Up#48 english version

Stand Up Paddle UP#48 SEPTEMBER 2025 www.upsuping.com

DIRECTOR

Nico Arnedo info@upsuping.com

DESIGN

Nico Arnedo

TEXTS AND COLLABORATORS

Pablo Codesido, E.S.L, WSF, Code Foils, BCN SUP Festival, Starboard, O2Y, Ensis, C.Paddle Surf Manilva, Michel Carney, Spain Wingfoil League, Eventos Sénia, Papagayo SUP Race,Nico Arnedo, Up Suping.

PHOTOS

Gwen Marche, MTH Sport, , Sean Evans, Ensis, Mario Entero, A. Laborda, Starboard, Sabato, Slowartworks, ESL, EuroTour, Code Foils, APP, ISA, Desde el Mar, F.Blauville, M.Williams, @iago_site, SUP Astures, Chris Staddler, Mike Ito, M2O, @efeight_dotcom, Sloss, O2Y, @kodamaimagen, Nick Gandano, Spain Wingfoil League, Eventos Sènia, @pablo.sheckel, Chris Staddler, Nico Arnedo.

COVER @sof_bm @surflightmx

BACK COVER Philippe Demarsan

Reproduction in whole and in part of the texts, photographs and drawings published in this issue is strictly prohibited unless expressly agreed with the publishers. Supp Suping is not responsible for the opinions expressed by the collaborators or texts or photographs that reach our hands without being sued.

UP#48

edito by Nico Arnedo | @nicodinovo_sup

I was recently talking to a friend, who organises a great SUP event in Spain, about the present and future of competitive stand-up paddleboarding. Yes, I know, it’s a somewhat repetitive topic in recent years, but it’s an question that keeps growing. Like a shockwave, the usual questions stand out: How can we attract more young talent? Is there a plan to help SUP schools? Should the Surfing or Canoe Federation intervene? And many more questions that are a real headache for many coaches and school managers. But the truth is, there is nothing solid. We continue with the current work and a spark of luck that keeps the competitions alive, but we want more. We need more, especially for the little ones.

We’re starting this editorial with a bang... (laughs) But I think we’re skipping an important step before getting to those promises. Have you ever wondered how, in the early years, when SUP first appeared on the world stage, they managed to capture people’s attention for this sport? Do you know how SUP school principals or distributors of major brands convinced us to get on a board with a paddle in our hands?

The answer is simple: put a lot of passion into it. Novelty is always wonderful, but it is not very useful if it is not accompanied by information and conviction. This sport has made things much easier for us, unlike 15 or 20 years ago, and I know that the work done by today’s schools, instructors and coaches is excellent. However, take a look at the work and development of the current leaders. Let them advise you, as well as setting a series of guidelines to make things as easy as possible for these new athletes. Because before demanding that plan, that roadmap that others should create, let’s not forget to have this step worked out in advance. If that plan doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter, our work is already done.

In my case, I feel that this issue has the same relevance as that preliminary step that many of us must take into account. Up#48 will offer you information you already know, and other contributions that may be new to you; all created with great passion and care, with the goal of captivating you and making you want to go out rowing or sailing as soon as you read the first few articles. If that happens, my preliminary step is already guaranteed. Ladies and gentlemen... Welcome to Up#48!

SVEVA SABATO

¨What I love about this sport goes beyond competition. SUP has opened up incredible opportunities¨

Tell us about yourself: age, where you are from and how were your beginnings in Stand Up Paddle...We want to know more about you!

Hi, I’m Sveva Sabato, 15, from Taranto, a small city in southern Italy. I started paddling at age 7 with my brother, purely for fun. Four years ago, thanks to my coach Mario and my parents, I took the leap into competitive stand up paddle racing.

How was your progression until you have the technique and power you show today? Do you have a training plan or is it also Mario Taga that makes you show your best version?

Mario has been our coach from the very start. He designs our training plans both on and off the water, following every session closely and fine-tuning our technique. Reaching the level I am at today has required daily dedication, repeating movements over and over until they became instinctive. Mario’s guidance has been crucial in helping us perform at our best.

In a short time, you have become one of the most talented juniors in the world. How does it feel to share podiums with the best in the world?

Achieving my first international podium was surreal. As a child, I often imagined standing alongside the elite athletes of the sport. That dream became reality at the WSF in Santa Pola, where I reached my first podium in the Open category. Every time I reflect on it, it still feels like a dream.

Mario Entero|ESL| S. Sabato Up Suping

What do you think are your most outstanding skills and which ones do you want to improve?

My strongest skills? I excel at buoy turns and beach starts, but I’m focused on improving my short distance performance and explosive power areas that can make the difference in tight races.

Stand Up Paddle has the power to make you travel, know places and many people. What are the things that have captivated you the most during your travels? What experiences do you remember with great affection?

What I love about this sport goes beyond competition. SUP has opened up incredible opportunities. Traveling has helped me improve my English, meet friends from around the world, and grow as a person. One of my most memorable experiences was the World Cup in Sarasota. Not only was it my first World Cup, but it also gave me the chance to connect with athletes both on and off the water, a truly inspiring experience.

Tell us which are your favourite places to train or simply disconnect with your SUP board.

Home will always be my favorite training ground. Taranto offers some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal clear waters. The mild climate allows us to train in shorts and t-shirts almost year round. Still, traveling across Europe has shown me that Spain also has stunning waters, making every race there a pleasure.

What are your plans for the rest of 2025?

I have a few remaining national team qualification races, followed by the ICF and ISA World Championships. The focus now is on training hard, staying disciplined, and giving my best in every session.

Thanks to...

I want to thank Mario Tagarelli, my coach, for his endless dedication to our team, SUP Academy Taranto. A huge thanks to my sponsor, NSP, whose equipment has been essential to my performance. And of course, I owe everything to my family for their unwavering support, patience, and sacrifices every single day. Thank you for letting me share my story. I hope to see you out on the water soon!

The first edition of the Barcelona-Mataró Foil Festival took place in the waters of Catalonia from May 1st to 3rd. This event attracted passionate national and international foil riders eager to enjoy the intense conditions that the Barcelona coast offers for this sport.

In addition, this event had an important competitive incentive, as it was the 2025 Spanish and Catalan SUP Foil Championship. And of course, there was no shortage of equipment testing from leading brands in the sector, as well as intense days of sociali zing that made this first edition a memorable one for everyone.

Without a doubt, the most important event of the Barcelona-Mata ró Foil Festival was its SUP Foil and Foil Drive competition, wher e excellent conditions played an important role. Therefore, the event was open for three days to find the best time to launch th e competition. And the wind and the sea made the first day of the festival the ideal one for it.

The initial plan was to complete the 28K from Barcelona to Mata ró with southwesterly winds, but ultimately, they opted for Plan B , which was to do a downwind from Arenys to Premiá de Mar, sailin g a total of 18K. The riders were transported by bus from Mataró to Arenys to prepare their equipment on the beach, which was th en transported in other vehicles for proper care. The atmosphere w as spectacular, more like a “festival” than a competition.

Boys and girls of different ages and nationalities bonded from the early hours of the morning, demonstrating once again the great atmosphere surrounding the world of foiling and its vario us disciplines. And in this case, one of the most striking images was the start of the competition off the coast of Arenys de Mar , with a moving sea that was challenging for the athletes.

In both the SUP Foil and Foil Drive categories, competitors showed excellent maneuvers, catching bumps, and seeing who made the right choice of gear for the conditions. It wasn’t easy, as there were areas with more bouncing waves or weaker winds, whic h was a bit of a challenge for those with less-expensive gear.

However, the times were incredible, as demonstrated by Thomas Goyard, who took first place in the men’s SUP Foil category with a time of 45:32, ahead of Tom Constant and Frenchman Clément Colmas. On the women’s side, Frenchwoman Olivia Piana took the top spot with a time of 56:12, ahead of local rider Montse Solé . Cash prizes were also awarded to the top three finishers, both i n the men’s and women’s categories.

In the Foil Drive category, rider Dave West took first place, followed by Dominic Hoskyns and Spaniard Enrique Vidal. We can’t forget the young rider Guillem Ferre, one of the most promising national foil athletes who will be a big talker.

As for the results of the Spanish and Catalan SUP Foil Championships, riders Albert Asenjo and Montse Solé were the champions in these competitions; we look forward to more athletes joining this local and national competition in the coming years.

You can see the rest of the results on Webscorer.

The Barcelona-Mataró Foil Festival had its big day of competition on its first day, but that was just the beginning, as we then enjoyed two excellent days of equipment testing and socializing with all the foilers. Mataró was the main venue, taking advantage of some waves in the mornings and the afternoon winds to return to downwinding along the coast of the province of Barcelona.

We also enjoyed a pleasant meeting with an aperitif included at the Windparadise offices, where the Foil Drive brand managers gave a talk about the operation of this device and its innovations. From technical explanations of their products to live Q&As, all in a great atmosphere. An unforgettable meet and greet!

We must give a huge thanks to PHB Time to Care, the festival’s main collaborator, as well as to the Windparadise team for their tremendous work in organizing and developing this event, especially to the great Xavi Masdevall. Not to mention the many riders who traveled from far away for these days of sharing and competition We’re now thinking about the 2026 edition, which is sure to have a great turnout thanks to the positive impression we had this year. Congratulations, riders!

THE BATTLE FOR HERCULES

WAS THE FIRST EVENT

IN

THIS BRAND-NEW

EUROPEAN

CIRCUIT, WHICH WILL INCLUDE UP TO THREE STOPS IN SPAIN.

European SUP League

The city of Benalmádena made history in the world of Stand Up Paddle this past weekend. The waters of the Costa del Sol hosted the Battle for Hercules, the opening event of the newly launched European SUP League.

This new European Stand Up Paddle circuit made a grand debut, bringing together some of the finest athletes from across the continent for its first competition.

The European SUP League officially began its journey with the first of five events, starting in Málaga. The Battle for Hercules marked the beginning of a circuit that aims to professionalize this surfing discipline, which has ambitions of becoming an Olympic sport. The Battle for Hercules, the opening event of the circuit, gathered over 220 athletes from ten countries: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Brazil, Hungary, Peru, and Spain, cementing the league’s international scope right from the outset.

The public responded enthusiastically to an event that combined high-level sport and a festive atmosphere on Malapesquera beach. The technical and long-distance events offered excitement and spectacle in a privileged setting, with organisation that rose to the challenge of inaugurating a European circuit with a promising future. In an almost summery setting and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, the national and international athletes gave their all, with a few surprises in the results.

Both the technical and long-distance races lived up to the high expectations of a launch event like this. The European SUP League went all in, achieving a dream debut with strong international participation and a significant presence from clubs that didn’t want to miss this historic moment.

“Having the Battle for Hercules as the opening race of the European SUP League is a tremendous honor and responsibility for us. We’ve been working for years to establish this event as a reference, and now it will be recognized at a continental level,” said Fofi Recio, spokesperson and driving force behind the event.

As for the results, the performance of the younger competitors was impressive, and the skill of the seasoned athletes on the roster stood out as well. It was an intense weekend of competition that crowned the following winners of the circuit’s first event: Alba Frey and Donato Freens in the Elite Long Distance category, and Duna Gordillo and Fernando Pérez in the Elite Technical Race.

Santa Pola delivers a memorable edition of the World SUP Festival with record participation and international spectacle

From 16 to 18 May, the Alicante town became the global epicentre of Stand Up Paddle with the fifth edition of the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca, the third stop on the European SUP League and the private EuroTour circuit. The event broke participation records with 445 athletes competing in different disciplines and representing 28 nationalities, consolidating its position as one of the most important events on the international calendar.

EuroTour | ESL WSF

Sporting success and international participation

Santa Pola welcomed more than 445 athletes to the official long-distance and technical race events, joined by participants in disciplines such as Wingfoil, Kayak, Dragon Boat, SUP Foil and Prone. In addition, on Sunday, 84 people took part in the ‘Friendship Paddle Blue Mile’ charity crossing, reaffirming the inclusive nature of the event.

