! Surf Paddle

Details

This is a collaboration between two like-minded companies, Infinity and Black Project!

SUP Surfing Paddle

The lightweight, powerful & responsive SUP paddle for surfers.

The QUICK STRIKE! SUP surfing paddle is for paddlers who want to catch more waves and surf better with less fatigue during long sessions. Lightweight and durable, the QUICK STRIKE! combines exceptional power, blade stability and dynamic flex to help you paddle faster into waves and enhance your surfing, while protecting your body from injury during long sessions.

More Details

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Agios Nikolaos on SUP Preview

10 years of great SUP Racing on Crete

agios-nikolaos-on-sup

The International Canoe Federation (ICF), in collaboration with various Greek organizations and the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, proudly presents Agios Nikolao on SUP an ICF SUP World Ranking Event. This prestigious competition will be held next weekend, in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, alongside the Hellenic Long Distance SUP Championship and the Hellenic Technical SUP Cup.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has grown from a local race into a high-level international event, attracting top athletes from around the world. Last year’s event saw 230 athletes from 15 countries, solidifying Agios Nikolaos as a leading SUP destination.

This year’s event is an official ICF SUP World Ranking Event, with points contributing to athletes’ rankings ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi. For the first time, the World Championships will feature a special award for the Overall Winner of the ICF World Ranking Series.

With €9,000 in prizemoney for the top five finishers in both Long Distance and Technical Races, and a total of €18,000 when combined with the SITIA ICF SUP World Cup, the event promises to attract top SUP athletes. There will be 215 athletes from 23 countries competing.

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Stacked field of international stars

SUP fans will be delighted to see Japan’s superstar, Shrimpy Shuri Araki, make an appearance in Crete next weekend. This will be Shrimpy’s season opener, as we have not seen him racing since Sarasota 2025. We are especially looking forward to seeing Shrimpy paddle against Donato Freens, who is coming off a long-distance victory at the Battle for Hercules.

Eri Tenorio will be there two, just like Donato he is travelling from Spain to Greece for the 2nd stop of our Super SUP Euro Spring Tour. Eri will have his work cut out against Donato and Shrimpy his results in Spain did not earn him any price money. If he wants to get some extra cash he has to make the top 5 this time. We are sure he is extra motivated to have a pay day this time.

Another name to pay attention to will be Blue Ewer. This will be the first time in 2025 that we see him race against an international field, and we are looking forward to seeing how he starts the season. Further in the field, we have Italy’s Paolo Marconi, Simone Tugnoli Peron, and Filippo Mercuriali. These are the noteworthy international names competing against a strong group of Greek nationals, notably Phaedon Doukas and Anastasios Tsouris, both local athletes who have made a name for themselves on the global stage.

As much as we are excited to see the men racing, we can’t wait for the first appearance of Marie Carmen Rivera. She is making the trip to Crete from Puerto Rico to compete for important ICF points as well as some good prize money.

However, Marie Carmen won’t have an easy path in Greece. Her biggest opponents will be Katniss Paris, Csillag Kocsis, and Susak Molinero. For starters, Katniss is coming to Greece with strong momentum, currently holding the ICF SUP Sprint World Title and highly motivated to further her career in the sport.

Csillag, who just turned 18, made a great impression last weekend at the Battle for Hercules, where she raced against some of the strongest women in the sport — with the exception of Marie Carmen. We are particularly looking forward to seeing how Csillag will perform.

Susak Molinero is a very experienced athlete who has been in the sport for a long time. Her experience could prove especially valuable in the long-distance race.

We must also not rule out the dark horse potential of Natalia Notvistkaia, who is finding her way back into the sport. The last time we saw her was in Florida at the ICF Worlds. We will also keep an eye on Linda Syrovátková from the Czech Republic and Marta Apanasewicz from Poland.

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The Future of professional SUP Athletes

Essay and opinion by publisher: Mike Jucker

The biggest pay day a SUP Athlete has ever received: In 2014 a wealthy man organized an event in Honolulu and showered the Athletes with money and a red carpet reception we have not seen since then. | 📸 © Mike Jucker / Stand Up Magazin

While there’s no doubt that SUP as a competitive hobby sport is thriving, one group is being left behind: young athletes with bigger dreams.
These are athletes who see SUP as more than just a pastime — they see the potential for a sports career, the hope of earning a living, and maybe even the dream of becoming an Olympian one day.

A recent news release from the ISA, confirming that longboarding will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, has cast fresh doubt on SUP’s Olympic future — at least in the near to mid-term.
We covered this development and shared the news across our social media channels for many years.

This is a quick history lesson:

Watch this podcast with Connor Baxter about the CAS decision 4 years ago. The Olympic responsibility was handed to the ISA away from the ICF. It was a moment when the hopes for Olympic inclusion were extremely high. The community waited a very long time for this decision.

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One year ago it became clear: SUP won’t be included in LA 2028

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This is not the moment to dig in the past, but a moment to take step back and look at the sobering reality: The Olympic inclusion of SUP is in the far and not the near future.

It was the statement, following the recent news from the ISA, by a father of a very talented girl with big ambitions, that made me think. It was Miklos Kocsis the dad of Csillag Kocsis who said the following:

“These news made me very disappointed. If sup won’t be an Olympic sport soon, financing won’t be solved at all. How can I keep my girl Csillag Kocsis in the sport ? She trains with the promise she becomes an Olympic gold medalist… just like the other top paddlers under 25. What have we got to tell them ? Sup will be a hobby for people over 40 in a couple of years, which is great but don’t give the perspective of a bright future. Sorry guys ! We can’t keep traveling and competing around the world without any financing. Personally I am tired to put my money into it. Our sponsors help a lot, but if stays as a hobby ( train professionally, earn nothing ) my girl will turn to something else.”

This statement really resonated with me. fI’m a father of teenagers in a similar age group, and we’re a family of competitive surfers. Even though surfing is now an Olympic sport, the financial hurdles remain high. However, we’ve seen how Olympic inclusion has helped kids become more professional and how it has fostered the growth of a support system. Without financial backing, youth sports can become prohibitively expensive.

There was another statement from the dad of Cameron Tripney:

“So if ISA a no go for Sup inclusion, what about pursuit by ICF? “

My answer:

“They cant, Olympic Court of Arbitration did rule against ICF, its all in the hands of ISA.”

Response: “So we doomed then. Killed the sport. My son will leave the sport possibly as it’s so obvious that only Olympics as goals will add value.”

The key message that resonated and saddened me the most was: “My son will leave the sport…” “…my girl will turn to something else.” This is a reality that many don’t dare to speak out loud: We are loosing young talented athletes if we don’t find a path forward.

Another active voice in this conversation is Paco Freens.
His son Donato has made a big name for himself over the years, and Paco is now calling on the SUP community to organize itself. Such a move could create autonomy from the feuding federations and potentially send a strong message to sponsors.

Efforts like this have been made in the past — and it’s something I’ve been advocating for a long time: SUP for SUP, where the athletes call the shots. But it never materialized. It’s a topic that deserves an essay of its own.

I see growing frustration among parents about the sport’s lack of movement toward true professionalism.
Yes, we have big events, SUP festivals with strong participation, and even a EURO TOUR with prize money — and all of that is great. But what’s missing is a structured pathway for athletes to grow within.

For a young and thriving athlete like Csillag, there’s no clear endgame, no ultimate goal, no climax — and certainly no compensation. Claiming an ISA, ICF, or whatever world title is an impressive achievement, but the reality is that it doesn’t move you forward financially or land you a major sponsorship deal.

In fact, you end up spending money with very little chance of return on investment. It’s a hobby where you spend money — but don’t make any.

Speaking of the ISA, surfing offers a great example of how a fringe sport can move toward a more professional environment.
Surfing has long been on the edge of mainstream sports — and in many ways, it still is. However, its close ties to other board sports and its strong lifestyle appeal have made it attractive to the fashion industry, which has long been a major financial backer of surf athletes.

Well-known surfers have earned millions through sponsorships from brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Nike, and others. In recent years, surfing has also caught the attention of energy drink companies and even car brands. Clothing, automotive, and beverage industries — all mainstream — have helped transport the surfing lifestyle to a much broader audience. This is something the SUP sport still completely lacks.

Surfing wasn’t always like this.
In fact, it likely wouldn’t be where it is today without billionaire investor Robert Ziff. Long before Olympic inclusion or major streaming deals, Ziff invested $25 million into a company called ZoSea in 2012, shortly after it acquired the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals). By 2014/15, the ASP was rebranded as the World Surf League (WSL).

In 2017, Ziff reportedly invested another $25 million — a figure revealed in a recent lawsuit. According to ZIPPIA, the WSL reached peak revenue of $33 million in 2023. The organization currently employs 342 people, with a revenue-per-employee ratio of $96,491.

Since the WSL remains privately held under Ziff’s control, concrete financial data is hard to come by. However, word on the street continues to suggest that the league is far from profitable.

Even with Olympic inclusion and efforts like the Apple TV+ partnership for the behind-the-scenes series “Make or Break”, the sport has struggled to break into the mainstream. The show was canceled after just two seasons.

Why am I telling you this story?

As of now, the only viable path forward I see for our sport is one similar to that of surfing: an investment from an ultra-wealthy individual who can buy into the sport and replicate what the WSL has done.
That means putting athletes under contract, paying them, and organizing a tour with professional-level media production.

Robert Ziff invested in surfing as a passion project — with the possibility of a return on investment far off in the future — but he was willing to take the risk. And if you’re worth several billion dollars, what’s $25 million to buy a sport? Maybe it simply becomes a personal hobby or legacy project.

What makes me slightly pessimistic is that the APP (formerly the Waterman League) already tried to follow a similar path. Tristan Boxford began this journey more than 15 years ago, at a time when SUP was still focused on ocean racing and surfing. The Waterman League was eventually rebranded as the APP, and a very wealthy Japanese financier stepped in to support the tour.

The media production was phenomenal, and the promises made to athletes were sky-high. But after covering too many dramas and sagas, I witnessed firsthand the APP’s gradual downfall — and how it lost the trust of an entire industry.