The festival kicked off on Friday 16th with the registration of participants and the Parade of Nations, which wound its way through the historic centre of Santa Pola with representatives from 28 countries accompanied by children dressed in traditional sailor costumes. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Santa Pola and Provincial Councillor, Loreto Serrano, as well as the Councillor for Sports, Ángel Piedecausa, who highlighted the impact of the event on tourism and sport in the city.

Big names on the international podium

On Saturday 17th, the long-distance race took place, a technical course from Tabarca Island to Levante Beach in Santa Pola. Japan’s Shuri Araki was crowned the overall winner, followed by Spain’s Aarón Sánchez and France’s Arthur Arutkin. In the women’s category, world champion Esperanza Barreras retained her title in Santa Pola, ahead of Puerto Rican Mariecarmen Rivera and Spanish Alba Frey.

On Sunday 18th, the technical races took place, closely followed by the local public. Shuri Araki once again dominated the men’s competition, followed by Spain’s Aaron Sánchez, Denmark’s Christian Andersen, England’s Blue Ewer and local rider Sergio Cantoral.

In the women’s event, Mariecarmen Rivera took the victory, with the top five completed by Alba Frey, Duna Gordillo, Esperanza Barreras and Italy’s Sveva Sabato.

A total of €16,000 in prize money was distributed equally between men and women in both disciplines, which count towards the two European circuits.

More than just sport, a festival for everyone

The event was part of the Parres Water Sports Festival, a programme that combined high-level sport with activities for all audiences. More than 150 free classes were given in SUP, SUP yoga, dragon boating and inclusive activities, with notable participation from associations such as ADIEM and ALINUR.

The festive atmosphere was rounded off with dance performances by New Dance Life, concerts by Black Nite and Chilli Onions, and a lively Maritime Fair organised by the Santa Pola Traders’ Association, which attracted numerous visitors and families.

Committed to sustainability

One of the main focuses of the event was its commitment to sustainability. Around 46 actions were implemented in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the use of electric boats, medals and T-shirts made from recycled materials, and free water stations to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Technology and deprote united: business networking day Organisation and support

On Saturday morning, while the sporting events were taking place, an exclusive networking day was organised by Convotis, in collaboration with leading companies in the technology sector. The event, held on an exclusive Astondoa boat overlooking the competition, included inspiring talks on artificial intelligence, customer experience and digital transformation, providing a meeting point between the business and sporting worlds in a privileged setting.

The Parres Water Sports Festival was organised by Club Deportivo Parres, under the direction of Daniel Parres, and received institutional support from the Provincial Council of Alicante, the Regional Government of Valencia, Santa Pola Town Council, Alicante City & Beach, the Spanish Surfing Federation (FESURF), the European Surfing Federation (ESF), EuroTour and the European SUP League (ESL).

The main sponsors included: Convotis, Bloomreach, Energy Sistem, NSP Surf, Alavés Innovation, Mercalicante and Juvé & Camps, among others.

JOSH KU CROSSES THE BALI STRAIT

From Uluwatu to G-Land, Code rider Josh Ku took on one of the most treacherous bodies of water in Southeast Asia….on foil. His 92km solo mission was a dream years in the making, and one of the gnarliest challenges he’s ever faced.

¨On the 27th of June I completed a goal that I had dreamt of doing for over a year ! To cross the Bali Strait a 92 km crossing from the famous Uluwatu in Bali to the iconic G-Land in Java on hydrofoil. Both historic surf spots founded in the 70s by adventurous surfers such as Gerry Lopez and Peter Mcabe . They inspired me to try something new ! Something that might not end in a glorious reward but instead end in failure -to trust your gut instinct and have a crack . I was dealt a super difficult card being the hardest run I’ve ever done making the Molokai to Oahu crossing in Hawaii seem like a walk in the park . Battling tough conditions , huge seas and dangerous currents . It was clear this was extremely dangerous and I had bitten off more than I could chew. After 4 hours and 30 mins I made it to g land surfing a wave all the way to speedies!¨

¨Totally underestimated how gnarly of a challenge this was going to be. I also neglected the safety side of things and realised how small you can feel in an ocean and how things can go pear shaped really fast¨

¨An overwhelming feeling of achievement. I had set a goal and trusted my skill and determination which got me to the end. I Would like to say thank you to my wife . My sponsors @codefoils @kaohileash @followbrand.co and @amosshapes for believing in this and @dane___wilson for capturing this and now turning it into a feature film we will showcase to the world start of September . I would also like to send my condolences to the families of the people who were recently lost in the tragic boat incident in the Bali strait - a serious body of water that needs to be respected¨

Code Foils

The BCN SUP World Fest brings together the world’s SUP elite and reaffirms Catalonia as an international benchmark.

MTH | Up Suping

BCN SUP World Fest

Barcelona, 25 May 2025. Somorrostro Beach (Barcelona) hosted a true celebration of sport and the sea this weekend with the second edition of the BCN SUP World Fest 2025. This international event, promoted by the Catalan Surfing Federation with the support of the Catalan Government, brought together hundreds of people, including spectators, athletes and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) enthusiasts. With a vibrant atmosphere, Barcelona once again demonstrated why it has earned the title of world capital of Paddle Surfing.

From the very beginning, paddle surfers from more than 25 countries put on a first-class sporting spectacle, competing over a weekend marked by favourable sea conditions and the high physical demands of the events. The competition began with a day dedicated to the Catalan circuit’s flagship long-distance event, part of the renowned international EuroTour circuit, which awarded a total of 12,000 euros in prizes to the top finishers.

In the men’s PRO long distance category (12 km), young Japanese athlete Shuri Araki once again shone in Barcelona, defending the title he won last year with a convincing victory in a very demanding race. Antonio Morillo, from Andalusia, and Frenchman Arthur Arutkin completed a highlevel podium with an impeccable performance that tested their physical endurance.

In the women’s PRO long distance event (12 km), Puerto Rican Mariecarmen Rivera achieved a well-deserved victory after a very close race, decided in the final metres. Duna Gordillo, from Mallorca, and Alba Frey, from the Canary Islands, came in just behind, putting in a great performance that completed a stellar podium.

The festive atmosphere and the presence of the public were also key features of this first day, with hundreds of fans coming to Somorrostro beach to enjoy the sporting spectacle and the sea. In addition, the official broadcast allowed thousands of fans from all over the world to follow the competition live.

The festival closes with sprint races and environmental activities.

The BCN SUP World Fest brought its second edition to a close with a day of technical sprint races. This event, which does not count towards the international circuit, was organised by the Catalan Surfing Federation as part of the event with the aim of promoting competitive paddle surfing and offering an intense spectacle for the audience. In this category, Frenchman Ethan Bry won the men’s event, while Italian Sveva Sabato was the winner in the women’s category, bringing to a close a weekend of pure spectacle on Somorrostro beach.

Beyond the competitions, one of the great novelties of this edition were the participatory activities promoted jointly with Surfrider Spain, which filled Somorrostro beach with environmental awareness and collective commitment. Children and families participated in workshops and educational games, reinforcing the message of respect and protection of the marine environment.

The Blue Health SUP Therapy project also played a major role, offering an inclusive and therapeutic approach to paddle surfing with sessions adapted for people with special needs. This initiative once again demonstrated the potential of SUP as a tool for well-being, health and social integration.

With the support of the Catalan Government, the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC), Barcelona City Council, the Spanish Surfing Federation and other organisations, the BCN SUP World Fest has established itself as an unmissable annual event for water sports enthusiasts, with a firm commitment to sustainability, inclusion and the international promotion of Catalonia as the epicentre of SUP.

SUP SURF

A form of stand up paddleboarding that enjoyed a golden age, which we can now only remember, because its present is a complete mystery...Where are you?

Suping

APP | ISA | A.Laborda | F.Blackauville | Desde el mar | M.Williams |@iago_site | SUP Astures | Up Suping

Few elements connected as well in their day as a board, a paddle and a wave. A magnificent trident that was taken up many years ago by people hungry for surfing, who unwittingly opened the doors to SUP worldwide.

Its impact in the media was rapid and spectacular: photos, videos, events and media coverage showed us the most radical and, at the same time, most fluid side of SUP surfing. But that impact seems to have been short-lived. The reasons for this appear to be many and varied, and ultimately had a significant effect.

The truth is that you will always find SUP surfers in the water as soon as the sea starts pumping waves. Fewer than before, but you will always see them. Those classic, old-school surf lovers who find a pleasant balance between sport and peace on the waves. A few years ago, the arrival of the Long SUP also added elegance and quality to this sport at the point, with a board full of litres that allows you to glide over waves that don’t need to be so powerful.

In a nutshell, it’s surfing, paddling the waves standing up but with a paddle in your hand, and with differences in some manoeuvres. That’s it, nothing more. And yet, we missed its growth somewhere along the way. And to get to the point, different circumstances came together that made this modality a continuous loop of unanswered questions.

Shall we try to decipher them?

I believe that the first blow to SUP surfing was its lack of presence or low visibility at events, and this happened all over the world. Added to this was a very important circumstance, which you may not agree with, which was the lack of knowledge or impatience when it came to changing the equipment in order to continue evolving. Or what many of us call, in a more colloquial way, ‘lowering the litres’. Yes, I know, I’ve just mentioned two reasons that may not seem very similar, but I assure you that one is connected to the other.

Over the years, I have seen many people, whether they came from the world of surfing or not, become frustrated with SUP surfing. I think they thought they had found a place where they could excel in the water and bring out the best in themselves in a short time. But that’s not the case: remember that the evolution of conventional surfing can be slow, even like foil. It takes many hours of practice to find the comfort and ease you need to enjoy each session, not to mention the knowledge you need to have about the environment. But anyway, this is a long top-ic to discuss, so we’ll leave it for another time.

The world of competition

The first SUP Surf events worldwide had a divine average age, with Juniors hitting hard, even ripping with surfboards. With ex-surfers over 40 years old who could knock you out of a heat at the drop of a hat, busting big waves with total confidence. Add to that the watermen and waterwomen who were into all forms of Stand Up Paddle. I won’t mention any names because you already know them well. But a few years before the COVID pandemic, different countries and event organisers began to lack the financial resources to cover the costs of this type of competition.

And now you’ll say to me: But how many more registrations, more money to pay the judges and other expenses? It seems that didn’t work. Poor marketing, advertising and organisation at some of these events? Perhaps. And now comes the other part we were discussing. A fairly noticeable decline in junior and elite participants.

While SUP Race competitions can continue, even if they sometimes lack elite or junior partici-pants, thanks to the participation of the amateur and/or ¨fun race¨ categories...in the case of SUP Surf, the opposite is true. 85% of the SUP juniors we used to see at major national and international events are now more immersed in the world of foil or SUP Race. As for the elite athletes, some are resisting as best they can in the absence of events that maintain their competitive level, and without the number of juniors to motivate them to stay at the top, their hopes of continuing to compete are fading.

It’s logical and normal. The versatility of SUP Race compared to other disciplines is massive, and we know full well what they are, although I’m only going to highlight two points: conditions for practising it, and many more facilities when it comes to organising competitions and/or events. For me, these were the key points that allowed many people who did not want to give up Stand Up Paddle to continue enjoying paddling while standing up. Put these two points to-gether, and SUP Race becomes unstoppable, as we can see on a global level.

Many eyes were on the SUP Race

And the craziest thing of all is that waves also have their place in this discipline, because there can be nothing more spectacular than surfing with a race board. Many people become sad if they go to a competition and there are no wave conditions, and what can we say about beach race lovers...Could there be anything more spectacular? What’s more, as many of you already know, if we have a SUP Race competition in the Olympics tomorrow, it will be in beach race format.

In short: it is unthinkable to criticise SUP Race, which keeps this sport alive, and also it needs waves for many of its practitioners to use and enjoy it.

A.Laborda

The essence of surfing: do you have it or do you not have it?

No one practises a sport out of obligation, or at least they shouldn’t. During the early years of SUP surfing, at least in Spain, the vast majority of users came from the world of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. A much smaller percentage did not come from the world of water sports, and others had never touched water in their lives. What a mix! A real mishmash that showed us scenes of authentic spectacle on the water: wild manoeuvres, fights between locals, riders who couldn’t even reach the peak, etc. But this is also normal when a sport begins to grow and many people are still unfamiliar with it.