Where are we going from here?

I think about SUP the same way I think about surfing for my kids.
They’re having an amazing experience, traveling to select contests and forming strong friendships with other surfers. They’re growing up with a beautiful sport, get to travel and learn to respect the nature.

As a dad, I’m fully aware that none of my kids will go on a world tour or compete in the Olympics. As a family, we understand that there’s more to life than dedicating all our energy toward chasing a sports career. Besides, we simply don’t have the finances to fund extensive travel and coaching. And even if we did, there’s no guarantee of a return on that investment.

If we were in it just to make money, we’d probably be better off choosing sports like golf, tennis, football, baseball, soccer, basketball and or many others. But we’re not. We enjoy our family adventures through surfing, and that’s what matters.

I hope I haven’t crushed anyone’s dreams or hopes — that’s not my intention. But I do think it’s time for a clear-eyed reality check. Even if SUP does become an Olympic sport, funding is often slow and limited. Other sports still take priority. My kids are on the Swiss Surf Team, and even in a wealthy country like Switzerland, and even with surfing in the Olympics, we’re far from being showered with financial support.

Let’s just enjoy SUP for what it is right now: a fantastic way to stay in shape, connect with nature, and be part of an inspiring and tight-knit community.

Maybe one day, a billionaire will read Stand Up Magazin and want to hear my ideas and dreams — the ones I dream of if I had Mr. Ziff’s kind of money.

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SUP Spring Race Results

The SUP Spring Race in Italy once again delivered an exciting weekend of racing, cementing its place as one of the early highlights of the European SUP calendar. As part of the ICF SUP World Cup series, the event carried extra weight this year, serving as an official qualifier for the upcoming ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

The level of participation was great, with a solid international field showing up, such as Donato Freens, Duna Gordillo and fresh out of the junior class Cecilia Pampinella and Csillag Kocsis. The stage was set for the first SWR 5 – Star Event of the year.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, the organizers introduced a brand-new format: the 100-meter SUP Foil sprint. It was the first time this discipline featured at the event, bringing high speeds and thrilling action to the program. This innovation highlighted the evolving nature of the sport and kept the audience on their toes throughout the weekend.

Overall, the SUP Spring Race in Italy successfully combined top-level competition with great conditions and an enthusiastic community vibe, setting the tone for the season ahead.

Men Open Longdistance

Donato Freens is having a great start into the 2025 season taking the win in his favorite category with a narrow lead of 5 seconds over Ethan Bry, while Nicolò Vincenzo Ricco secured third place, about 24 seconds behind the leader.

📸 TotalSUP
NameNFTime
1Donato FreensNLD1:07:58
2Ethan BryFRA1:08:03
3Nicolò Vincenzo RiccoITA1:08:22
4Manuel HoyuelaESP1:08:26
5Sergio Cantoral QuirantESP1:08:30
6Kotaro MiyahiraJPN1:08:34
7Lluis PerottiESP1:08:49
8Aaron SanchezESP1:09:05
9Teulade LudovicFRA1:09:41
10Filippo MercurialiITA1:10:06
11Phaedon DoukasGRC1:10:29
12Davide AlpinoITA1:11:32
13Normen WeberDEU1:12:09
14Iván De Frutos RuizESP1:14:49
15Vincenzo ManobiancoITA1:16:31
16Marc SimoncelliESP1:16:33
17Unax EtxeberriaESP1:16:35
18Filippo AlbertiITA1:16:38
19Dylan SartoriITA1:18:18
20Gal GrosSVN1:18:29
21Roberto FellettiITA1:20:06
22Wim LuyckxBEL1:20:19
23Alessandro D’ignaziITA1:24:17
24Krystian ŚwierkowskiPOL1:25:18
25Petr SunkovskýCZE1:25:18
26Mile GaćešaHRV1:29:41
27Giuseppe CarboniITA1:30:26
28Maicol TagliattiITA1:30:55
29Alessandro FongherITA1:30:55

Women Longdistance Open

sup-spring-race-women-longdistance-podium
📸 TotalSUP

After Sarasota we knew Csillag Kocsis was strong. How strong she is just became clear in this first big race of the season, finishing almost 3 minutes ahead of Duna Gordillo. Meanwhile, the battle for second was tight, with Gordillo edging out Pampinella by just 2 seconds. Cecilia and Csillag both just aged out of the junior class this year and we are looking forward to a great competitive season. Women SUP just got that much more exciting.

RankNameNatTime
1Csillag KocsisHUN1:15:37
2Duna GordilloESP1:18:33
3Cecilia PampinellaITA1:18:35
4Rika OkuakiJPN1:21:19
5Susak MolineroESP1:21:23
6Laura Quetglas GarciaESP1:21:28
7Claudia PostiglioneITA1:21:31
8Sonia Caimari PolESP1:22:30
9Laura NittiITA1:22:31
10Athanasia (nancy) KaraindrouGRC1:22:55
11Emma Freja PedersenDNK1:25:39
12Elene EtxeberriaESP1:26:00
13Bianca ScarangellaITA1:29:49
14Stinna Morell LercheDNK1:34:30
15Maria Østergaard HolmDNK1:34:51
16Eleni GiakoumakiGRC1:36:35
17Maria Laura MettaITA1:39:01
📸 SUP Spring Race

Open Women Sprint Final A

Cecilia Pampinella starting her season the way she ended it in 2024 in Sarasota, with a win. Claudia Postiglione looked also very strong with her 2nd place and Rika Okuaki took the 3rd place continuing to put the Japanese flag out there in SUP Racing.

RankNameNat.Time
1Cecilia PampinellaITA00:00:27:359
2Claudia PostiglioneITA00:00:28:209
3Rika OkuakiJPN00:00:29:074
4Duna GordilloESP00:00:29:408
5Susak MolineroESP00:00:30:488
6Csillag KocsisHUN00:00:31:460

Open Men Sprint Final A

Andrii Kraitor showed once a again clear dominance in Sprint Racing. The ICF World Champ claimed victory ahead of Manuel Hoyuela with a clear margin.

RankNameNatTime
1Andrii KraitorBGR00:00:19:799
2Manuel HoyuelaESP00:00:21:678
3Sergio Cantoral QuirantESP00:00:22:012
4Normen WeberDEU00:00:22:709
5Davide AlpinoITA00:00:23:485
6Ruslan HuseinovPOL00:00:31:571

Junior Men Sprint Final

RankNameNatTime
1Tatsuma NishikawaJPN00:00:23:871
2Gian Luca CorrieroITA00:00:26:122
3Matyáš SoukupCZE00:00:26:471
4Daniel Senoglu ESP00:00:26:850
5Miłosz Sytnik POL00:00:27:197
6Matteo PerniscoITA00:00:27:713

Women Junior Sprint Final

RankNameNat.Time
1Hanna KaminskaPOL00:00:26:676
2Lisa VenturelliITA00:00:27:693
3Amelia MoralESP00:00:28:057
4Alexia Soto SánchezESP00:00:28:830
5Sveva SabatoITA00:00:29:104
6Ioanna PapadimitrioyGRC00:00:41:788

Foil Final

It is great to see that there are 3 well known names in SUP are up to the challenge and showed their talent in SUP Foiling.

RankNameNFTime
1Teulade LudovicFRA00:00:19:448
2Manuel HoyuelaESP00:00:19:891
3Sergio Cantoral QuirantESP00:00:25:255

Open Women Tech. Final

In a fast and intense showdown, Csillag Kocsis claimed another victory with a strong performance, finishing the course in 4 minutes and 32 seconds. Close on her heels, Spain’s Duna Gordillo secured second place just 4 seconds behind, keeping the pressure high until the finish. Italy’s Claudia Postiglione rounded out the podium with a time of 4:40, holding her own in this competitive field.

RankNameNatTime
1Csillag KocsisHUN4:32
2Duna GordilloESP4:36
3Claudia PostiglioneITA4:40
4Sonia Caimari PolESP4:52
5Cecilia PampinellaITA4:53
6Susak MolineroESP4:58
7Laura Quetglas GarciaESP5:07
8Elene EtxeberriaESP5:07
9Maria Laura MettaITA5:13
10Emma Freja PedersenDNK5:20

Open Men Tech. Final

A strong Spanish performance, with Cantoral Quirant taking the win and Sanchez securing the double podium for Spain. Normen Weber followed in third, keeping the gap manageable but unable to catch the Spanish duo. Seeing Manuel Hoyuela in last struck us with a bit of surprise.

RankNameNatTime
1Sergio Cantoral QuirantESP4:03
2Aaron SanchezESP4:09
3Normen WeberDEU4:13
4Filippo MercurialiITA4:16
5Nicolò Vincenzo RiccoITA4:18
6Donato FreensNLD4:19
7Lluis PerottiESP4:20
8Teulade LudovicFRA4:23
9Davide AlpinoITA4:29
10Manuel HoyuelaESP4:32

Junior Woman Tech. Final

RankNameNFTime
1Sveva SabatoITA4:52
2Inés Blin GómezESP4:57
3Alexia Soto SánchezESP5:02
4Velia PisanelliITA5:03
5Lisa VenturelliITA5:06
6Emilia DaszewskaPOL5:07
7Amelia MoralESP5:16
8Miriana MangialascheITA5:27
9Noémi BashaiITA5:30
10Alice CappelliITA5:32

Junior Men Tech. Final

RankNameNFTime
1Tatsuma NishikawaJPN4:17
2Szabó ZénóHUN4:18
3Matyáš SoukupCZE4:27
4Giulio LazzariniITA4:32
5Gian Luca CorrieroITA4:36
6Luca Del GattoITA4:38
7Matteo PerniscoITA4:38
8Mattia RutiglianoITA4:46
9Daniel SenogluESP4:55
10Jakub KubiakPOL5:01
11Mattia Michele LubranoITA5:11
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European SUP League Interview Clarifications

The somewhat surprising announcement about a newly launched European SUP League, backed by the European Surfing Federation hit many with surprise and us here at the Stand Up Magazin with great skepticism. (Read here) We did a bit of research and contacted a few people and happen to find out that no other than Daniel Parres is part of this new initiative. This gave us a sense of relieve as Daniel has a great standing in our community by putting all of his energy into the SUP sport. We had to have an interview with him.

Aloha Daniel, thank you very much for your time clarifying some questions and details about the newly founded European SUP League. In all honesty, I was surprised that you are behind the ESL, I guess I did not know you are also involved in the Surfing World. With that being said, this is actually great news for the SUP community to have an insider and invested person behind all of that.

Nevertheless, the ESL mission statement sets a high bar and expectations for the future. We have written a critical news article about that and I believe you read it. The Stand Up Magazin has covered the SUP Sport for 15 years and we have seen initiatives like this come and go and we have grown skeptical over the years.

In a previous conversation you said:

 “The motivation behind the ESL is to fill a gap. As you know, for SUP to have a chance at Olympic inclusion, it needs to show stronger organization and presence within the surfing structure — especially at the European level.”

You are absolutely right, if SUP wants to be Olympic the ISA holds the key to that right now. Regardless, the ISA has failed over the years to invest more in the sport and gain trust with the community. For example, it is April and we have not heard a thing from the ISA since Kopenhagen last year. In the meanwhile the ICF has launched a World Cup and holds World Championships of which we have dates all the way to 2027.

Are you able to reassure our community that this time it is different?

Daniel-Parres

Yes, I completely understand the skepticism. SUP has gone through many failed attempts to establish a solid circuit, and the community is tired of big promises that never materialize. That’s why, rather than offering empty assurances, we want to prove it through our actions.

📸 SUP World Festival



What makes this different is that this project is born from a real collaboration between experienced private organizers — like myself — and the European Surfing Federation, which is the entity officially recognized by the ISA to represent surfing and SUP at the continental level. This alliance allows us to build something based on a federated structure, not driven solely by commercial interests, but also incorporating the perspective of those of us who have been developing this sport from the ground up for years.

Our goal is not to launch a massive tour right away, but to establish a stable structure with clear criteria, a mid- and long-term vision, and, above all, a willingness to listen to athletes, clubs, and organizers. We know this can’t be achieved in one season, but we believe that step by step we can create a league with a strong identity and lasting potential. For instance, we expect to announce the 2026 calendar well in advance — even before the end of 2025.

The reason we are having this conversation is because the ESF / ESL made some very strong statements, for example: Provide more opportunities for athletes to develop and gain exposure. Can you explain what that means? What are the opportunities to develop? What does it mean to “gain exposure?

This statement is at the core of our motivation. When we talk about “development,” we’re referring to several levels: from young athletes who need a federated calendar to progress, to elite paddlers looking for platforms to compete at the highest level under professional conditions.

On the federative side, the ESL allows results to be official, recognized by national federations, and useful when applying for travel assistance, grants, scholarships, or even to build a pathway toward national teams and international events like the ISA Worlds.

As for visibility, we know that SUP needs to move beyond its niche. That’s why we are working with a professional international TV production team to deliver high-quality audiovisual content that showcases athletes, sponsors, and events. It’s not just about streaming — we want to bring SUP to broader platforms with a consistent, modern, and professional image.

Additionally, we offer a unified space where athletes can compete under equal conditions, with clear rules, coherent categories, and pre-established prize structures. This, too, is part of development: providing structure, clarity, and growth potential.

The next statement was: Establish an officially recognized and respected SUP racing circuit in Europe.

Our answer to this was: It takes a bit more than utilizing 3 existing events, leave the door open for the 2nd half of the season to establish a recognized SUP Tour. Particularly on the back ground of the EURO TOUR having done just that for a decade.

Can you make a counter argument on this?

I agree that combining three events is not enough to build a recognized tour. That’s why we are not presenting the ESL as a finished product, but as a developing project with the necessary federative backing to grow meaningfully.

In this first edition, we started with the events that met the logistical, sporting, and administrative criteria in time. These are well-established races with strong organization and the ability to adapt to a unified structure. We’re not ruling out adding new venues, but we want to prioritize quality over quantity.

What’s important is that this is not an isolated initiative. It’s part of a broader plan with the European Surfing Federation, which includes official sanctioning, coordination with national federations, and a shared ranking and rules system. That’s what can make this a respected circuit in the mid-term — not just a loose series of races.

Another statement was: The ESL lays the foundation for a unified and internationally recognized SUP circuit, giving athletes the platform they deserve to compete and shine at the highest level.

We can get 100% on board with this. The sport needs a recognized SUP circuit, particularly for ambitious Athletes who like to raise to the top. Then again, we have the EURO TOUR that is doing this already. We had the APP that tried to do this, but failed.

How is this going to be any different? How can the community be sure that this is going to happen and its not just another big idea? I guess the bottom line is: How is this all going to be financed?

What makes the ESL different is that it comes from a European federative structure with long-term goals and a broader sporting mission than a commercial tour. We’re not here to replace the EuroTour or deny what the APP accomplished; in fact, we deeply value the contribution of both. The EuroTour has been key to the growth of SUP in Europe — and it remains essential. That’s why my own event is still part of it.

What the ESL brings is something that was missing: a federated, officially sanctioned structure that can validate results, justify public and private investment, and connect with other projects like national teams, grassroots development, or potential Olympic inclusion.

Regarding funding, we are working with a mixed model: each organizer covers part of their event’s cost and contributes to the league’s final prize pool, while the European Surfing Federation provides resources for prizes, sanctioning, and logistical support. Additionally, we are working on global sponsorship agreements that will allow for sustainable growth. This is a grounded project that will mature year by year.

The bottom line of this all, is that the sport is very fragmented, you saw it in Sarasota, the “canoefication” of the sport is well under way. In eastern Europe where the growth is strong, people can’t rely to the surfing culture or aspect of the SUP Sport. For the ICF we are paddling on boats, not boards. We have always been an advocate of an International SUP League in the example of the WSL or what the APP tried to do. The SUP Sport has a long way to go finding a structure for competitive elites.

As a final statement, can you share your visions and ideas for the future of an active, high level competitive SUP Sport?

My vision is clear: SUP needs strong structures that support both athletic development and real professionalization. It’s not just about big events — it’s about building a solid pyramid, starting from youth development and reaching elite competition through defined steps.

I dream of a European league that connects major events across countries, where athletes can plan their season, gain recognition, and get real visibility. A space where organizers, federations, and media work together. Where young paddlers training in small clubs can aspire to make national teams, travel across Europe, and compete under fair conditions.

I also want SUP to remain diverse: with all disciplines coexisting (race, tech, sprint, waves, paddleboard, foil…), and space for professionals, amateurs, masters, and inclusive paddling. Above all, I believe we must continue building this together — with athletes, organizers, and federations all contributing to the sport.

Thank you very much Daniel for this great insight and your dedication to all of this. We documented the Sport since 2010 and will continue to support SUP in anyway we can.

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SUP Race Season in the USA

As the world eagerly anticipates the kickoff of the European SUP Season, excitement is equally mounting for the bustling SUP race calendar in the United States. We delved into the USA SUP event schedule and crunched some numbers. Our findings reveal that California continues to dominate as the region hosting the most races, promising an action-packed season for SUP enthusiasts across the nation.

USA-SUP-Champion-Ships
Bodi von Allmen and Dave Boehne racing at a recent US champs. Both well known figures in the SUP World

Here are all the key points:

  • Total Number of Events: 40
  • Regions Covered:
    • SouthWest: 12 events
    • SouthEast: 6 events
    • SouthCentral: 6 events
    • NorthCentral: 6 events
    • NorthEast: 8 events
    • NorthWest: 1 event

Highlights of the Season

The SUP race season is going to be incredibly busy with events spread across the country. One of the highlights will be the Gorge Challenge on August 16, 2025, in Hood River, OR. This race is one of the oldest and better known, SUP races in the US and is highly anticipated by the SUP community as well as the foiling community.

Upcoming Events

Here are some of the upcoming events to look forward to:

  • Havasu Heat
    • Date: April 5, 2025
    • Location: Rotary Park Dr, Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA
  • Damn the Torpedos
    • Date: April 12, 2025
    • Location: 700 S Mobile St, Fairhope, AL 36532, USA
  • Redwood Water Sports Race #8 Spring Celebration
    • Date: April 13, 2025
    • Location: 487 Seaport Ct, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
  • Bluet Brawl
    • Date: May 3, 2025
    • Location: 218A Orchid Hill Ln, Argyle, TX 76226, USA
  • Navarre Paddle Classic
    • Date: May 10, 2025
    • Location: 8739 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, USA

SUP enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to this season with a variety of events that cater to different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a competitive racer or just looking to enjoy the sport, there’s something for everyone.