And you can have the best equipment available, amazing spots with non-stop waves and exceptional weather...but if you don’t have the essence of surfing inside you, it won’t do you any good. What do I mean by essence? Something that many of us already suffer from: when the days go by and you need to ride a wave, feel the force of the sea and the salt spray, release adrenaline. That tingling sensation and nerves you feel as you approach the spot with your equipment. Only those who have the essence of surfing inside them know what I’m talking about. And I’m sorry, but if people don’t have this inside them, it’s very difficult for SUP Surfing to be present in their lives.

If you love SUP and want to get into the world of waves, you first have to feel that essence. How can you achieve this? By connecting with the waves step by step. I’m not going to give lessons on how to do it, because we already have excellent professionals who do that, but one thing is clear: start slowly and with whatever you can ride. Let it exhaust you and surprise you at the same time, whether it’s with a SUP board, bodyboard, surfboard, etc. Connect with and feel the waves. And if you don’t feel that connection after a short time, stop and analyse. Don’t force it.

M.Williams

SUP surfing is a vast and wonderful world, but you have to feel it and even be patient. Are you willing to do that? Or better yet, were they willing to do that?

The cost of paddling

For my, there is little to comment on here. When SUP surfing was on top, there were people who complained about the price of a board, paddle,etc. We had a lot of equipment available and adapted to the needs of each rider from big brands, and even the first national and international shapers began to appear, making boards with excellent performance. However, there was always talk about the “prices” of the equipment. It was like, “I love it, but it pisses me off,” and I honestly didn’t understand any of it. I looked at the price of Race boards and didn’t understand some people’s complaints. Without going any further, I analysed the prices of equipment for other sports and still didn’t understand anything.

A.Laborda

How much does a SUP Race board or Foil equipment cost today? And there are a lot of people paddling and sailing. How much does a standard or customised SUP Surf board cost? I won’t tell you whether it’s more or less than the other sports mentioned, you’ll have to find that out for yourself, it’s not difficult and you’ll be surprised. But I can assure you that it’s affordable for everyone and that every penny will be well spent.

F.Blauckaville

I have no doubt that the cost of SUP Surf equipment has been an obstacle for some people who have been unable to progress in this sport, but it has not been a key factor in its continued growth. The same goes for joining a federation for protection, or having a couple of wetsuits a year, plus other accessories.

And if there’s one thing I also agree with 100% when it comes to spending money on SUP surfing, it’s taking an advanced clinics. You can improve a lot if you let yourself be advised by someone who can bring out the best in you when surfing and who has a keen eye for pointing out the different mistakes you might make. If you come from the world of surfing, it is very likely that in just a few sessions you will master this sport very well. But if waves have never been your thing, you will need quite a few hours of learning with someone who understands all the keys to SUP surfing.

This is one of the topics that intrigues me the most: the SUP Surf youth development. Like all sports, if there is no basic work plan, the sport will not evolve. Who should be in charge of this? Federations, clubs, schools? Who draws up the plan? And one thing that always puzzles me: why not seek out young people who find it more difficult to practise or progress in other sports such as surfing? Wouldn’t it be good to rescue them and keep them from leaving the sea by providing them with a board and a paddle? Anyway, maybe I’m just dreaming...

Youth development: SUP surfing for youngsters

Desde el mar

There are surf instructors who also have the necessary information to teach the basics of SUP surfing (those who have the TD1 in Spain know this perfectly well). What about the equipment? It is understandable that not all surf schools or clubs, for example, have specific boards for this sport, or simply do not have paddles either. But those who do, even if they are inflatable boards for offering trips, already have what they need to get them into the water and play with the waves as a first contact. Then you can find second-hand material and even new boards to continue developing at a very good price. And once these young people get hooked, it’s practically the same as surfing: finding the ideal board for the type of conditions you usually surf...only you have to add a paddle to your quiver.

It is to make up a development plan that can convince schools and clubs to promote SUP surfing and even offer them benefits. In Spain, we have countless places where it is practised. Don’t just think about the north of Spain...you have no idea how many people practise SUP surfing both on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia and along the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast! In short, I insist that the evolution of surfing is not easy for many young people, and some end up leaving the sea behind. I am 100% convinced that SUP surfing can be a great alternative for them.

Up Suping

¨Here comes the one who sweeps the waves¨

(I will conclude this article with this topic, although I assure you that it could fill a book.) For many, we were a nuisance to surfers, weirdos and madmen paddling on top of a large amount of equipment. But all this has been changing, we have earned respect, and it is thanks to many of you.

We have all learned to coexist with other surfers (well, there are always some who don’t change, hehehe), and earn our place on the point. The time, which manages everything, has placed SUP Surfing in the consciousness of all those who love water sports. Even many shortboard surfers also have their SUP Surf or Long SUP equipment to vary their quiver a little. Entering the jungle and becoming part of it is one of the best things that could have happened to us. And we must maintain it through respect, care and education.

There are surely more reasons why SUP Surfing’s present is full of unknowns. I wanted to show you the most notable ones from my point of view, the ones that are crying out for change, a 180-degree turn. SUP surfing deserves another chance to get back on top, to make an impact like it did many years ago. But to do that, it has to move on from where it is now, and we have to implement that change. Otherwise, everything will stay the same...

Shuri Araki and Mariecarmen Rivera, overall champions in the fifth edition of the Sancti Petri SUP Race

Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz), 12 May 2025. Japan’s Shuri Araki and Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera have been crowned overall champions in the Elite category of the Sancti Petri SUP Race 2025, winning their respective men’s and women’s divisions on a final day marked by demanding technical conditions, with westerly winds and currents in the competition area.

Both athletes earned key points for the EuroTour 2025 ranking after confidently dominating a technical circuit located off Atenas Beach, the official venue for the event. The sea conditions—more difficult than on previous days—tested the endurance and strategy of the participants, highlighting the level of this fifth edition, which took place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 May.

The event attracted a wide international representation from Japan, Puerto Rico, Brazil, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, England, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, including prominent riders from different autonomous communities.

Araki and Rivera demonstrated great adaptability to the sea and outstanding tactical skills. Their victories have strengthened their position on the international circuit and further enhanced the prestige of this event, which was part of the EuroTour GRAND SLAM (2nd event) and the COSTA DEL SUP League (3rd event), endorsed by the Spanish Surfing Federation.

EuroTour Sancti Petri SUP Race

In the men’s Elite category, Araki completed the 3k course in 14 minutes and 29 seconds, with an average speed of 13.26 km/h. He was joined on the podium by Spain’s Fernando Pérez Serra and the Netherlands’ Donato Freens.

In the women’s elite category, Rivera crossed the finish line in 16 minutes and 48 seconds, with an average speed of 11.43 km/h, followed by Mallorca’s Duna Gordillo Rodríguez and Britain’s Annabel Page.

Over the three days of the event, more than 160 athletes participated in the different categories, from Under-8 to Master, including amateurs, university students and Big SUP XXL teams. At the same time, a comprehensive programme open to the public was held, featuring SUP Yoga, environmental workshops, a food court, technical equipment testing and musical performances. In addition, on Sunday morning, a non-competitive crossing to the islet of Sancti Petri took place, in which dozens of enthusiasts took part.

“We have closed this fifth edition with enormous excitement and the feeling of having taken another step forward. Seeing the world’s best riders compete in La Barrosa, sharing space with families, children and fans, and doing so from a sustainable and participatory approach, is just what we dreamed of when we started this project.”

“The sporting level has been extremely high, but what has been most special is the atmosphere: camaraderie, effort and joy in every corner of the village. This event is not just a competition: it is a festival of the sea and the values it represents.”

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who made it possible: the Chiclana Town Council, the Tourist Board, the UCA, the Sancti Petri Yacht Club, Atenas Playa, the volunteers, sponsors, judges, media and, of course, everyone who came to enjoy the event.”

The event has been organised by Novojet, with the support of Chiclana Town Council, the Cádiz Provincial Council Tourism Board, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Association of Tourism Companies and the University of Cádiz, consolidating this event as one of the most important on the European SUP calendar.

Statements by Marta Garat and Lucía Cantero, organisers (Novojet)

The sixth edition of the SUPMERA Festival consolidated Oleiros as the epicentre of national SUP with scoring events for the PRO League and the FESurfing Federation League.

Chris Staddler Up Suping

On 28 and 29 June, Mera Beach, in the municipality of Oleiros in A Coruña, hosted the sixth edition of the SUPMERA Festival Pro, one of the most eagerly awaited stops on the national Stand Up Paddle circuit. For the first time, the event was part of the official calendar of the PRO SUP League of the Spanish Surfing Federation (FESurfing), attracting some of the best riders on the national and international scene.

Over two days of intense activity and unbeatable weather, the competition, the spectacle and the community atmosphere combined in an unbeatable natural setting, reaffirming the SUPMERA Festival as a benchmark in the Spanish SUP scene and organised by the SUPMera Club. The event featured three key events that awarded points for both the PRO SUP Technical League and the FESurfing 2025 Technical Federation League.

On Saturday morning, the Open Sprints were held, with a super explosive, attractive format that offered highly competitive heats that could be clearly seen from the shore. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone demonstrated a high level of skill in this type of competition.

We would like to highlight the great results achieved by Elene Etxeberría in the Elite Women’s category and Antón Sans from Galicia in the Elite Men’s category. We would also like to mention the top positions achieved by Lorena Facenda and Aetz Ibarloza in the Under-18 category.

The spectacle continued in the afternoon with a Long Distance competition that delighted all the athletes, with courses adapted in terms of distance, taking into account the intensity of the competitions throughout the weekend.

Athlete Elene Etxeberría once again climbed to the top of the podium ahead of Bianca Toncelli and Eva Seijas. In the men’s category, Sergio Cantoral from Alicante proved unbeatable, taking first place ahead of Antonio Serrera from Cantabria and Iván Puente from Galicia.

The junior categories did a great job on the water, once again demonstrating the potential of Galician and national Stand Up Paddle, not to mention the Master and Kahuna categories, which have a large participation in SUP events in Galicia.

The second day of the VI SUP Mera Festival PRO celebrated the Technical races that count to-wards the Spanish Surfing Federation’s PRO SUP League and Federation League, the highlight of this great event. However, the day made it difficult to start the races on time due to heavy morning fog. After modifying the established courses and waiting for the fog to dissipate, the different competitions were held off the beach at Mera. These were close, technical courses that generated a lot of excitement among the audience, just like on the previous day.

After exciting semi-finals that counted towards the PRO SUP League, the athletes gave their all during the finals, both in the women’s and men’s categories. The young Bianca Toncelli took first place with little competition, ahead of Lucía Mella and Paula Rodríguez respectively. We wish Elene Etxeberría a speedy recovery after she injured her knee in her semi-final and was unable to continue.

The men’s category saw a lot of action, especially at the buoy turns and in the final metres of pad-dling in the portages. After several position changes, Sergio Cantoral demonstrated his great skill in this type of race, climbing to the top of the podium ahead of local rider Iván Puente and Catalan Marc Foraster.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the VI SUPMERA Festival PRO once again demonstrated its ability to bring together the best riders from Galicia and the rest of Spain. The combination of competitive events and parallel activities created a great atmosphere.

The awards ceremony, held on Sunday afternoon, brought the event to a close. Not only did it add points to the national rankings, but it also provided new experiences for these SUP enthusiasts. The event has established itself as one of the most important dates on the national SUP calendar, thanks to the work of Club SUPMera, the support of the surfing federations, local institutions and the sponsors who make this event possible.

Pablo Codesido M2O|Shane Grace | Mike Ito

THE DOCT SPOT R´S

UNLIMITED

Every year, at the beginning of summer, one of the most legendary open water races takes place in Hawaii: the Molokai to Oahu (M2O). The race covers the 42 km between the islands of Molokai and Oahu in the legendary Channel of Bones, or ‘Kaiwi’ in Hawaiian. There are many theories about the origin of its name. The ancient inhabitants of the islands rowed across the channels connecting the various islands of the archipelago to obtain food, trade, socialise or for military and domination purposes. The sea and its coasts are part of Hawaiian culture. Their beliefs and gods are related to the control of the winds, currents and waves. Some say that the Channel of Bones owes its name to the countless sailors who lie in its depths. Hawaiian legend also refers to the bones of their ancestors and how mystical powers accumulate the bones of those who dared to challenge the power of the sea. The land emerges from the oceans and the bones of the ancestors shine in our consciousness.