Full list of events

DateEventLocationStateRegion
4/5/2025Havasu HeatRotary Park Dr, Lake Havasu City, AZ, USAAZSouthWest
4/12/2025Damn the Torpedos700 S Mobile St, Fairhope, AL 36532, USAALSouthEast
4/13/2025Redwood Water Sports Race #8 Spring Celebration487 Seaport Ct, Redwood City, CA 94063, USACASouthWest
5/3/2025Bluet Brawl218A Orchid Hill Ln, Argyle, TX 76226, USATXSouthCentral
5/10/2025Navarre Paddle Classic8739 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566, USAFLSouthEast
5/17/2025Paddle the Rockies RS: Ice Breakers RaceBear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood, COCOSouthCentral
5/18/20252025 Columbia Yacht Club Chicago Skyline SUP Race111 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USAILNorthCentral
6/14/2025USA Surfing SUP+Prone National Champs & Team TrialsHarbor Dr, Oceanside, CA, USACASouthWest
6/21/2025Tahoe Waterman’s Jam5166 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140, USACASouthWest
6/21/2025Paddle Round the Island1350 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USAVANorthEast
6/21/2025Charles IslandViscount Dr, Milford, CT 06460, USACTNorthEast
6/21/2025Paddle the Rockies RS: FlatironBoulder, COCOSouthCentral
6/28/2025Santa Monica Pier 360 PaddleSanta Monica, CACASouthWest
7/18/2025USA SUP National Champs @ Belle Isle ClassicBelle Isle, Detroit, MI, USAMINorthCentral
7/19/2025Blackburn Challenge32 Leslie O Johnson Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930, USAMANorthEast
7/26/2025Bay Paddle117 Yacht Club Dr, Chester, MD 21619, USAMDNorthEast
7/26/2025Paddlesplash Water FestivalFolsom, CACASouthWest
8/3/2025The Circumnavigation – Tilghman Island 2025Island Club Rd, Tilghman Island, MD 21671, USAMDNorthEast
8/9/2025SUP El Camino RealBastrop, TXTXSouthCentral
8/12/2025Tahoe Downwind ChampionshipsTahoe Waterman’s Landing, Carnelian Bay, Lake Tahoe, CACASouthWest
8/16/2025Rapa NuiBowers Harbor Rd, Peninsula Township, MI 49686, USAMINorthCentral
8/16/2025B’More SUP CUP401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USAMDNorthEast
8/16/20252025 Gorge ChallengeHood River, OR 97031, USAORNorthWest
8/16/2025Paddle the Rockies RS: Long’s Peak Classic RaceUnion Reseroir, Longmont, COCOSouthCentral
8/26/2025Beach2Beach Paddle RaceHighland Park, ILILNorthCentral
9/6/2025OluKai Low Country Boil Paddle Battle 5k / 10kRowing and sailing center at Squire Pope Community Park, 137 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USASCSouthEast
9/12/2025Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing5166 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140, USACASouthWest
9/13/2025Paddle the Rockies RS: Bragging Rights RaceLakewood, COCOSouthCentral
9/14/2025Bay Bridge PaddleAnnapolis, MDMDNorthEast
9/20/2025Battle of the BayRedwood City, CACASouthWest
9/20/2025Goat Boater Technical8999 Windjammer Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708, USASCSouthEast
9/20/2025Dam Bridge ChallengeWrightsville, PAPANorthEast
9/21/2025Goat Boater 5k / 10k Distance8999 Windjammer Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708, USASCSouthEast
9/27/2025LEMANiStee MarathonWexford County, MIMINorthCentral
10/12/2025The 66 Silver Lake RaceBerlin, CTCTNorthEast
10/12/2025Redwood City Paddle Series #1 25/26Redwood City, CACASouthWest
11/15/2025ADR Another Dam RaceParker, AZAZSouthWest
11/16/2025Redwood City Paddle Series #2 25/26Redwood City, CACASouthWest
12/14/2025Redwood City Paddle Series #3 25/26Redwood City, CACASouthWest
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European SUP League launched

European Surfing Association Launches New Continental SUP Race Circuit: The European SUP League (ESL)

TotalSUP broke the story on social media and the ESL launched a website with a similar statement:

In a major development for stand-up paddle (SUP) racing in Europe, the European Surfing Federation (ESF), in collaboration with national surfing federations, has officially announced the launch of a new international competition series: the European SUP League (ESL). Set to debut in 2025, the ESL aims to unite top SUP events under one recognized banner, creating a structured and sustainable race circuit across the continent.

The 2025 ESL season will roll out in two phases, with the first leg taking place in Spain and featuring three major events:

  • April 26–27: Battle for Hércules, Benalmádena (Málaga)
  • May 1–4: Festival Triple ESE, Melilla
  • May 16–18: World SUP Festival Costa Blanca, Santa Pola (Alicante)

The second phase of the ESL is scheduled for September–October and will include races in Portugal and Italy. Full details for Phase 2 are expected to be announced in the coming months.

According to the European Surfing Association, the creation of the ESL marks a significant milestone for the sport. The circuit is designed to:

  • Connect athletes, organizers, and federations under a unified system
  • Provide more opportunities for athletes to develop and gain exposure
  • Implement strong sustainability measures across all events
  • Establish an officially recognized and respected SUP racing circuit in Europe

“The ESL lays the foundation for a unified and internationally recognized SUP circuit, giving athletes the platform they deserve to compete and shine at the highest level,” the ESA said in an official statement.

So far the statement, what can we read into this?

Our first reaction to the initial news was: Don’t we already have the EURO TOUR that does all of the above? Then we looked deeper.

The ESL is being rolled out in two phases. First, they are bringing together three existing events in Spain—one of which is also a EURO TOUR event—under a single umbrella. Phase two is planned for later in the year but is not yet ready to be launched.

So, in a sense, the product isn’t quite finished, but the decision was made to go public anyway, leaving open questions about the second half of the season. We are not so sure if this is good PR.

Setting a high bar

The mission statement – We take a look one by one:

Connect athletes, organizers, and federations under a unified system

This is nothing new, and has been done by SUPracer in the past and then the SUP World Rankings took over. The EURO TOUR is doing the same thing, so did the APP but failed, and the ICF doing the same thing with their World Cup System. Further we are wondering what other federations they are talking about?

Provide more opportunities for athletes to develop and gain exposure

What does that mean? What are the opportunities? Where and how are athletes gaining more exposure? Does developing mean they are getting coaches? This is a very broad and confusing statement.

Implement strong sustainability measures across all events

We are interpreting this as implementing environmental friendly practices. This sound like a very good idea and is clear to understand.

Establish an officially recognized and respected SUP racing circuit in Europe

I takes a bit more than utilizing 3 existing events, leave the door open for the 2nd half of the season to establish a recognized SUP Tour. Particularly on the back ground of the EURO TOUR having done just that for a decade. We have not found anything on their (Spanish only) website that hints for more.

Lastly: “The ESL lays the foundation for a unified and internationally recognized SUP circuit, giving athletes the platform they deserve to compete and shine at the highest level.”

In our opinion a very bold statement. While we embrace the goal to have a recognized, unified SUP Tour for athletes to compete at the highest level, the ESL has a long way to go with this. As fragmented the sport is right now, this is a very tall order to full fill. The ESL would have been well advised to set the bar for them a bit lower and then constantly grow rather than speaking in such large words.

We did however find this on the ESL Website and as it appears they will have a nice looking ranking table and athlete tracking system, this is something we are looking forward to see in action.

MAIN FEATURES: TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM FOR ATHLETE TRACKING

We will implement technology to enhance athlete monitoring and offer personalized broadcasts throughout the circuit.

Progressive Implementation: Ongoing technological improvements

Athlete Tracking: Advanced tracking systems

Personalized Broadcasts: Greater visibility for athletes and increased fan engagement.

(Source:ESL)

Conclusion

It’s encouraging to see that another organization recognizes the value of SUP and is stepping up in an effort to make an impact. However, bold statements and grand announcements like this sound all too familiar. We’ve seen initiatives come and go like waves on the beach.

Why has the European Surfing Federation (ESF) been silent for all these years? And what is their endgame and where the exact value for athletes?

What athletes truly need are events with prize money, reliable sponsorship, and a clear path for progression. Many have promised just that—few have delivered.

As it stands, this ESL initiative is little more than a big announcement, built on existing events. There’s no prize money involved, and the three events mentioned were already announced and already have their athletes. The only “new” elements are the website and yet another ranking system to follow—not very innovative.

We can all agree that the sport is highly fragmented right now. Some welcome that, others don’t. The fact is, this is yet another fragment added to the competitive SUP landscape. Whether it becomes a valuable contribution or just another passing trend remains to be seen.

To show case how easy this is, we did announced our own Super SUP EURO SPRING Tour.

SUPER-SUP-EURO-Spring-Tour
  • Battle for Hercules
  • Agios Nikolaos on SUP
  • Sancti Petri
  • World SUP Festival Costa Blanca
  • Barcelona World SUP Festival
  • The Lake Rocks Festival

More details here.

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ICF awards SUP World Cup to UK

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has announced that the English Riviera in Torbay, United Kingdom, will host a prestigious Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup event from June 24 to 28, 2026. ​

This marks the first time the UK will host an ICF SUP event of this magnitude, following Paddle UK’s recognition as the sport’s governing body in February 2023. The five-day competition is expected to attract around 200 of the world’s top athletes and up to a thousand additional paddlers, celebrating the full spectrum of SUP—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors. ​

Ashley Metcalfe, Chief Executive of Paddle UK, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:​

“I am delighted that Paddle UK has successfully bid to host an international stand up paddling event within the UK. We know that stand up paddling has grown over the last five years and is hugely popular with our members and recreational paddlers.” ​

The event has garnered support from local organizations, including the English Riviera Business Improvement District (BID) Company and Torbay Council. Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, and Events, remarked:​

“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the 2026 Stand Up Paddling World Cup on the English Riviera. Our beautiful Bay enjoys worldwide importance with our designation as the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, and it will be a fabulous backdrop to the events out on the water.” (Source: ​paddleuk.org.uk)

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, added:​

“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our stunning coastline to a global audience and reinforce our reputation as a premier water sports destination in the UK.” ​

The selection of the English Riviera underscores the region’s growing prominence in the water sports community and is anticipated to boost local tourism and the economy. Paddle UK aims to collaborate with local partners to deliver an outstanding event, further establishing the area as a top destination for stand up paddling.

As the event approaches, both participants and spectators can look forward to experiencing the unique charm and hospitality of the English Riviera while witnessing world-class stand up paddling competitions.​

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AGIOS NIKOLAOS ON SUP 2025 – ICF WORLD RANKING EVENT

May 3-4, 2025 | Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

The International Canoe Federation (ICF), the Greek Federation of Canoe-Kayaking, Standing Boarding, Wave Sliding with Board in cooperation with the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, the Municipal Company of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN), the Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) with the support of the Region of Crete organize, 3-4 May 2025 in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, the ICF SUP WORLD RANKING EVENT, along with the Panhellenic Championship Long Distance SUP and the Panhellenic Cup Technical SUP.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS on SUP is celebrating its 10th anniversary (2015-2025) with an anniversary event that promises to be the most impressive to date, attracting top athletes from around the world and further strengthening Crete’s position on the global sports tourism map. Since 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has evolved from a local race into a high-level international event. Last year’s 2024 event attracted 230 athletes from 15 countries, confirming Agios Nikolaos’ establishment as a world-leading SUP destination.

ICF WORLD RANKING EVENT – AN EVENT WITH INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE

AGIOS NIKOLAOS ON SUP 2025 is an official ICF SUP WORLD RANKING EVENT. This year’s event holds special significance as points earned will count towards athletes’ world rankings ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi (October 29 – November 2). For the first time this year, the World Championships will feature a special award for the Overall Winner of the ICF World Ranking Series.

With prizes totaling €9.000, distributed among the top five finishers in both Long Distance & Technical Races, the event attracts top SUP athletes, while in combination with the SITIA ICF SUP WORLD CUP (May 1-2), total awards amount to €18,000!

UNIQUE RACING EXPERIENCE – 10 YEARS OF HISTORY

The AGIOS NIKOLAOS ON SUP event offers ideal racing conditions, with race courses designed for maximum competitive performance and spectacle:

*Technical Race – May 3, 2025 | Location: Kalo Chorio – A challenging course with potential wave action that will test athletes’ skills.

*Long Distance Race – May 4, 2025 | An impressive route overlooking Spinalonga, one of Crete’s most iconic destinations.

Register here
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Similarities between Stand Up Paddling an Pickleball

Seniors are taking over

“We all know that pickleball is for everyone. It’s inclusive, social and engaging. And the health benefits are obvious – from cardiovascular, mental health, and personal fitness, pickleball is a great way to breathe new health and vitality into your body. “

This was the opening statement by the PPA Tour in May 2024, announcing a Senior Pickleball Tour. Yes, Pickleball and Stand Up Paddling are two entirely different sports, but if you replace the word “Pickleball” in the above statement with “Stand Up Paddling,” you arrive at the same conclusion: sport is good for you.

Many Euorpean readers might have not heard of Pickleball, this video will explain it:

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Why are we talking about Pickleball on Stand Up Magazin?

It appears that, when it comes to age groups and senior participation, these two sports share some commonalities. We were inspired to take this comparative approach by a recent interview with Gerd Weisner on totalSUP. Gerd is an outspoken advocate for senior SUP inclusion and a competitive Master Class participant. Much like Pickleball today, SUP was regarded as the fastest-growing sport just a few years ago. Pickleball developed entirely from its recreational roots and is predominantly played by seniors. If you visit the courts, you’ll find the average age well into the 60s. Tennis facilities are bursting with middle- to upper-aged Pickleball players—much to the dismay of tennis players.

In this article, we aim to explore the similarities between these two seemingly unrelated sports that share one significant overlap: strong participation from older adults. A key takeaway from the interview on totalSUP is the demand for a 60+ category in SUP. This raises an important question:

Is Stand Up Paddling a competitive sport for seniors?

Circling back to Gerd Weisner, it seems he’s onto something. By advocating for a 60+ category, he envisions the future for two of the sport’s strongest age groups: the 55–59 and 50–54 divisions. As these age groups move up, and assuming we don’t lose participants, the senior class could experience significant growth. The 60+ category, and perhaps even the 70+ category, will emerge as vibrant and competitive. The message is clear: Seniors are not done yet and will likely want their own divisions as they progress through their 60s and beyond.

What Gerd is suggesting is already happening in Pickleball. Here’s a statement from one of the sport’s key voices regarding the new senior tour:

“Pickleball is a sport for all ages, and we are thrilled to partner with Humana to highlight and level up the experience for our most seasoned players,” said Dave Fleming, senior pro and the PPA Tour’s Lead Commentator. “Humana and the PPA Tour are changing the game and making the sport even more enjoyable for seniors, which we didn’t even think was possible!”

Evidently the sport of Pickleball reached a tipping point that sponsors saw a niche in the market and created their own tour solely catering to the 50+ crowd.

Further from the PPA:

“There were 570 registrants for the Humana Champions Showcase series over the course of the PPA Tour’s two events in Arizona and Austin. Pickleball’s senior community continues to defy conventional stereotypes about athletic decline with age and transform pre- and post-retirement lifestyle expectations. They are an inspiration to all of us to get moving, follow your passions, and build a life worth living.“

Who came to the largest SUP Event of 2024?

Looking at our graphic above, and assuming the ICF participation demographic is representative of the rest of the world, we see a strong demand for competitive stand-up paddling from the age of 45 and up. Much like in Pickleball, the SUP industry might want to consider whether it’s worthwhile to cater more actively to this demographic. This group has the financial means and the time to travel. As Gerd Weisner puts it: “Kids are out of school, and these are the two decades where you can focus on yourself again when you’re in your 50s and 60s. Why not embrace it?”

The Pyramid in the Long Run

Right now, the SUP sport and its senior participants are in good hands. But what happens in a few decades? To answer this, we need to examine the bottom half of the participation pyramid:

It’s a good sign that the 15–19 age group is the strongest of all, though not as strong as the combined 45–59 group. Nonetheless, the high participation among those under 20 reflects strong parental involvement and youth development in the sport. The big question is: what happens when promising juniors age out of their class and reach their 20s?

This is the age when major life decisions are made. Young people either go to university or join the workforce, which often leaves them with less time to train or compete at a high level. Unfortunately, there isn’t yet a robust support system for professional or semi-professional careers in SUP. This was evident in Sarasota and is reflected in the weak participation numbers for the 20–39 age bracket—arguably the athletic prime. This is also the group that makes up the sport’s elite competitors.

Looking at this “pyramid” and projecting 20 years ahead, we can only speculate about what will happen. Will Gerd Weisner, at 76, still be paddling as part of the strongest 75–79 age group? Will today’s 19-year-olds become 39-year-old coaches, commentators, or industry leaders, reflecting on rich careers in the sport? What about the young elite? Many of them haven’t been born yet—or are just now getting their diapers changed.

Comparing SUP to Pickleball

In this regard, Pickleball is far ahead of SUP. The list of open-ranked players in Pickleball runs 500 names deep, with about 285 players earning points. The top players collectively make over $1 million annually through prize money and endorsements. This kind of support system provides young hopefuls with real incentives to excel in the sport and reach the top.

Meanwhile, on the Senior Tour, the focus is on having a good time, earning modest prize money, collecting trophies, and gaining bragging rights. Why are they not earning the same like the elite? Because the spectators are most interested in watching elite-level competition, not senior-level play. Sponsors, in turn, invest where the audience is.

Conclusion

Pickleball has found a system that allows seniors to compete at the highest level within their age groups, while maintaining a separate elite tour that anyone can join (including seniors). This dual structure provides sponsors with a solid platform to showcase their brands to a growing audience of active seniors and aspiring young athletes. Brands are pouring money into the market, and festival-style events are flourishing across the United States and Canada.

Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is estimated to have over 1 million accounts in 158 countries. These are numbers that SUP can only dream of—though even reaching half that would be an incredible achievement. Until then, the SUP community must focus on attracting young people, creating a support system for ambitious elite paddlers, and catering to competitive recreational senior paddlers like Gerd Weisner. As Gerd said in his interview with totalSUP:

“I love racing against the youth, take Marlon Daskiran for example, he is 16. In the 2024 Long Distance races we were sharing many kilometers together and finally this year he was always a bit ahead. Well done! I like it! But that is the beauty of SUP racing, it is connecting all generations. But I do not give up and will have some beers after the race once beating him again.“

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SUP World Rankings 2024 Top 10 Athletes

SUP-World-Ranking-Top-paddlers-2024

It is the end of a long and intense SUP race season. We started with a very busy first half of the year, featuring all the EURO TOUR races in Spain and Italy, as well as the Lake Rocks Festival in Austria, which was part of the SUP Alps Trophy. We have been keeping tabs on the world’s top ten since the beginning of the year.

In the second half of the year, the race schedule became very fragmented, and most elite athletes who don’t live in Europe returned to their home countries. There were few to no major international races, making it more difficult to maintain an accurate top ten list. (This is also the reason we stopped updating it in the second half and are now asking ourselves what to do with this in 2025.)

As always, at the end of the year, the SUP World Rankings are cleaned up, and only the top-ranked races are considered for the final athlete rankings. This is what we have been waiting for, and, frankly, the cleaned-up version closely reflects what we had anticipated all along.

Men Longdistance

hrimpy is the undisputed king of long distance. He has a significant points lead, and everyone who saw his performance at the ICF in Sarasota will agree. In fact, he won every long-distance race he competed in: Sancti Petri, Mondello, Busan, Punta Ala, and Barcelona.

Behind him is Donato Freens, who was a very busy paddler with many great results, but the points difference is significant. Only 10 points behind Donato is Rai Taguchi showing a very close race to the season end.

Congratulations to all the racers, and a special shout-out to Eri Tenorio, who most likely made the top ten due to his phenomenal comeback at the ICF long-distance race in Sarasota.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Shuri ArakiJPN3511.6
2Donato FreensNED2897.23
3Rai TaguchiJPN2887.75
4Aaron SanchezESP2495.25
5Daniel HasulyoHUN2478.32
6Ethan BryFRA2164.1
7Blue EwerGBR2147.56
8Itzel DelgadoPER2125.7
9Eri TenorioBRA2045.05
10Manuel HoyuelaESP1991.47

Women Longdistance

The clear champions here are Esperanza Barreras and Marie Carmen Rivera. Espe is the world’s undisputed top female paddler, but in Marie Carmen, she has a very worthy opponent. Esperanza holds both the ISA and ICF World Titles, so it is only natural that she is SWR’s top-ranked paddler this year.

Marie Carmen earned silver at both the ICF and ISA, finishing behind Espe — and their points difference is understandably slim. Further back, we find Juliette Du Haime and Duna Gordillo, who both had a respectable year as well.