Since the middle of the last century, Hawaii has revived many of the traditions that represent its culture in the form of sporting events. The first canoes and swimmers who dared to cross the channel have been admired for decades. This year marked the 26th edition of the Molokai to Oahu. Different disciplines have been developed, but paddle boarding (prone) and SUP (stand up paddle) have always stood out. In my opinion, the past decade has seen the pinnacle of SUP racing in this competition. It was an event where the best raiders in the world came to cross the Channel of Bones on SUP boards. Unlimited boards appeared, 17-inch boards designed for infinite downwinds.

M2O. 2014

It wasn’t just about getting there first, but also about surfing the sea in a state of absolute trance, riding wave after wave. The meeting before the race, with all the competitors united in a kind of prayer, exuded an air of mysticism reminiscent of the Hawaiian way of life, where spirit counts as much as strength. At a competitive level, the essence of this sport was once again reflected year after year in Travis Grant, Annabel Anderson, Sonni Hönscheid, Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Ter-rene Black.. We were all delighted and somewhat envious to see them cross the channel in such demanding sea conditions and with such mastery. Who hasn’t dreamed of crossing the Channel in an Unlimited?

But curiously, the idea didn’t quite catch on. In recent editions, SUP has become Foil. This year, few people have dared to cross on a race board. Most of them are older people who still maintain the epic challenge. Nothing to complain about, but in my mind I still miss the effort of paddling, of controlling the wave on a board with a surfer aesthetic. Foil is undoubtedly another wonderful way to enjoy the sea, where technology does much of the work. The first to arrive on Foil take about two hours, while on SUPrace it takes twice as long to achieve this in the best of cases. There is no doubt that the demands are extreme in either case.

Mike Ito

G.Marche

The analysis of why the idea of the great race board crossing has not caught on is complex, and not only in the M2O. The logistical difficulty is enormous, transporting large boards, safety boats, sea conditions... Everything is extreme in this kind of event, which is practically only held in Hawaii, probably due to the culture and tradition of this people. The lack of sponsors or economic viability, which is so important, and the sporting difficulty itself, as it is still a marine marathon within the reach of only a few, have also influenced this.

Today, I’m going to claim my nostalgia for the unlimited and unrestricted. For endless boards. For great downwind races. For the epic and the impossible. Every year, we eagerly awaited the Battle of the Paddle (BOP), which was like our world championship in terms of beaches and waves. But the prelude that defined the other essence of SUP racing was in downwind, and the M2O was its ultimate expression. Seeing Connor Baxter surf big waves on the high seas from the tail of his un-limited board, or Travis Grant dominate the waves of Oahu’s Chinese walls after a 40 km crossing, are images that will always remain in the history of SUP.

Today, SUP has evolved into many different areas, but hopefully one day the best will once again take on the difficult challenges, as they are sure to earn the respect of the gods of the sea once again.

CARPENTIER BENOIT

creator, and the soul of foil: Benoit shares how he’s living the present... and shaping the future.

Hello Benoit! Tell us how you are enjoying these summer months in France and also how 2025 is going for you.

Hey, Up Suping crew! Yes, I’m enjoying a lot summer months in France. I’ve been really busy running my school here in Brittany with a lot of coaching. And of course, a lot of time in the water, riding all my different crafts, testing gear and creating content. 2025 is going well for me, with a few nice travels and some great sessions already on the line. And there is more to come, so I’m really excited for the rest of the year.

What Starboard equipment are you currently enjoying and/or testing? Foil, wing, SUP, etc...

I’ve been having a lot of fun on the new ABOVE board from Starboard Foil Board. Lately, it has been amazing to be able to develop some foils with Starboard Foil, but also work on the R&D on the wing side and also on the SUP side. The products are really amazing and I’m super excited to see some people on them. As I believe, all the ranges now are super on point with, as always, a bit of innovation and a lot of quality.

Benoit Carpentier | Starboard Up Suping

John Carter

We know you’ve been developing foils with Tiesda. Tell us about your experience developing these foils and the tests you’ve done.

Yes, it has been something new for me to develop foils, but I’m super stoked to put all the knowledge I have from the past few years riding foils into the development side of it. And yes, I’m proud of the work we did with Tiesda on the new Glider 3 model, which is the new all-round high-aspect wing that is working incredibly well with higher top speed than the previous Glider. But with the same low hand and accessibility. And the Fusion that I’m using mostly for wave riding, wing foiling, surf foiling. And same, this wing is just next level.

And yes, I’ll also be super stoked to have been able to draw my signature model stab, that is the BC155. And that just makes these new front wings even better. Another thing is that I’m super excited to see people on them. My family has been able to test them and I can tell you something, they’re not going back on the previous version.

Over the years, you’ve won many LongSUP and SUP Surf titles around the world. Which ones stand out the most for you? What great memories and experiences do you have from them?

Yes, I’ve been cruising around the world the past few years and winning a few SUP events. And made great memories around the globe. I think if I have to pick one of these wins, that would be my first world title at the ISA El Salvador in 2019, which was my first ever world title. In crazy good conditions. It was a dream and that was the best result and souvenir of my career since then.

. What would be a perfect downwind foil session or competition for you? Your growth in this discipline has been spectacular!

Foiling is amazing. I’m so hooked on it, it’s pretty crazy. Here at home, we don’t always have the best waves around. But for foiling, every day you have something to do. And the downwind side of it is really special. And I think that it might be one of the things, the discipline, in foiling that I like the most.

And for me, the perfect downwind foiling session is at home with west wind and big west swell. Doing my home run, which is 17k, with a lot of current in the face and huge bumps. Like you can see in the gorge in Oregon. And being there in the middle of the ocean feels amazing. It’s where you really feel alive. And you need to be in the moment. It’s such a crazy sensation and something I would recommend to anyone that has good skills. Because sup downwinding is the most technical thing in foiling.

What is your favourite set up?

My favorite setup for wing foiling is the takeoff 55 liters paired with the 88 solid core carbon mast with aluminum fuselage 66, front wing fusion 625, and BC 155 tail wing. My favorite wing foil gear for lighter day cruising is the above 70 liters paired with the 88 cm solid core carbon mast 900 glider 3 and BC 155 long fuselage.

My favorite setup for downwinding is the A2 by 18 101 liter with ace lightning paired with 77 solid core carbon masts MF 820 paired with BC 155 short fuselage. For SUP surfing I love to ride the long SUP, the twin fin, and the pro depending on the conditions around 70 and 90 liters for the longboard.

You are a loyal attendee at SUP and foil events in France. How important is it for you to maintain that connection to events in your country and support young talent in Brittany?

Yes, the SUP and FOIL community around Brittany and France is really becoming a family to me and this is where I meet people and where I see my friends from everywhere in France and so attending this event and supporting the movement is something important for the sport and for myself as an athlete.

And having big events in Brittany at home means a lot to me and I’m always so happy to welcome people from the international coming up for this kind of events like the Crozon Foil Festival and recently created the Bigornose Festival that’s a longboard and long SUP events that we created this summer with my brother and a few local clubs and that we are hoping to make it grow the next few years so yeah super excited and hopefully you guys can come.

Seeing you surf with the foil and at the same time pump with the wing on the waves is truly wonderful. Do you think this combination will continue to grow among foilers? What recommendations would you give to those who want to advance in the waves with the foil?

Thank you, yes, I believe wing foiling in WAVE is the ultimate wing foiling discipline for any riders and I’m sure a dream for many people that start wing foiling, that feeling of glide holding that neutral handle and let the foil do the job on a wave. I believe the best way to get into the waves wing foiling is to start by going in some choppy water and just feel the bumps and slowly go into a surf spot where the waves are small and soft and get a feel of it because as we know wave riding can be dangerous for your gear so you gotta be careful and go step by step and make sure to stay away from the busy surf spots where you have a lot of surfers and stuff like this so you can be safe and have everyone safe in the area you

How would you describe your relationship with Starboard, after several years of using and testing their equipment, enjoying great sessions with their team and travelling around the world with this great brand?

Yes, Starboard is like a family to me now, after 11 years working with them, riding their equipment, and working on the R&D has been a great thing, and I’m super grateful to have them and to have their trust to make me move forward and always improve in my riding.

Your experience in events, competitions and your career as an athlete is impeccable. What do you think is needed to continue growing these sports that we love so much?

Well, we’ll see what the future has to bring. But now sharing my knowledge with other people and with brands like Starboard to work on and design Boards, Foils, Wings is what I enjoy the most, with still some power to compete if the occasion is there. So yeah, fingers crossed we get a few more SUP events in the future so we can keep the disciplines alive.

Thanks to…

Thanks to my family, to my sponsors, of course, and to you guys for the support.

STARBOARD

TWINFIN PADDLEBOARD

Experience a board engineered for speed and freedom. The TwinFin’s unique shape, with a pronounced hip behind the fins, delivers dynamic, agile turns and a loose, skate-like ride that lets you carve high-line rail maneuvers effortlessly. Its innovative channel tail boosts acceleration and aids tail recovery during radical slides, keeping you in control on every wave. Whether you’re tackling small, less-powerful surf or challenging overhead conditions, the TwinFin empowers intermediate surfers to push harder turns while offering advanced riders a high-performance, fluid ride.

LANDBOARD

NOOSA PRO

Within the possibility of making a completely custom SUP board, we have the NOOSA PRO model, it is a 100% pure surf board, it has a fairly pronounced rocker for those waves of greater power and hollow. The bottom starts with a slight V-shaped concave from the nose continuing with a single concave and ending with a double concave at the tail to have more control over the board and gain speed.

A board you can not miss in your quiver!

XRS FLATWATER RACING

Flat water purpose-driven, the updated XRS V2 provides an improved length-to-width-aspect ratio, delivering a more stable platform with better maneuverability. The cockpit has been lowered and widened to enhance stability and standing area. The new narrowed nose and tail, combined with overall volume reduction, greatly increase its responsiveness and agility, allowing Paddlers to achieve unrivaled acceleration. The rear tapered freeboard with a backward angle deck optimizes drainage through the open transom

Model V2

VOYAGER SIC

RED PADDLE CO.

The 14’ Voyager is designed for epic adventures and multi-day expeditions... or for everyday sailing and recreational paddling. Its elongated 30” wide shape and innovative V-hull glide straight through the water, offering exceptional tracking, glide and stability for trips of any distance. Whether exploring coasts, rivers or lakes, this is the ultimate cruising boat.

STARBOARD

TAKE OFF

Tuned for performance at every stage of foiling—on-water stability, rapid takeoff, and smooth touchdown. The Take Off design delivers faster launches and effortless recovery. Our comprehensive size selection caters to both freestyle winging and SUP or prone foiling, offering amazing control and efficiency.

AXIS

FRANK MAKO

Designed in Maui by Francesco Maffei (Frank Foilboards), the MAKO is the result of extensive testing in countless trials with Maliko, design changes and refinements. The goal was to create the easiest-to-use, highest-performance downwind SUP available on the market alongside Axis. A full carbon construction with high-density foam sandwich is essential for its rigidity. Every ounce of energy put into the board is transferred to the foil, resulting in maximum efficiency and performance.

Available at Windparadise in 90, 100, 110 and 120 litres.

LANDBOARD

MOLOKAI

The Molokai is our flagship downwind SUP model. Its fast paddling speed combined with the board’s aerodynamics helps the foil take off faster and easier. The board is designed to be stable, and its length helps you carry your speed into the next wave, allowing for greater efficiency when connecting waves. This board is easy to use and the most complete on the market, as it covers several disciplines in a single board. Like all the boards we manufacture, it can be customised in any size and design. The MOLOKAI is a must-have for your quiver!