Special shout out to Kimberly Barnes who is by far the oldest paddler in this group and showed amazing performance against girls more than half her age.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Esperanza BarrerasESP2213.25
2Marie Carmen RiveraPUR2031.15
3Juliette Du HaimeARG1548.64
4Duna GordilloESP1307.52
5Susak MolineroESP1113.62
6Alba FreyESP1108.21
7Cecilia PampinellaITA1089.37
8Kimberly BarnesUSA1017.75
9Anais GuyomarchFRA953.76
10Iona RivetFRA947.85

Men Tech. Race

Rai Taguchi is the clear Tech Race world champion. Despite not performing as well as he wanted in Sarasota, where he finished 6th, his ISA world title, gold medal at the SUP Spring Race, and various other podium finishes solidified his position.

Christian Anderson had a great year, and he even mentioned in an interview that he felt it was his best year ever. It’s also great to see Itzel Delgado in third place. For an athlete who focused more on ULD races such as M2O, the 11 City Tour, and the Okinawa to Yoron Ocean Race, he certainly excelled with buoy turns this year, winning all the Latin American Races.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Rai TaguchiJPN2559.6
2Christian AndersenDEN2017.04
3Itzel DelgadoPER1949.35
4Filippo MercurialiITA1863.3
5Blue EwerGBR1753.1
6Donato FreensNED1657.24
7Sergio CantoralESP1626.31
8Manuel HoyuelaESP1625.72
9Aaron SanchezESP1563.6
10Paolo MarconiITA1495.87

Women Tech Race

Esperanza Barreras is not only the fastest long-distance paddler, but she is also the fastest Tech Racer. She earned silver medals at both the ICF and ISA and claimed victory at the Barcelona SUP World Fest.

Less than 100 points behind her is Juliette Du Haime. At the ICF, she finished 4th, but she won the Copa America, placed 2nd in Barcelona, and took the top spot at the Lake Rocks Festival in Austria. She did miss the top spot but not by much.

In third place, we have Duna Gordillo, who achieved fantastic wins in Sarasota and at the Busan Open in South Korea.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Esperanza BarrerasESP1626.75
2Juliette Du HaimeARG1552.5
3Duna GrodilloESP1319.4
4Marie Carmen RiveraPUR932.02
5Cecilia PampinellaITA856.75
6Marta ApanasewiczPOL783.49
7Claudia PostiglioneITA675.87
8Rika OkuakiJPN659.01
9Kyriaki LogothetiJPN624.1
10Alba FreyESP617.62

Men Sprint Races

The world of sprinting belongs to Andrey Kraitor. He set his sights on the ICF World Title — and delivered. His dominance was on full display as he clinched victories at Agios Nikolaos, the ECA Sprints, and the Lake Rocks Sprints, cementing his place as the king of speed.

Hot on his heels in second place is Cameron Tripney, whose consistent performances include a 3rd place finish in Sarasota, a 2nd place podium at the Lake Rocks Festival in Austria, and a decisive win at the SUP Spring Race.

Rounding out the top three is Manuel Hoyuela. He grabbed 2nd in Sarasota but followed a different race schedule than Cameron, meeting Kraitor again at the ECA Sprints, where he finished 3rd.

Overall, the Sprint Category reveals a unique dynamic — the names here differ significantly from those in long-distance and tech racing. Clearly, not every paddler is built for the explosive intensity of sprinting, highlighting a different skill set.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Andrey KraitorBUL2349.6
2Cameron TripneyRAS1856.3
3Manuel HoyuelaESP1533.62
4Doukas PhaedonGRE1281.36
5Rai TaguchiJPN1242.12
6Christian AndersenDEN1123.92
7Normen WeberGER1096.9
8Blue EwerGBR1031.82
9Linus KarlssonSWE1013.32
10Mikolay MajdanPOL999.85

Women Sprint

IIn the women’s sprint category, we’re looking at a different leaderboard compared to the long-distance and tech races. Alba Frey reigns supreme, claiming the top spot with a 3rd place finish in Sarasota, a victory in Greece, and another triumph at the ISA. Essentially, she dominated, winning two out of the three sprint races she entered.

Second place belongs to Marta Apanasewicz, a lesser-known talent from Poland who quietly amassed her points. Her highlight was a 2nd place finish in Greece, complemented by solid results in smaller races and a 3rd place at the ECA Sprints.

Rounding out the top three is Paris Katniss, who burst onto the scene with a stunning victory in Sarasota. This win secured her spot on the podium, despite a 4th place in Greece and an 8th place at the SUP Spring Race.

The sprint category showcases a fresh mix of names, proving that when it comes to explosive speed, these women are in a league of their own.

RankNameNat.PTS
1Alba FreyESP978.5
2Marta ApanasewiczPOL786.27
3Paris KatnissUSA707.54
4Cecilia PampinellaITA687.9
5Marie Carmen RiveraPUR639.56
6Kyriaki LogothetiGRE622.64
7Claudia PostiglioneITA616.95
8Linda SyrovatkovaCZE551.79
9Sey-ChelleUSA490.72
10Esperanza BarrerasESP442.5

Conclusion

We can all be really happy that Tibor Hasulyo took on the mantle left by Chris Parker. The current ranking system is an accurate, math-based approach that considers all relevant factors, creating a fair ranking. However, after five years of statistics, we’re beginning to encounter challenges. The system is becoming diluted due to the fragmentation of the sport, especially after a few months. This dilution tends to reward athletes who perform well in lesser-ranked or less competitive races.

This raises a fundamental question for us: Why track rankings year-round if we end up with a reshuffeled top ten by the end of the year? The excitement of this ranking system lies in witnessing rivalries develop throughout the season. We love following athletes, seeing them compete head-to-head, and watching the race for the world title intensify as the year progresses. Unfortunately, our sport lacks the organization necessary to form a consistent series of races that could function as a cohesive world tour. Instead, SUP is scattered and inconsistent, making even unifying the competitive side under the SWR a challenging task.

At Stand Up Magazin, we are considering a shift in approach. Instead of maintaining weekly updates to the SWR, we’re thinking of creating our own ranking system that focuses solely on 3- to 5-Star races, using SWR data. We question whether it’s truly necessary to rank and count every race in some pond in the middle of nowhere. This may sound harsh — and we don’t intend to discredit paddlers or organizers — but the most compelling stories come from major events where the sport showcases its highest level of competition.

It’s unfortunate that the APP, despite its excellent media production, has failed to deliver a sustainable model akin to those seen in other sports. Without comprehensive media packages and consistent content creation, we won’t be able to sell this sport to a broader audience or attract major sponsors. Competitive SUP will remain fragmented, relying on government subsidies and two organizations battling for jurisdiction. A few key events will continue to be funded by local tourism authorities, as long as they see value in doing so promoting their destination.

If we want to break out of this niche, we need structure. The SWR is currently the only system providing any semblance of structure. The next step is to identify key races worldwide and encourage top athletes to participate by offering prize money and decent media coverage.

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Korean SUP Tour attracts Europeans

The Korean SUP Tour, launched by KAPP (a subsidiary of the presently quieter APP), is rapidly becoming a flagship series for stand-up paddleboarding in South Korea. This initiative not only highlights the sport’s rising popularity but also broadens competitive horizons, featuring a diverse range of races from sprints to long-distance challenges, all set against South Korea’s beautiful coastlines and rivers.

The recent 2nd race in Danyang was a testament to the Tour’s growing impact. Athletes from various skill levels, including international competitors from Europe and Thailand, came together, fostering a dynamic community and encouraging newcomers. The KAPP’s prize money—up to $1,000 for first place and $700 for second—has proven to be a draw, attracting seasoned athletes who are eager to share their expertise and experience with a new audience.

Christian, Taucher and Sabe Fischer (2nd) traveling from Europe. Daniel Hasulyo Hungarian Ex-pat living in Thailand 1st. 3rd Koman Natapat from Thailand

The influx of European SUP athletes into the Korean SUP Tour highlights the sport’s expanding global reach and the increasing importance of Asian markets. As the KAPP continues to invest in and develop these events, there’s a strong possibility that Asia could become as central to the SUP world as Europe and the US have been. With such promising developments, the Asian SUP scene is certainly one to watch closely.

Results KAPP Danyang

Elite Men Distance Result

  1. Daniel Hasulyo 다니엘 하슬요
  2. Christian Taucher 크리스천 타우처
  3. Koman Natapat 코만 나타팟

Amateur Men Distance Result

  1. Dmitri Sergei 드미트리 세르게이
  2. Jang Dong Hoon 장동훈
  3. Baek Gyu Yeol 백규열

U18 men Distance Result

  1. Lee Sung Hun 이성훈
  2. Jang Geun Seo 장근서

U16 Men Distance Result

  1. Choi Min Jun 최민준
  2. Yu Si Yun 유시윤
  3. Chung Ye Chan 정예찬

U14 Men Distance Result

  1. Park Chan Yul 박찬율
  2. Han Joel 한조엘
  3. Kim Ji Woo 김지우

Elite Women Distance Result

  1. Lim Su Jeong 임수정
  2. Fisher Sabine 피셔 사빈
  3. Choi Ji Won 최지원

Amateur Women Distance Result

  1. Won Ju Yeon 원주연
  2. Choi Areum 최아름
  3. Sim Yihwa 심이화

U16 Women Distance Result

  1. Moh Hee Joo 모희주
  2. Moh Seo Yeon 모서연
  3. Kim Han Byeol 김한별

U14 Women Distance Result

  1. Han Ellin 한엘린
  2. Krajcar Daeun 크라자카 다은
  3. Yoon Da hee 윤다희
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Busy SUP Season in the US

We just received the newsletter from USA SUP and we are looking at the busy past few weeks with some great paddle events. They might not be your SUP World Ranked races, but there is no lack of enthusiasm and participation as these 3 races proof:

The Charles Island Sup Cup

The Charles Island Sup Cup did not disappoint this year! The water conditions were probably the best I have raced there in the past 10 years. The heat, however, was probably the hottest ever, for so early in the summer. The courses were shortened slightly due to the heat. The lack of side chop was replaced by salty, sweat.

This race grows every year. Originally a local race, it has expanded throughout Nee England and New York. This year the tribe tentacles drew in the Jersey boys and a Maryland crew. The Canadians returned for a second year.