The Dragon, SIC’s new wing, is here for riders looking for top-notch performance in speed, freestyle, and wing foiling surfing. It has a medium-high aspect ratio with a V-anhedral profile, which improves upwind performance and reduces drag. In larger sizes, the reduced wingspan provides better reach at low heights and ease of use.

The unique segmented strut design minimises weight while creating more space between the boom and the strut. This provides greater freedom for manoeuvres and freestyle movements. A long, ergonomic carbon boom provides light handling and improves centre point stiffness. It also provides precise power control and allows for flexibility when gripping it thanks to its grip.

More than a hundred athletes enjoyed the Encinarejo reservoir and the wonderful natural surroundings of Sierra Morena. Marina Navarro and Jorge Valenzuela climbed to the top of the podium in the Elite category in the official Costa del SUP competition, during a weekend full of family activities.

Last weekend, from 12 to 14 September, the first edition of the Sierra Morena SUP Race took place at the Encinarejo reservoir. A sporting event that was both competitive and family-friendly, it captivated more than 110 competitors and their families in a magical setting where they could enjoy a weekend surrounded by nature.

Organised by Club Sierra Morena SUP and in collaboration with Andújar Town Council, the nerve centre of the event was located in the recreational area of the Encinarejo reservoir, where we held the official competition of the Andalusian Costa del SUP circuit, which attracted many lovers of this sport from Andalusia and other regions, bringing extra visitors and tourism to this wonderful area of Sierra Morena. The last days of summer gave us a wonderful sunny weekend, although it was a bit hot.

The first day of activities, Saturday the 13th, began with great enthusiasm. From early morning until the end of the day, athletes and their families took out their stand up paddle boards and filled the waters of the reservoir. It was a day of pure enjoyment. A relay sprint competition was held to liven up the morning, bringing together groups of athletes of different ages and clubs, with the aim of adding excitement and competitiveness to the event.

Sunday 14th was the big day of the competition. As it was the first time that a SUP Race had been held in this location, everything pointed to a great morning. And so it was, with some super attractive and very diverse courses that put all the Costa del SUP categories to the test, as well as being visible from different points around the reservoir.

The SUB 8, SUB 10 and SUB 12 categories were the first to take to the water, and as always, they provided some great moments of sportsmanship. Noteworthy results were achieved by Alexander Vasilev Pavlov and Alana Salvini Valverde in SUB 8, Ada Del Rio Sánchez and Benjamin Gergely Vas-sen in SUB 10, and Nora Lhassar Estable in SUB 12.

The Elite category was not far behind, with a course of almost 9 km and rising temperatures. In the men’s category, there was a thrilling battle in the final kilometres, with young competitor Jorge Valenzuela taking the victory ahead of Gonzalo Romero and Matías Casco. Competitor Antonio Sudón also climbed to the top of the podium in the Master category, as did Moisés Lopez in the Ka-huna category.

On the women’s side, Navarro had a formidable competition, taking first place ahead of Victoria Sánchez and Isabel Marina Valverde in the Master category. Competitor Haydée López Martínez took first place in the Kahuna category.

The level shown by the athletes rose in a matter of minutes with the participation of the SUB 14 and SUB 16 categories, giving this Sierra Morena SUP Festival much more action on this Sunday morning. Marco Mazure and Nerea Recio achieved great results in the U14 category. There was an exciting final sprint by the athletes in the U16 category, with young Álvaro Del Pino taking first place, not to mention the great race by his teammates Borja Camacho and Alfred Gregory Barbeito.

The Amateur and Popular categories, the most ‘fun-loving’, also brought a lot of life and colour to the Encinarejo reservoir. Rigid and inflatable boards, athletes of all ages and from different parts of Spain did not want to miss the opportunity to participate in this event and compete in these established categories of this Andalusian circuit.

After the competitions ended, there was time to rest a little, recharge our batteries and enjoy the awards ceremony for this stop on the Costa del SUP tour, together with the event organisers and local authorities.

It was undoubtedly a weekend to remember, especially for the younger participants, who thoroughly enjoyed the reservoir and being surrounded by pure nature. We are confident that this will be the first of many editions, and we would like to thank everyone who attended the Sierra Morena SUP Festival for their behaviour and care, and for looking after the environment in an exemplary man-ner.

GLEN SLOSS

This Scottish rider has not only entered the competitive SUP Race scene, he has also made great friends all over the world thanks to his kindness and personality. Get to know him in this interview!

Hello Glen! How’s summer in Scotland? Are you making the most of the long summer days?

Hey Nico! Thank you for inviting for an interview. Summer is Scotland has been great this year, long days, decent weather and the famous Scottish midges haven’t been too bad either. The Isle of Arran where I live is a tourist destination so it gets very busy, so sometimes with work and other commitments I perhaps don’t paddle as consistently as I mange to do in the spring or autumn. It’s always great to get down to the beach as see so many other people enjoying the sea too though.

We met you last year in Spain, and we’ve seen you at other international SUP events. When and how did you decide to travel and compete outside Scotland?

I’ve done a few races in Spain now as well as other countries, I really enjoy it! I try and make the most of my time off, by combining my love of travel and competing at event’s like the Battle for Hercules and the World SUP Festival. I really make a holiday it of it as well. The race scene in Scotland is still quite small, but it’s growing. I wanted to experience and quickly learn from the best in the world, so the easiest way to do that is just to enter the big races and line up against the top racers! As well as the fantastic community spirit and buzz around the big events, there’s usually the added bonus of great weather, which we don’t always get in Scotland, especially during the winter.

S.Evans

Instead of talking about results, we’d rather you tell us how you’ve noticed your evolution in SUP racing thanks to travelling, events and sharing great moments with other international riders…

My first kind of big event was the APP in London in 2022, I ended up meeting a lot of the professionals and I didn’t have a clue who they were beforehand, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Next it was Alicante. I think that is where things began to click and I began to understand what was needed to be able to race, not just paddle! I also hired a lot of different boards during my first few events to see what felt the best for me.

I travel solo to the majority of events, so getting to feel part of the social side is great too, I’ve made many friends who I can share coffee’s, pizzas or even just chill on the beach chatting between races and soaking up the atmosphere. I enjoy looking at the data and statistics during the races, and I can tell my training is really starting to show, with a much better level of fitness.

When I look back and my 3 years of racing, I’ve gone from being a complete novice, to representing Scotland at the ISA World Championships. I encourage anyone who is getting in to SUP racing just to enter those big events, try ones in another country, it really is the best way to learn and enjoy it all.

Tell us about the area where you usually train and enjoy paddling. We’ve seen that winters are very harsh for going out to practise SUP!

I don’t have any sheltered areas, so I always paddle on the sea (Firth of Clyde). I like the challenge of the varying conditions because of the location, just 21km to the mainland of Scotland, we don’t get large surf so any waves only appear if its windy and stormy and they aren’t usually that great. But if I see a bump, I’m going to chase it!

The summers we quite often get very flat water, it just depends on the wind. As you mentioned you’ve seen some of the pretty wild conditions we get here with winds regularly going over 60mph, and gusts even higher, a bit too high for SUP! Sometimes the wind direction and tides are just right though, and a lot of fun can be had doing in and out the bumps and trying to catch them.

I often get funny looks in the winter when its sub zero wind chill and I step out my truck, grab my board and head out in to the sea! Once you understand and respect the sea it is the most rewarding environment to paddle in. Great views, great sensations and you get joined by some seals or sometimes even pods of dolphins!

We’ve seen that the countryside and nature are very important to your life. What is your daily routine like? When do you get to go paddling and take a break from work?

After work is when I usually train, so I will usually gym or paddle in the afternoon then head home. I take the dogs, retired sheep dogs,a run and walk through the woods, they love it and lucky to live in an area where they have plenty fenced off space to run. In the summer I will try help with the sheep shearing and grass cutting with my vintage tractor up the hills around the farm. In the winter I follow a similar schedule, but with daylight being an issue in December sometimes I’m just not able to paddle, so I will spend more time in the gym.

Traveling to all these races doesn’t come cheap so I also do some aurora borealis photography and run a couple of online businesses to help towards the costs of everything. It’s hard work, but it really is worth it, getting to be a part of these races at various locations around the world.

What was it like to participate in an ISA World Championship representing your country?

This event has to be the highlight of my racing career so far. It’s the closest thing the SUP community has to the Olympics and for me, it felt just like it! It was an honour to be the flag bearer for the first ever Scottish team to participate and I was so proud of everyone in the team. Also need to thank all the effort that went in behind the scenes it took to actually get the Scottish team formed and competing. I enjoy the Scandinavian culture and I’ve been lucky enough to race against quite a lot of people who were there so I felt quite at home on the start lines. I also made many new great friends as well.

The beach racing, although a bit on the flat side, was great and the weather was incredible which really just added to the whole atmosphere. I did really struggle with the heat in the distance race, however, I think it was my favorite. The mass start, then headed in to the narrow canals with everyone watching and cheering you on from the streets and bridges. It was quite the spectacle, and it shows that people will watch the sport.

For the Sprints I got to cheer on my Scottish team mates and everyone else! It had fast paced heats and even faster paddling. I doubt there are many sprint venues with spectators so close to the racers. Seeing the sporting professionalism from the teams and individuals really inspired me to step up my training and I feel a lot more competitive this year already.

From a less professional and more recreational perspective: What do you think needs to be done so that Stand Up Paddle can reach more people and they can obtain equipment more easily?

It’s a tricky one, I think there is a definite split between those who just use SUP for a relaxing paddle and those who want more from the sport. When you start using hard boards and traveling further afield, the logistics can get a bit more complicated!

I still speak to some people who are surprised that Stand Up Paddle racing is an actual thing, so the more coverage there is on all forms of media the better! Lots of the top paddlers are just as fit and train just as hard as Olympians, so it would be great to get as much recognition for them from sporting organisations to support their journeys in the sport.

What are your plans for the rest of 2025?

Coming up in August I have the Big Dippa in Whitley Bay, UK. This was the location of my very first SUP race in July 2022, so it will always be a special place to race and I look forward to returning there. Shortly after in 6th of September there is a race in Portobello beach, Edinbrugh, UK. I haven’t actually done many races in Scotland so it will be great to get out on with more paddlers from Scotland. My main even though will be attending the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi, a complete contract to my winter paddling with the heat but I will train as best I can and see how I perform in the conditions there. Still waiting on the ISA announcement as well

And finally, we want to know which is easier... Driving a tractor or paddling in a strong downwind off the coast of Scotland? (laughs)

Driving a 60 year tractor up some of the steep hills here does require a certain amount of skill and confidence. I’m not sure it would be comparable but I’m probably still more skilled on my tractor than a proper downinder...for the time being ;) but I’m sure I will still be grinning just as much after driving my tractor or absolutely flying on a downwinder

Thanks to...

Thank you Nico for this opportunity! I’m more used to behind behind a camera than in front of it or answering questions, but although it’s a bit out my comfort zone I’m enjoying it! Ally from the Scottish Surfing Federation for getting the Scottish team to Denmark! Andy Burrows, for his advice and support since my very first races Christian “Polar Bear” Andersen who’s coaching plans made a huge difference to my fitness since starting with “Polar Bear Performance” last winter.

Chris Freeman from Blackproject for his advice on paddles and fins right from when I first got in to the sport. If you ever have a question about a product just reach out and you’ll get the answer. Also thanks to everyone who helps organise Stand Up Paddle events around the World, without them we’d have no events to go and compete at!

O2Y

This is a globally prestigious 30km downwind race organized by Kanaka Okinawa/ Takuji Araki, a leading figure in the paddleboarding world and a passionate ambassador for cultural heritage beyond traditional sport.

Heading downwind along the historic waterway once navigated by ancient Ryukyu sailors and waterman, not only physically challenged for the paddlers, but also have the opportunity to connect with the heritage that shaped the Pacific Rim.

On June 26th, Shuri Araki (Men’s Division) and Maricarmen Rivera (Women’s Division) won the 30km O2Y open ocean downwind Race, held in Okinawa’s challenging terrain amidst scorching temperatures of 35°C. The race has two classes: long course and short course. The long course is open to elite athletes authorized by the Japan Coast Guard, and involves competing in two 15km sets, a total of 30km, over a timed race. The short course is a 12-15km downwind race that is roughly half the length and open to anyone, even those with inflatable race boards.