The success is due to the Race Directors, Tina Pritchard the owner of Scoot and Paddle in Milford, CT and Jack Egan of Surfrider Foundation CT Chapter. Jack has initiated a Sprint series with events at 5 CT races during the season. This attracts some strong competitors as well as 1st timers .


More than the race itself, the gathering of the tribe is heartwarming.. This event is our season opener, often bringing together friends not seen since the past September. The vibe with music, food trucks, vendors and families livens up a town beach on Long Island Sound in Milford, CT. The new addition of a Board and Gear Swap offered opportunities to upgrade gear and talk shop. (Text: Gail Kotowski)

The First Annual RIVER RUMBLE

What a great inaugural race! This was a totally grassroots effort to fill the gap left by the Windermere SUP CUP and it turned out so great! Big thanks to Jess Bouchee, Dan Miller, and Tricia Lyons for banding together and pulling off such a fun, challenging, and community focused event! I was so excited to have my Texas SUP Sista, Kiri Mevin, join me in Montana for the race! She has family in Montana and I really enjoyed introducing her to the awesome Montana SUP crew!

The race was held on Saturday, July 21 with a start time of 9:00am. We gathered at Riverside Park in Polson, Montana for the morning race. It was held on the Flathead River, just as it flows into Polson Bay and Flathead Lake. The sky was nice and clear, but the wind kicked up and gave us some challenging conditions! Mother Nature was putting some RUMBLE in the RIVER for sure! 

We had a great group of racers from all skill levels and a good mix of board types. Brooke and Ed were doing their first race! Dan was the Master of the Megaphone and gave everyone a great description of the racecourse and what to expect for the day. He made sure that everyone knew that safety was the priority and to stop and help any racer in distress. Kiri’s husband, Josh, took start line duty until Dan could take over (on the megaphone, of course).

We lined up at the pier and Josh hit the siren – we were off! The wind was blowing at our backs and the chop got into my head a little, so I didn’t have the most confident start. I had jelly fish legs – BAD! But I gave myself a stern talking to (out loud!) and I dug deep. The whole field was out in front of me. I had some work to do! A few paddlers opted to take a bit of the course on their knees due to the conditions. I was determined to stay upright even though I was struggling! Once I passed a newer paddler on an inflatable, I had my work cut out for me! I caught up to Kiri about a quarter of the way through the course and set my sights on halfway island. I was able to catch up to two amazing women paddlers from Montana just past the island. They both cheered me on in true SUP love spirit! I could see Kat Shaw’s bright-pink shirt in the distance – she was almost at the finish line already! I set my sights on Tricia Lyons, who was currently in second, but she was way too far ahead to make that a possibility. Tricia, Arnold Lucero and Mike Bouchee were battling it out to the finish line with Travis Prewitt between us. I wasn’t out of the woods just yet! I could hear Jess behind me when the waves would catch her board! I tried to catch Travis, to no avail. We were paddling straight into the gusting wind ! It would have been easy to let up, but it was my 58th birthday and I was going for the podium!

I was out in the middle of the lake pondering whether to go straight (and hope they could see my finish) or paddle the longer route closer to the pier. I stuck it out in the middle. I could hear Dan on the Megaphone calling out names – I could hear mine – and Jess’s, too – she was close! I didn’t dare look behind me and risk falling. I kept my resolve and kept paddling as hard as I could. The voice in my head was going a mile a minute! Am I past the pier? Should I keep paddling? Yes! Keep paddling! Then, I heard Dan call my name for third place!! Jess was a close fourth with Sue Miks taking fifth for the women’s field! Kiri had a strong finish with sixth place. Onno and Ed had great races, too!

We weren’t all in, yet. Brooke was out on the lake battling the wind! We could see her off rounding the halfway point. She wasn’t giving up. In true SUP Ohana fashion, Kat grabbed her board and paddle and went out to support Brooke to the finish line. We all gathered on the shore to give a giant cheer as she crossed the finish line of her first race!

Dan was the MC for the awards ceremony on his trusty megaphone! As he called the placements, Tricia gave us all a Flathead Lake tote with goodies from local businesses! The awards were wonderful painted rocks – each one unique!

After the race we all gathered and enjoyed the food the organizers provided. We dug into the wonderfully delicious huckleberry pie that my sweet friend, Arnold, brought for my birthday! What a perfect way to celebrate – in a beautiful place, with beautiful friends, doing the thing I love most! Thanks again to the truly phenomenal Montana SUP family for a race I’ll never forget! (Text: Linda McCoy)

Dam 2 Dam

Combining a passion for paddleboarding with a commitment to making a difference, Megan Cynowa, owner of The Goat Boater, has played a crucial role in bringing a groundbreaking event to life. The Dam 2 Dam paddleboarding event, created by the 24 Foundation, has not only brought the community together but also raised an impressive $70,000 for charity. This article explores the inspiration behind the event, the challenges faced, and the impact made.

The Genesis of Dam 2 Dam

The idea for Dam 2 Dam stemmed from the 24 Foundation’s mission to inspire and engage communities to make an immediate impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.  United by the common vision of cancer navigation and survivorship for all, 24 Foundation has raised more than $27 million to date. Megan Cynowa was approached by the foundation to organize and facilitate the event. “We wanted to create an event that brought the community together and made a significant impact,” Megan shared. Paddling from one dam to another while raising funds for charity seemed like the perfect way to achieve this.

The 24 Foundation, known for its dedication to charitable causes, saw the potential in this vision and partnered with Megan Cynowa, whose extensive experience in organizing paddleboarding events made her the ideal organizer and facilitator for this ambitious project. Together, they set out to turn the dream of Dam 2 Dam into a reality.

The Journey of Planning and Execution

Turning an idea into a successful event is no small feat. The planning for Dam 2 Dam took about 1.5 years, starting with a proof of concept in 2023 to ensure the event’s feasibility and scalability. From there, they set their sights on the 2024 dates, laying the groundwork for what would become an inspiring success story.

One of the most significant challenges was ensuring the safety of all participants. Paddleboarding over long distances is demanding, so it was crucial to ensure everyone was properly trained and equipped. Navigating the logistics of the route over 25 miles and securing permits were other hurdles that required meticulous planning and coordination. Megan credits her dedicated team for their tireless efforts in overcoming these obstacles.



The Day of the Event

The event saw 38 paddleboarders participating, each raising funds for the 24 Foundation.  Paddlers met at 5 AM and the finish line to start their 45 minute bus ride journey to the starting line.  It was a controlled mad dash upon exiting the bus, lining paddlers up with their correct board, paddle, safety gear and equipment.  The temperature was 84 degrees and the humidity was off the charts.  Within twenty minutes, safety boats, police boat escorts and all the paddlers were on the water highly anticipating their 11 hour adventure to come!  The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable as participants made their way through heat and sun towards the finish line together. “It was incredibly moving to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a common cause,” Megan recalled.

The funds raised from this event were for patient navigation and wellness programs provided through Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital, and our other Beneficiaries. These programs include integrative oncology, acupuncture, healing touch, massage therapy, nurse navigators and much more.

Looking Ahead: Scaling for the Future

Buoyed by the success of this year’s event, both Megan and the 24 Foundation are keen to make Dam 2 Dam an annual affair. There are plans to scale the event to include 200 paddleboarders, raising even more funds for the foundation.  Ideas for next year are already being discussed and brainstormed.  Scaling up requires more safety boats, improved paddler selection criteria, more Milo’s for hands free communication and additional safety training for escort boat volunteers.  We aim to capitalize on this years wins and make modifications from minor challenges encountered.

Advice for Aspiring Organizers

For other standup paddleboard companies looking to organize similar events, Megan offers some valuable advice. “Start by finding a cause that resonates with you and your community.  I have a personal relationship with cancer and the 24 Foundation does incredible work in that arena. 

Building a dedicated team for planning and logistics is crucial.  You will need more volunteers than you expect and leaning on them might be the difference between success or insanity. Starting with a small-scale proof of concept can help test the feasibility of your event.  Engaging with local businesses for support and sponsorships, and leveraging social media and local media for promotion are also key to success. Prioritize safety above all else.  You are a steward of the paddling and lake community.  What you know and take for granted, many others not familiar with the lake have no idea about.  Go the extra mile do discuss the little things as basic as they may seem and do not compromise.  Above all, staying passionate and persistent is essential. “The impact you can make is worth every effort,” Megan emphasizes.

Conclusion

Megan Cynowa’s dedication and enthusiasm, combined with the 24 Foundation’s vision, have not only made Dam 2 Dam a resounding success but also set a precedent for how passion and purpose can be combined to create meaningful change. As the event continues to grow, it promises to inspire many more to take up the paddle for a cause. (Text: Rob Cynowa / Photos by Joel Simpson of FireTower Media)

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Kim Barnes SUP Athlete Interview

The US has long lost its dominance in SUP Racing and race rankings are dominated by European flags. At the last two EURO TOUR races how ever we das stars and stripes on the podium for the first time in a while. It was Kim Barns who made 2nd at the Nordhausen SUP Race and 1st at the Namur SUP Race. The Namur race was a particular interesting win because Kim won against no other than Duna Gordillo on of the strongest athletes in recent years.

We had to reach out and find out more about Kim and what was going on at that race.

Aloha Kim, thank you very much for your time and congratulations for your outstanding performance. Before we jump into to SUP Racing can you introduce youself to our readers and your history in paddling?

Hello and thank you for your interest in my racing. I have been paddling for 11 years now. I started and still practice in Jupiter, Florida. Our community was very small when I began and now it is thriving with many paddlers.

That is awesome, are you just Stand Up Padding or are you doing other water-paddle sports?

I actually started racing OC6 this year, in addition to SUP racing. I also surf, Kiteboard, and wakeboard.

That is really cool you are an overall water women.

What sparked your interest to take the trip across the Atlantic and compete in the two EURO TOUR Races?

I have been watching the racing in Europe for the last few years. I loved the idea of being able to travel and race while I’m traveling in Europe. For me that seems like a win/win. I really wanted to head over for the Barcelona race in May, but work and home life dictated otherwise.

When I looked on the calendar and saw two races fairly close to each other, I though why not go?  I’m on summer break from teaching, so work was not going to be an issue and my family also had plans already while I was planning on going. So, it all just seemed to all work out.

I also, knew that the competition is really strong in Europe and I wanted to see how well I could do in a strong field.

Well it looks like you did really well. Can you tell us a bit more about your experience at the races?

I had a little experience racing with the top racers in Thailand last year, so this was a good test of my ability.

Nice and how was it over all? Would you go back and why?

The races were very well organized.  Belar and crew made the trek abroad less intimidating. The help with accommodations, travel directions and boards was incredible.

Absolutely! I would definitly go back and participate in the Euro Tour again! The luxury of traveling and paddling in different places is a dream come true.

That is so nice to hear. Yes, Belar built a great thing for SUP Races in Europe.

I agree 100% He has created a welcoming environment for all paddlers, Adults and kids, Armatures and Elite.

Now for all our race lovers out there, you beat Duna Gorillo. I don’t think many people saw that coming. Can you talk about that race for us for a moment? How heated was the competition on the racecourse? When did you race with her before?

Actually, it was the 3rd time I’ve raced with Duna. She is and incredible person and racer. In 2023 we raced the Carolina Cup together and we were in a draft train with Candice. With about 2 miles left she dropped off the train and that left Candice and I together. The 2nd time, was at ICF Worlds last year in Thailand and it was Espe, Duna, myself and Rika in a draft train for most of the race. At the last buoy, Espe took off and Duna took the buoy wide and I stayed closer to then sprint to the finish and claim 2nd behind Espe. Then the Namur race was our 3rd meeting. After the buoy turn Duna, Claudia and I were in a draft train with me leading. I decided to stay in the lead position until the finish. At some point Claudia fell of and that left Duna and I together. I was nervous because Duna is such a strong sprinter and smart racer, so I knew, the finish was going to come down to a sprint. I was just fortunate to have enough power to hold her off at the finish.

Showing the girls half her age the tail end of her board – Photo: EURO TOUR

During the race there was more competition the first couple miles with Claudia and I trying to stay in 2nd behind Duna. That was very exciting! But after the turn, I just stayed focused on keeping the lead.

Wow that is very cool and some strong racing. What makes it even more remarkable that you are a different generation than the other girls. What are your thoughts on that?

To be honest, I felt really old in Europe. LOL. I was so impressed with the youth racers and their strength and discipline. Hats off to their coaches! I am an older racer. The phrase “Past Your Prime” comes to mind. I really hope I am proving that statement isn’t true. I have a lot of obstacles in my life at my age. I think if I were younger, I could solely focus on SUP racing. For me it is a hobby that I love, but it isn’t my life.

In the US, we have older racers and I think creating a youth program, should be a focus.

I get it for many SUP Racing is a hobby rather than their full time thing and you are giving us a great transition here. Future and youth. What is your perspective on the Sport as a whole?

I think the sport is fantastic! I feel like there are pockets all over the world where it is doing better than others. In Europe youth and adult SUP racing is very strong, where the US use to be. It is a sport for any age which is the beauty of the sport. I really feel like the next step is getting SUP racing in the Olympics. That will create whole new driving force for SUP racing.

The SUP Sport started in Hawaii and the US mainland. Then the US lost all relevant race to Europe. Now with USA SUP things are getting revamped. What would you like to see as far as progressing the sport goes?

The US is such a big country, I believe the cost of traveling and getting equipment to different locations is the most challenging part. We need a Belar and Co. Personally, I’d love to see regional races, that can count towards a US ranking, in addition to the National race. I’d love to see a youth program developed in all regions, so there is a younger age group creating the competitive field. Maybe some sort of funding to help the US representatives get to some of the world races, so that were not having to get our own sponsorships and/or pay out of pocket for everything.

We have such a huge influx of new paddlers in our area and its wonderful! I would love to see more communities grow like our has.

Thank you very much, yes I can see that. Here at the Stand Up Magazin we feel that the competitive sport lacks a bit of structure giving ambitious paddlers a path forward. Series like the EURO TOUR can give such a path.

I agree. I feel like it is a lot of work to streamline racing in the US, but it is possible. It doesn’t mean that all races have to be a part of a “Tour”, but that there are races where people can turn their focus on in addition to their local events.

What are the next races for you?

I am heading to Canada for the Eastern Canadian Championships next weekend, then to South Carolina for the Goat Boater series and the Flying Fish Summer Challenge in July. In August most likely paddle OC6 at the Lanakila Iki Ocean Challenge. Then, I’ll head to Bay Bridge Paddle race and the Key West Classic in September, USA Nationals and Chattajack in October and The Nish Outrigger Challenge in November along with ICF Worlds In Sarasota.

That is great schedule, and we are looking forward to follow you along. Thank you so much for your time.

About Kim:

  • Born in New York grew up in Florida
  • Profession: Teacher
  • Year born: 1976
  • Supported by: Flying Fish – Quickblade
  • Outside of SUP: Family and Mountain Bike

Kim Barns track record

  • 2024. Namur SUP Race (ld) – 1. place
  • 2024. Nordhausen SUP Race (ld) – 2. place
  • 2024. Carolina Cup (ld) – 2. place
  • 2024. Blueline Surf & Paddle\’s Winter Series (ld) – 1. place
  • 2023. ICF SUP World Championships Pattaya (tr) – 10. place
  • 2023. ICF SUP World Championships Pattaya (ld) – 2. place
  • 2023. ICF SUP World Cup – Sarasota (s) – 2. place
  • 2023. ICF SUP World Cup – Sarasota (tr) – 4. place
  • 2023. ICF SUP World Cup – Sarasota (ld) – 2. place
  • 2023. Olukai Lowcountry Boil Paddle Battle (ld) – 1. place
  • 2023. Flying Fish Summer Challenge (ld) – 1. place
  • 2023. Belle Isle Classic (ld) – 1. place
  • 2023. Carolina Cup (ld) – 1. place
  • 2022. Chattajack 31 (ld) – 1. place
  • 2022. ICF World Cup Oklahoma (s) – 3. place
  • 2022. ICF World Cup Oklahoma (tr) – 3. place
  • 2022. ICF World Cup Oklahoma (ld) – 1. place
  • 2022. Belle Isle Classic (ld) – 1. place
  • 2022. Eastern Canada SUP Championships (ld) – 1. place
  • 2022. Carolina Cup (ld) – 2. place
  • 2021. Carolina CUP 2021 (ld) – 2. place
  • 2021. Chattajack 31 (ld) – 1. place
  • 2021. Key West Paddle Classic (ld) – 1. place
  • 2021. Bay Bridge Paddle (ld) – 1. place
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Fallmouth Bay Open SUP Race Results

The British National SUP Series held the Fallmouth Bay Open down in Cornwall. The winners in the longdistance race were Blue Ewer and Holly Pye. Both are known names in the UK as well as internationally. Holly Pye currently ranks number 18 on the SUP World Rankings with great results in the UK as well as an 8th place at the Battle for Hercules and a 4th at the Sprint Race the at Lake Rocks.

Behind Holly was Annabel Page current number 23 in the world. Her race history so far is limited to UK but we hope to see her on the international stage some time.

Blue Ewer is currently world number 4 with many great results this year. He participated at many EURO TOUR Races for example the Nordhausen SUP Race where he became 2nd. In the UK he also makes consistently podium at all the races.

Second was Hector Jessel current world number 29 who mostly competes in the UK except for the Battle of Hercules where he became 18th.

Women Longdistance

RankNameCategoryTime
1Holly PyeOpen 18+11:45.2–
2Annabel PageOpen 18+12:02.9+0:17.7
3Emily EvansOpen 18+13:08.5+1:23.3
4Marie BuchananOpen 18+16:15.9+4:30.7
5Verity Thomas40-49 Masters22:54.3+11:09.1
6Michelle Kimbler Open 18+23:26.4+11:41.2
7Natalie Rendle40-49 Masters24:04.3+12:19.1
8Louise Court40-49 Masters27:33.2+15:48.0
9Georgie PageNone 50-59 Veterans29:48.2+18:03.0
10Lydia Clifton 30-39 Seniors33:00.4+21:15.2
11Annabel Ewer50-59 Veterans38:25.7+26:40.5
12Gila Joffe50-59 Veterans42:43.4+30:58.2

Men Longdistance

RankNameCategoryTime
1Blue Ewer Open 18+59:55.8–
2Hector Jessel Open 18+03:05.6+3:09.8
3Damian WarnerOpen 18+04:00.0+4:04.2
4Glenn EldridgeOpen 18+07:18.1+7:22.3
5James Rowe Open 18+10:27.8+10:32.0
6Denzil Williams50-59 Veterans13:03.5+13:07.7
7Kiran Raval50-59 Veterans15:28.0+15:32.2
8Matt Brookes50-59 Veterans19:06.0+19:10.2
9Ollie Nawrat30-39 Seniors20:53.9+20:58.1
10Alexander Jessel 50-59 Veterans21:13.1+21:17.3
11Philip Sparkes50-59 Veterans21:31.9+21:36.1
12Tom Pryse-Davies Open 18+24:27.2+24:31.4
13Steve Lynn 60+ Grand Kahunas24:39.1+24:43.3
14Paul Drake50-59 Veterans25:54.6+25:58.8
15Eric Amada50-59 Veterans27:17.9+27:22.1
16Joseph JonesOpen 18+27:49.3+27:53.5
17Andrew Halliday40-49 Masters27:57.0+28:01.2
18Gregory Adams50-59 Veterans28:15.5+28:19.7
19Hugh Pryse-Davies 60+ Grand Kahunas30:53.5+30:57.7
20Marcel Hiemstra40-49 Masters32:05.0+32:09.2
21Francis Mobbs 30-39 Seniors42:58.0+43:02.2
22Kevin Jackson60+ Grand Kahunas47:47.9+47:52.1