Now in its 13th year, the race offered a total prize pool of 6,000 euros. The level of participants has improved every year, with a wide range of age groups participating, from juniors under 14 to masters over 45. International athletes were particularly inspired by the majestic ocean. The organizers expressed their deep respect for the “KANAKA: Brave Island-Crossing Warriors” human-powered ocean paddlers, as well as the many volunteers, sponsors, and other stakeholders who worked hard to make this wonderful event a reality. We expect even more international athletes to participate in next year’s O2Y Race, making it even more exciting. See the results below here.

THE O2Y CARRIES A SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL HERITAGE: ABOUT THE RYUKYU VOYAGE SCENE AND THE INSPIRATION IT GIVES US THROUGH O2Y.

Okinawa has a deep history and was once the base of the Ryukyu Dynasty. They had their own unique language, distinct from modern Japanese. Since then, Okinawan fishermen have freely traveled to remote islands and fished using sailing and paddling. After World War II, under the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951, Okinawa came under US administration for 20 years. Historically, an invisible border was established at the 27th parallel north, where the O2Y race is held, forcibly separating many families and maritime cultures. As Ocean Paddlers, we are ambassadors of goodwill connecting islands, the past, and the future.

O2Y loads the paddlers and boards onto the boat at the starting point in Okinawa, set off, travel about 30-50 minutes into the point where the wind is blowing straight, and jump into the open ocean. There are no buoys along the way, and the goal is when you reach the island. All paddlers will be surrounded by safety boats to ensure everyone does not spread out over a wide area. All boat captains are tuna deep ocean fishermen who have been familiar with this area for decades.

When the rainy season ends at the end of June every year, seasonal winds from the South blow on this island. This is a straight downwind race with wind speeds of approximately 10M and swells of approximately 2 m. The temperature will be over 30 degrees, and it will be very hot, so heat protection and hydration are extremely important. We welcome all paddlers who get goosebumps, excitement, or tingles from hearing this story.

We recommend that participants arrive in Okinawa at least one week early to acclimate to the heat. A joint training camp will also be held approximately two weeks before the O2Y event. World champion Shuri Araki and his coach, Takuji Araki, will provide training in advanced surfing and navigation skills in the actual Deep Ocean. Rental boards are limited, but its possible. Up until now, Araki family has been volunteering to run the DW race in Okinawa for the last 12years. We are now able to give out a prize of 1 million yen (6000 euros). We would be honored to have top paddlers from around the world join us. The total capacity is 30 elite paddlers/long course with permission from the Japan Coast Guard. The short course is less difficult and is designed so that even beginners can participate, so viewing Okinawa’s magnificent nature from the sea will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

SHURI ARAKI

It’s no secret that Shuri’s paddling skills were developed by spending long hours in the deep waters of O2Y. Ever since he was a child, he has lived surrounded by nature. The ocean is less than a 20-second walk away from my house, and the Araki family drink natural mountain water from a nearby spring every day. Okinawa is also a land of longevity, and our dinner tables are always lined with home-grown vegetables, allowing us to eat healthy meals every day. During this lifestyle, Shuri first came into contact with a SUP when he was six years old, sitting in front of my father and always surfing together. Then, while playing with a SUP, swimming, and diving, he learned the joy of nature and the ocean by open ocean downwind paddling. Little by little, he shifted towards flat water paddling competitions. Father Takuji never forced Shuri to compete in SUP; he always took son to the deep ocean from the time he was seven years old.

Shuri has always received a lot of support from his family and friends, but in recent years he has also received a lot of support from corporate sponsors. His family is always with him wherever he goes, so he can always be in top condition and focused, no matter what country or race he is in.

Now his sister also accompanies him on expeditions, and the whole team works hard together. Shuri and his family’s dream is for SUP to become an Olympic sport one day. Throughout the 13 years of O2Y racing, they have always pursued the same dream, and that dream will never change. There is only hopes for the bright future for O2Y and Shuri.

MARIECARMEN RIVERA

Currently the No. 1 female SUP rider, MariCarmen dominated the Euro Tours 2025 and for her first time, she visited a southern Asian island known as the “Blue Zone.” What makes her to visit Japan especially Okinawa? and what did she feel surrounded by the majestic nature and deep blue ocean?

My experience in Okinawa was truly transformative: the culture, the respect, the calm, and the intention with which they live made me feel deeply connected. The Araki family welcomed us as if we were their own, sharing their food, their home, and their essence. Learning from Shuri´s father and hearing his story was incredibly powerful, and spending time with Shuri, Kanaka(12years old), and Tiare(7years old) was awesome. They are super energetic, and watching how much they enjoy and love being in the water surfing and paddling was inspiring. Also, sharing moments with Shuri´s mom, Sono, was very special and fun; she even taught me some Japanese recipes what a family with such a big heart.

In the house I was staying alongside Tasos, Nikos, Blue, Iván, and Fabri which we brought daily moments of cultural exchange and unique learning. Coming from Puerto Rico, I´m familiar with the connection to the ocean, but being in the middle of the sea in Okinawa surrounded by mountains, lush greenery, and a community that deeply respects its environment was something truly magical.

The support of the fishermen during the race was also very special, and Im deeply thankful for that. Im grateful for every moment of this trip the whole experience was a beautiful reminder of how simple and fulfilling life can be… without a doubt, I hope to return. O2Y is one of my favorite races and place I have been during this 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m 18 years old and I live in Fully, Switzerland. My home spot is the gouille at Martigny.

How did you first get into wing foiling?

My dad was the first one to start wing foiling. He suggested I begin with windsurfing, and from there I moved into windfoiling. Just a couple of weeks later, I got to try wing foiling – and I actually managed to foil on my very first attempt. I fell in love with it immediately.

Goodricke Thomas

What foiling disciplines do you enjoy the most?

I love the speed and adrenaline rush I get from wingfoil racing, but I also enjoy freestyle. I’m not super flexible, which doesn’t help for freestyle, but I still love jumping and just having fun. Pumpfoiling is also a blast. I like the freedom of cruising around with a parawing when there’s no one else on the water.

What’s your go-to spot for training? Do you prefer light wind or strong wind?

I like training in Foehn (southerly) winds. I usually go for a morning run and train again in the evening. Strong wind is my favorite – it’s easier to get up on foil and the wipeouts are more exciting. Light wind is a great workout, but not quite as fun since you’re mostly just trying to stay balanced.

Who’s helped or inspired you most in your progress so far?

Definitely my parents – they’ve supported me emotionally and financially. Michi has been amazing for helping with my freestyle and racing techniques. And of course, ENSIS and Hot Tension have really helped me out with gear.

What’s your current setup and why do you love it?

For freestyle and cruising, I ride the Maniac Infinity ACE 690 foil – it’s incredibly fast and gives amazing pop for jumps. I pair it with the 57L ROCK’N’ROLL board. For racing, I use the JIVE 72L. My favorite wings are the TOPSPINS – they’re incredible.

What’s your favorite thing about wing foiling?

The freedom and exhilaration. There’s nothing like harnessing the wind or waves to ride wherever you want. Plus, it’s easy to get into and you can do it almost anywhere.

If you’re not on the water, where would we find you?

Either studying or thinking up new ideas for race wings.

Are there any moves or goals you’re working on right now?

I’m working on the Palau and trying to break the 35-knot barrier.

What’s your strategy for learning a new trick?

Just keep trying until I land it.

What events have you done this year? What’s been your favorite so far? And what’s next?

This year I’ve raced in the World Wingfoil Race Tour in Morocco and the Roca Cup in Toulon. I’m planning to compete at the Défi Wing, the Wingfoil Racing in Kiel, the event in Sardinia, and the Swiss Wingfoil Tour.

III AGUETE SUP RACE

Aguete Beach hosted a new scoring event for the PRO League and the FESurfing Federation League. The new Spanish Resistance and Long Distance Champions of Galicia were also crowned.

Up Suping @kodamaimagen

On a wonderful summer day on the waters of the Pontevedra estuary, the 3rd edition of the Aguete SUP Race was held, establishing itself as one of the star competitions in the north and welcoming riders from different parts of Spain.

The event featured four key events that awarded points for both the PRO SUP Long Distance League and the FESurfing 2025 Federation League. In addition, one of the longest-running, most classic and demanding competitions took place: the Spanish Resistance Championship. And let’s not forget the Galician Long Distance Championship 2025.

Early in the morning, the Elite, SUB 18, SUB 16 and Amateur competitions got underway. Given the forecast of strong winds, different courses were adapted so as not to affect the riders’ performance, especially for the competitors taking part in the resistance format.

In the women’s category, Galicia’s Esperanza Barreras was unrivalled, taking first place in both the Pro League Long Distance and the endurance race. Bianca Toncelli and Nuria Chiquero joined her on the Pro League podium, while Claudia Luchetta and Marta Abruñedo did the same in the Spanish Resistance Championship, covering a total of 22 km.

In the men’s category, Manuel Hoyuela from Cantabria also took first place in both competitions, although Sergio Cantoral from Alicante did not make it easy for him, showing a very high level in Galician waters, accompanied by the young Iván Puente. The three competitors repeated the same podium in the resistance competition.

We would like to highlight the great results achieved by all the participants in the Federation League, as well as a special mention for the Master and Kahuna categories, who continue to participate in SUP events in Galicia with great dedication and commitment, especially those who gave their all in the 22 km endurance race.

The show continued in the afternoon with the corresponding competi tions for the Junior and Popular categories. The atmosphere on the beach was vital for the morale of the riders, who endured the intense heat of the afternoon in Aguete, once again demonstrating their high level of skill, especially the Galician youth.

There were also some entertaining Big SUP competitions that added to the wonderful atmosphere on Aguete beach.

The awards ceremony put the finishing touch to an event that celebrated its third edition with total success, thanks to impeccable organisation, and will undoubtedly continue to host major competitions that are so necessary for national Stand Up Paddle. Great work by the entire Imúa team, thanks also to the support of other clubs from Galicia, Gran Canaria, Asturias, etc.

2V Manilva SUP Race

The third edition of the 2V Manilva SUP Race took over Colonia beach in a great competitive atmosphere on the Malaga coast

More than 200 people, including riders, companions and a crowd of curious onlookers, gathered on 28 June at Colonia beach in Manilva to enjoy the 3rd edition of the 2V Manilva SUP Race, which dawned covered in a thick fog that prevented the event from starting on schedule. It was not until 11 a.m. that the sun broke through, heralding a day of intense heat with just a slight easterly breeze for this major competition, which counts towards the Costa del SUP circuit.

Against this backdrop, the heats began with the youngest competitors in a third edition in which participation in the junior categories has significantly exceeded previous years. This is a sign that Stand Up Paddle organised in this type of competition in regional circuits is a perfect opportunity to practise the sport as a family and continue to promote its growth, and where we see how our Andalusian riders are improving in each competition, making us proud to see them grow athletically. We are sure that we will see them performing and contributing their talent in higher-level competitions.

In this regard, we would like to highlight names such as India del Río and Nora Lhassar in the Under-12 category, Marco Mazure in the Under-14 category, and the high level of competition in the Under-16 category, where Alfred Gregory Barbeito, Borja Camacho, and Álvaro del Pino always put on a spectacular show in every event.

Nick Gandano Club Paddle Surf Manilva

And when we talk about Andalusian SUP, we have to mention what is happening in Benalmádena. This year, the Malaga club participated once again in Manilva, providing quality and spectacle, especially in the Under-18 category with the current Spanish Champion, Jorge Valenzuela, and the Senior category, which remained very compact throughout the race without giving each other a break. Matías Casco, Álvaro Blanco and Gonzalo Romero managed to take the podium.

In the Master category, Antonio Sudón and Marina Navarro took the top positions respectively. Meanwhile, Antonio Domínguez and Magdalena Vergillos did the same in Kahuna. The 2V Manilva SUP Race had prepared a course of just over 6K for them. A combination of a technical 1K course and a 2K stretch so that the riders could test both their skill and endurance.

And we cannot forget the most popular categories on the circuit. The Amateur categories, mentioning Carlos Triviño and Bara Jaskova, and Ibrahim Bourassi and Eva Cifuentes in Amateur Inflatable. And of course, the popular category, which serves as a gateway to this type of event, in which Hugo Quiñones and Paula Martín were the winners, respectively.

Thus, the 2V Manilva SUP race took another step towards becoming a must-see event for Andalusian fans of this sport every year and a challenge for the organisers, the Manilva Town Council’s sports department and the Manilva Paddle Surf Club, to ensure that it continues to grow every year.

MI PRIMERA CARRERA

First and foremost - thank you to the volunteers, racers, sponsors, spectators, Belle Isle Classic, and USA SUP for making this happen! I had an amazing time hanging out with you all (and occasionally racing).

There’s way too much to talk about to fit into this short recap. I wrote over 4,000 words on my full-length version over at inflatableboarder.com, so definitely check that out.

Michel Carney | South Central Regional Rep

DAY 1 SPRINTS

Sprint racing is not a style that we regularly see out here in my neck of the woods, and it’s probably my least favorite to practice. But, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy my first ever actual sprint race, and I did waaaaay better than I expected.

I got a little lucky here in that my first heat had only four racers, so even though I was in the slow lane (outside lanes had a bit more current to deal with than inside lanes) and came in last, I got a second chance in the semi finals. I put it all out on the water in the second heat and came in 5th out of 6, and right on the heels of 4th place. I really did not expect that kind of result (again, not a type of racing I’ve ever done or practiced). So while I didn’t stand on a podium, I was absolutely thrilled with my results.

Hanging out at Whiskeys on the Water after the race was also a blast. My favorite part of any race is always the social aspect before, after, and even during the race.

DAY 2 TECHNICAL RACE

is a format I’m more familiar with, but on a condensed course. 800 meters, 8 turns, and plenty of wind by the time my heats came around.

Even though the tech races started much earlier in the day than the sprints, the longer course really made a full day of it. My first heat wasn’t until almost 3 hours after the start! By then the wind had started picking up (and picking up some of the buoys) making the course far more challenging than during warmups. I did well in the straight aways, but lost too much speed during the turns. You’re always faster on your board than in the water, so I took several cross-bow turns around the buoys rather than always using a faster (but riskier) pivot turn. It felt like 2 strokes forward and 1 stroke back for me on those turns. I didn’t move up to the semi’s, but still had a blast. I even laughed a bit during the race when I saw Jake Portwood motoring up to the finish line when I still had a third of the course to go!

I wasn’t able to join everyone at the social after the races on Saturday as my wife and I were making this a double-duty trip to visit family in the area as well, but I’m sure you all had a great time!

DAY 3 LONG DISTANCE

The partner race for this year’s USA SUP Nationals was the Belle Isle Classic - a 6.7 mile race around Belle Isle in the Detroit River. I’m no stranger to paddling and racing on rivers, but dealing with freighter traffic through an international shipping lane was certainly a first for me!

! This was the race I had been training most for, and I felt as ready as I could be. After battling upriver for the first mile and a half I got rocked by that traffic wake and slowed way down as I spent a lot of energy trying to stay as dry as possible.

Note to self: practice more in bad conditions. I had some pretty bad “Elvis Leg” going on about halfway down the island as my muscles were definitely not used to that sort of amplitude.

After a lot of ups and downs (literally) on the south side of the island I rounded the corner to the more protected side of the river and began heading back up stream. I timed it perfectly to coincide with a new head wind coming out of the North that brought a bit of rain with it as well. Oh well. Nothing to do at this point but keep paddlingfocus on technique, breathing and keeping that stroke rate up!

After passing the large bridge that connects the mainland and the island, I dug in and revved up for the last mile and wondered how my legs would do for the beach run to the finish.

Ultimately I was a little slower than I had hoped, but still happy with my result. My standing goal in any race is “give it all you got and try not to be last.” I definitely accomplished both of those in the distance race and all weekend.

PADDLING ON AN INFLATABLE

So you may have noticed from the pictures that I paddled an inflatable board for the entire weekend. I’m a big fan of inflatables, I think they offer a way to significantly grow the sport of SUP racing. The current generation of inflatable technology is so much better than it was even a couple of years ago, and it’s constantly improving.

It also gives me the ability to easily travel with my own gear rather than having to find something to borrow - a huge benefit for me considering my closest regular races are a 7 hour drive away!

using an inflatable board limited my performance? No. I know that the motor is the biggest part of this equation, not the board. I used to have a carbon fiber race board, but I’m just as fast on this Hydrus Elysium Air inflatable, and I know I haven’t reached its performance limit.

Big shout out to USA SUP Annual Sponsor Hydrus Board Tech as well. They’ve been a leading brand in inflatable SUP design and construction for several years and are fully committed to getting people on the water - and racing - with quality, performance gear at an affordable price. I raced on a 14’ x 26” Hydrus Elysium Air with their new Katana 2.0 and Riptide fins, and a pre-production Ruckus Flyweight paddle - a whole kit you can get for less than half the cost of a carbon board.

Anfi del Mar beach was the perfect setting to bring together national and international riders

Gwen Marche Up Suping

The Gran Canaria PRO, a classic SUP Race event in the Canary Islands, held its 5th edition on 7 and 8 June at Anfi del Mar beach in Gran Canaria. Competitors and their families, both national and international, enjoyed a great weekend of competition, with a host of activities for the general public.

The event was part of the national PRO SUP League and the Fesurfing Long Distance Federation League, and also counted towards the Canary Islands SUP Race Circuit, in addition to the sprints scheduled for the second day of the event. All these competitive incentives meant that a large number of riders from dif-ferent parts of the peninsula and the Canary Islands did not want to miss this great event in a spectacular location in the south of the island of Gran Canaria.

On the morning of Saturday 8th, the Gran Canaria PRO Long Distance competitions took place, with the wind making an appearance from the early hours, making the competition attractive and demanding for each of the competitors. The starts and finishes of each of the categories were a real spectacle, with the public cheering on the riders on a radiant summer’s day at each of the portage points along the course.

In the Elite category, all the riders performed at a high level, adapting to the crossdownwind, upwind and gentle swell conditions. Andalusian competitor Fernando Pérez was unrivalled, taking first place from start to finish and climbing to the top of the podium in this new stop of the PRO SUP League. He was accompanied by David Leiro and Antón Sanz, who kept a close eye on the Andalusian throughout the competition.

As for the women, rider Alba Frey continues to reap great victories and show great performance in all kinds of conditions, taking first place ahead of young Bianca Toncelli and France’s Érica Revil. They did a spectacular job on the water during all the competitions and activities throughout the weekend.

The Federation League also made an appearance in this long distance event at Gran Canaria PRO, where the rest of the athletes earned points in the league in the crystal clear waters of Anfi del Mar.

The great performances by the young hopefuls of our sport in each of their categories, from the U12 to the U16, who paddled at a high level, demonstrating the great sportsmanship that characterises them, are worth highlighting.

In the afternoon, various activities took place, such as a talk on Environmental Sustainability by Ocoan 4 Life and a SUP Yoga class by Second Reef. But if there was one thing that got the whole beach excited, it was the BIG SUP races. These created an atmosphere of genuine fun across the beach, offering a great show for the general public. It was an unforgettable afternoon!

On the second day of Gran Canaria PRO, the Sprint competition took place, which was also very important for the Canarian Surfing Federation, as it allowed them to see the level of their riders in this Stand Up Paddle discipline.

From early in the morning, different heats were held for all categories, in an ISA format course starting from land, with a 100-metre buoy turn before returning to the finish line on the beach. The level in this discipline remains very high among Spanish riders, and this was 100% reflected on this occasion in the waters of Anfi del Mar.

The event concluded with the presentation of prizes for the various competitions, as well as honorary awards alongside the organisers, sponsors, collaborators and the Councillor for Sports of the Mogán Town Council.

The 5th edition of Gran Canaria PRO continues to showcase the excellent work carried out year after year by the Second Reef team, not to mention the wonderful set-up on the beach and in a unique setting. We would like to thank the Mogán Town Council, the Gran Canaria Island Council, Gran Canaria Tourism, Tipsy Hammock, VW Comerciales Canarias, the Canary Islands Surfing Federation and Fesurfing.

BIG SUP

I remember when they first appeared on the world stage. The first thing I thought was, ¨Wow, you can do so many things with this¨, and that’s how it turned out. Hearing or reading the words ¨Big SUP¨ is synonymous with joy, fun and teamwork. It’s wonderful to see how a giant inflatable board has the power to bring a group of people together, whether they know each other or not, and give free rein to their imagination.

They are ¨all round¨ boards. They hold up on flat water and adapt to waves, as well as river descents. Jumps, falls and paddle strokes. Long hours under the sun and participating in many trips organised by surf schools. And if you are organising an event and want to add a touch of fun, you can’t miss out on a Big SUP competition.

BS

A.Laborda | @kodamaimagen | Gwen Marche

Nico Arnedo

BS

Standing on this board with 3, 4 or 5 other people and feeling the air move beneath it requires maximum coordination to achieve total stability. Or when you start paddling in rhythm with your companions to the chant of ¨Yep... Yep... Yep¨, you begin to take it seriously and work as a team, which can be hugely satisfying.

The Big SUP is always a must. It is always in our memories, and it is becoming more and more present at events. The fun and camaraderie among lovers of this sport is vital for us to continue building a future for SUP, and this 1,000-litre board brings a lot of joy to those who have the most to offer: our promising young athletes.

An absolute success at the largest national mixed kitesurfing and wingfoil event, with incredible easterly wind conditions and new Spanish champions for all disciplines.

Valdevaqueros beach in Tarifa continues to be the nerve center of wind sports this week thanks to the mixed event that combines the Spanish Wingfoil Cup and the Spanish Kiteboarding Championship. The Levante wind was a constant presence, and it was present from early on until the final minute of the competition.

All categories competed successfully until their respective finals, resulting in the new Spanish champions in each discipline and category. The consistent Levante wind conditions were key to the successful completion of all the men’s and women’s Wingfoil Freestyle heats.

As for Wingfoil, we were able to meet the new Spanish U14 champion, none other than Sam Rossmeier, who was also recently crowned world champion in the same category. It was an incredible championship for this young rider who shows tremendous progress and is aiming very high. The U14 kitesurfing champion title went to Seville native Gonzalo Capela.

Spaing Wingfoil League

The women’s U14 and senior Wingfoil Freestyle finals were comprised of five riders, and young Sofía Gizinger took the victory in both categories, demonstrating extraordinary skill in every maneuver. These titles were undoubtedly more than deserved, demonstrating the strong growth of the women’s competition. Paula Bonet emerged as the women’s champion in the Strapless Kiteboarding category, and Claudia León in the Freestyle Kiteboarding category.

In the U16 men’s Wingfoil category, Benjamin Berger emerged victorious, while his brother, Nathan Berger, took the senior title. Their dominance from the first to the last contest led the Bergers to both claim the title of Spanish champion.

Many competitive heats, many results, many new champions, but above all, a lot of high-quality Wingfoiling and Kiteboarding. Valdevaqueros beach and Tumbao attendees witnessed the authentic spectacle put on by these riders. A season that closes in the best possible way, with the best protists in the country demonstrating the reasons for their success.

It reaffirms its success in Cala Ses Torretes and grows as a key event in national SUP

On 15 June 2025, Cala Ses Torretes (Calonge, Girona) was the setting for a new edition of the SÈNIA COSTA BRAVA SUP RACE, which brought together 48 athletes from different parts of the country. The event, organised by Grup Sènia, through its Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional campsite, and the Suricata Surf school, was part of the FESurfing League and the Circuit Català de SUP for the first time, a milestone that reinforces the growth and projection of the event.

The race has established itself as an annual event that paddle surf enthusiasts do not want to miss, combining sport, tourism and respect for the environment. This year, the event once again attracted both riders who had participated in previous editions and new athletes eager to discover these waters of the Costa Brava.

Eventos Sènia

The events were held in an atmosphere of great sportsmanship and camaraderie, with a high level of competition in all categories. The podium places were as follows:

ÉLITE MEN 12k

1stTomás SÁNCHEZ VECINO

2nd Miquel ROIGE FERRER

3rd Finn SAYOL GUILABERT

ÉLITE WOMEN 12k

1st Eva DÍAZ SERRALTA

2nd Mariia GLUKHACHEVA

3rd Paty RODRÍGUEZ CABEDA

1st Liam SAYOL GUILABERT

2nd Hèctor MOYÁ ARTAMENDI

3rd Xavier NARBONA FONT AMATEUR MEN 6k

1st Tina Martinez

2nd Luisa MORALES PUIG

3rd Anastasia GRYUKANOVA AMATEUR WOMEN 6k

ROOKIE MEN 3k

1st John GREEN MUÑOZ

2nd Marc VIADIU MARTIN

3rd Xavi MONTSERRAT ALBÓS

ROOKIE WOMEN 3k

1st Lola MANCHEÑO XU

2nd Indi Masdevall KIDS 1k

1st Asia PEDRERO VILLAZALA

Papagayo sup race

TH NACIONAL STOP CHILE 3

DAY 1 . TECHNICAL RACEola Nico, estoy más que lista para el verano europeo. Es mi estación favorita porque lo

The Chilean SUP Race circuit continues, and this occasion Papagayo Bay in Quintero was the venue chosen for day one of the third round of the national championship. Rough seas and a particularly high tide marked the conditions of the morning session, in which the Children’s, Juniors, Adult Amateurs and Master Amateurs categories competed with great courage.

Papagayo SUP Race Municipalidad de QuinterO | @pablo.sheckler

The technical races took place on a challenging 3-kilometre course with waves, currents and wind, pushing the competitors to their limits. The women opened the Elite series with an intense battle between the participating athletes. The experienced Priscila Valdez took first place, followed by Muriel Sánchez in second, Nicole Pérez in third, and Antonia Gutiérrez completing the podium in fourth position.

The day ended with the Elite men’s competition, where 16 competitors put on a thrilling show. The sea conditions meant that positions changed constantly, making for a very dynamic competition. The men’s podium was made up of Jaime Ojeda in first place, Christophe Conry in second, José González in third, and young Junior Luciano Andrades in an impressive fourth place.

Special mention goes to Hernán Rodríguez, who led much of the race until a fall at the final buoy relegated him to fifth place. Also noteworthy was the participation of Junior Matías Sánchez, only 14 years old, who achieved a commendable seventh place.

DAY 2 . SPRINTS & LONG DISTANCEla Nico, estoy más

On Sunday, 27 July, the third round of the National SUP Race Championship came to a close in Quintero, a three-star event endorsed by the Chilean Surfing Federation. Throughout the day, top athletes from across the country demonstrated their talent in the exciting Sprint and Long Distance events.

The day began with speed races in ISA (International Surfing Association) format, 200-metre sprints starting from the beach to the buoy and back to the finish line. All categories participated: Children, Junior, Adult, Master and Elite.

In the professional category, a repechage system was implemented in the second round, giving athletes an additional opportunity to return to the Main Event.

Outstanding results in Sprint for the town of Quintero

Among the men, Jaime Ojeda, from the SUP Sin Fronteras Club in Quintero, was crowned champion in the Sprint category, reaffirming his leadership in the national circuit. The podium was completely dominated by local representatives, with José González in second place, Vicente Pérez in third and Hernán Rodríguez in fourth, all also from the host club. In the women’s category, Muriel Sánchez, also from the SUP Sin Fronteras Club, took first place, confirming Quintero’s strong presence in the race.

Regarding his victory, Jaime Ojeda said: ‘I am happy to say that, for the first time, I have won first place in a technical race. It was very special, as it was at home, with the support of acquaintances, friends, and neighbours who watched the show on a beach that lends itself to the event. This result keeps me at the top of the national rankings, and I am very happy.’ Unlike the first day, which took place in the rough Papagayo Bay, this time the track was located in the Skate Park area of Albatros, Loncura, where the flat sea conditions were ideal for speed trials.

Long Distance: 10 kilometres of strategy and endurance

After a brief pause for the athletes to recover and change buoys, the 10-kilometre Long Distance race began, taking full advantage of Loncura Bay.

In the men’s category, the winner was Christopher Conry from Club SUP Tarapacá, who fought an intense battle with young José González from Quintero, who finished second. Hernán Rodríguez came in third, and Jaime Ojeda completed the podium in fourth place. In the women’s category, the victory went to Gianina Sarno from Concepción, followed by Priscila Valdez (Concón), Nicole Pérez (Antofagasta) and Muriel Sánchez (Quintero).

The Chilean Surfing Federation gave special thanks to Club SUP Sin Fronteras and the Municipality of Quintero, through its Sports Offices, for the impeccable organisation of this third round of the National SUP Race Championship. Thanks to the commitment of the local team, volunteers, judges and collaborators, it was a day of high-level sport and great turnout. This alliance between federated sport and local institutions continues to drive the growth of SUP in Chile and strengthen ties with the community.

Nora Lhassar Mario Entero. Up Suping

Nora Lhassar

Hi Nora! We are very happy to interview you and get to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself: your age, where you are from, and how and when you started doing SUP

Hello, I am 11 years old, I am from Cala de Mijas, and I started doing paddle surfing last year, as my mother had been doing it for a while and convinced me to train with her.

Up Suping

We know you’re very young and have a lot to learn. What do you like most about this sport, both paddling for fun and competing?

I love paddling with my team. I find it really fun to give it my all in training and improve every day, but I also really enjoy competing and doing the circuits with the other participants, who have become my friends.

You are currently competing in the U12 category and are a regular at the Costa del SUP events. What do you think of this circuit: the races, the atmosphere and your fellow competitors?

Que haya una carrera en cada una de las provincias de Andalucía me parece muy buena idea para tener la oportunidad de visitar diferentes sitios. Me lo paso muy bien en las competiciones, la verdad es que hay mucho nivel en mi categoría y eso hace que sea mas divertido e interesante. También hay un ambiente muy familiar, ya he hecho muchos amigos que aunque vivan lejos nos vemos cada vez que tenemos una carrera; no es solo el momento de competir sino todo lo que hacemos y vivimos desde que llegamos al lugar en el que se celebra la competición.

M. Entero

How do you feel about being part of the Paddle Surf Fuengirola team and being able to go to competitions with your family? Tell us about the wonderful people around you...

I love my team. We’re like a big family now, they’re always supporting me and giving me good advice. Travelling with them is great fun, we have a great time and I really enjoy paddle surfing with my mum, we spend a lot of time together and this sport has brought us even closer.

We love seeing your great paddling technique and how you know how to adapt so well to the different conditions in each race. Can you tell us how you have learned so much at such a young age?

Before SUP, I was already surfing and skateboarding, which helped me a lot with my balance. And thanks to my coach Álvaro Porras and my teammate and also coach Marco Mazure, I have learned the technique I have. They are both great and very patient with me. I hope they continue teaching me for many years because I still have a lot to learn.

What other sports do you do? And I’m sure you have some hobbies too!

Would you like to learn other types of SUP? Do you have any plans for the coming years?

Apart from paddle surfing, I also go to the gym with my mum to do functional training. When I can and there are waves, I surf. I also swim, I’ve done some windsurfing and I really like surfskating. As a hobby, I love painting and drawing.

Tell us who your favourite competitors in Spain are, and what you like most about them.

My three favourite competitors are Duna Gordillo, Esperanza Barreras and Antonio Morillo. I’ve seen all three of them paddle live and they’re amazing.

I would love to improve my technique with a special SUP wave board and continue competing on the SUP coast circuit with my friends and my mother. In the future, it would be amazing to compete at a national or even international level.

Agradecimientos….

I am very grateful to my entire Paddle Surf Fuengirola team for always supporting me, especially Álvaro Porras and Marco Mazure for teaching me so much, and Abel Porras for always repairing our boards and leaving them as good as new every time they get damaged. I am very grateful to my mother for giving me the opportunity to practise this sport, which has become my passion, and to my grandmother for all her love and affection.

M. Entero

The central beach of Isla Cristina welcomed a hundred athletes who enjoyed a magnificent day of SUP racing, music, and fun. Local riders Augusto García and Rocío Bensaid reigned supreme in the Elite category.

X DISCOVER HUELVA SUP FESTIVAL LIGA FEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA

On Saturday 26 July, Isla Cristina celebrated the 10th edition of the Discover Huelva SUP Festival. A classic national Stand Up Paddle event in the middle of the Andalusian summer, organised by Club W. Isla Cristina and the Municipal Sports Service of Isla Cristina Town Council. The event not only promoted Stand Up Paddle, but also featured its usual competition format, with points counting to wards the Costa del SUP 2025 circuit and the Fesurfing Technical SUP Federation League.

Once again, the weather forecast was accurate, with a magnificent day for practising this sport. Unlike other editions, we had good waves that made all the races very exciting, in a true beach race format adapted to all the categories competing in front of the Windzone school facilities in Isla Cris-tina.

Suping Carlota Parras

The SUB 8 and SUB 10 categories kicked off the day’s competition in an area sheltered from the waves, putting on a formidable performance, as did the SUB 12 category, which paddled along a more technical and fun course, with some even surfing with great style. Noteworthy were the great results of Candela Cabot Garcia and Alexander Vasilev Pavlov in SUB 8, Paula Castaño Romero and Álvaro Quiñones Solórzano in SUB 10, and Nora Lhassar Estable and Pablo Calvo Ballesta in SUB 12.

The level shown by the athletes rose in a matter of minutes with the participation of the SUB 14 and SUB 16 categories, where Andalusia already has great representatives at national level and they have clearly demonstrated this in this 10th edition of the Discover Huelva SUP Festival. Great results were achieved by Marco Mazure in SUB 14, along with Beatriz Bizcocho and Alfred Gregory Barbeito, who climbed to the top of the podium in SUB 16.

X DISCOVER HUELVA

Without a doubt, the highlight of the day was seeing the waters of Isla Cristina filled with amateur athletes competing in both rigid and inflatable categories, which always have the highest participation in this event year after year. The excellent combination of waves and flat water areas delighted these SUPers in both the women’s and men’s categories, where the support of the public was once again important for all of them. They are the heart of this great event!

As for the Elite and Under-18 men’s categories, this edition featured two heats, with the times from both heats added together for the final classification. A circuit with buoy turns, portage, small waves and overtaking provided plenty of excitement for this type of race, under intense heat on this day of competition. In the women’s category, only one heat was held, with two laps of the circuit.

In the Elite Men’s category, local rider Augusto García was unrivalled, winning both of his heats on the day, followed by Antonio Sudon Peña and Rodrigo López Santos. In the Women’s category, Rocio Bensaid Reyes also managed to climb to the top of the podium in both races at this new stop on the Costa del SUP 2025 circuit, ahead of Isabel Valverde Hälvä and Ana Estable Díaz.

If there is one thing that makes this Andalusian circuit special, as it does every year, it is the determination and strength shown by the participants in the Master and Kahuna categories, demonstrating a high level of skill in all aspects. We would like to highlight the results of Isabel Valverde Hälvä and Antonio Sudon Peña in the Master category, and Beatriz Alvargonzález Martínez and Augusto García López in Kahuna.

After the competitions, the awards ceremony was held in the presence of local authorities and representatives from the major brands that support the Discover Huelva SUP Festival. The celebration of this 10th edition continued with lots of music and Zumba classes that brought Isla Cristina’s Central Beach to life, both for the participants and for the public who were on the beach enjoying this great summer day on the coast of Huelva.

It was undoubtedly a day to remember, continuing to position this event as one of the most representative for Andalusian Stand Up Paddle and its characteristic essence. We would like to thank the Regional Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Provincial Council of Huelva, SMD of the Isla Cristina Town Council, our coverage at sea with Maritime Res-cue, Civil Protection and the sponsors Brandt, Hotel Estival Isla Cristina, Starboard, Usisa, Frutas Masía Ciscar, Costa del SUP, Asociación 21 horas, Up Suping and Emilio with his great team at Windzone, who once again welcomed us to their centre in the best possible way.