Donato freens

Donato, your first part of the year at the competition level is impressive… how do you feel?

I feel incredibly proud and fulfilled with my performance in the first part of the year at the competition level. It’s been a fantastic journey so far, and I’m thrilled to see my hard work paying off. The results have exceeded my expectations, and it gives me great confidence moving forward.

You have many national titles and excellent performances in international events. What things have changed in your way of competing and paddling compared to other years?

Over the years, my approach to competing and paddling has evolved significantly. I have focused on refining my technique, improving my physical conditioning, and enhancing my mental game. I’ve also gained valuable experience from previous competitions, allowing me to make better strategic decisions during races. All these factors have contributed to my continued success and growth as an athlete.

Tell us about Ceuta: your first EuroTour victory in difficult conditions. It was a very demanding race and also accompanied by your family!

Winning the EuroTour in Ceuta was an incredible experience. The race was indeed challenging, with difficult conditions to navigate. However, having my family there to support me made it even more special. Their presence provided me with extra motivation and a sense of comfort, which undoubtedly played a role in my victory. It was a memorable moment that I will cherish for a long time.

How were your first SUP events in the Netherlands and inner Europe? How are they different from competitions in the Mediterranean area?

My first SUP events in the Netherlands and inner Europe have been a great platform to jump start my SUP racing career. It was the perfect setting to learn how to race mainly on flat water in my early days of cometing and learn to compete, strategize and apply tactics in a race. Over time I have developed some ocean skills and have been able to apply it in the Mediterranean area and the Atlantic.

The competitions in my region have a different atmosphere compared to those in the Mediterranean area. The water conditions and weather patterns can vary significantly here, which requires me to adapt my paddling technique and strategy accordingly. The level of competition is also impressive, pushing me to continually improve and stay at the top of my game.

You have a lot of paddling power and great sprinting skills. Is this something you’ve been training for?

Yes, my paddling power and sprinting skills are areas that I’ve dedicated significant training to. As a young junior I was not necessarily very good at it, but I do believe that a combination of genetics, natural talent and deliberate practice has helped me develop my skills. I’ve focused on specific workouts and drills to improve my power output and speed, allowing me to excel in sprint situations during races.

What are the conditions in which you are most comfortable? Flat, choppy, downwind, waves, etc.

I find myself most comfortable in a variety of conditions, including flatwater, choppy water, downwind, and even waves. Each presents its own challenges and requires different skills, but I’ve worked on developing versatility in my paddling. By adapting my technique and adjusting my strategy, I can perform well across various conditions and maximize my potential in any given situation. I like to paddle on flatwater since it is the best measurement of strength, speed and sheer will without any other factors that can influence the physical capabilities of a rider.

How is the situation of Stand Up Paddle in the Netherlands? Hopefully, your results and performance will inspire more people to practice this sport!

The situation of Stand Up Paddle in the Netherlands is vibrant and growing. There is a growing community of SUP enthusiasts, and the sport is gaining popularity. I hope that my results and performance can inspire more people to take up this sport and experience the joy and benefits of paddleboarding. It’s a wonderful activity that combines fitness, nature, and adventure, and I’m excited to be in a position to be someone that can contribute to its growth.

How is your preparation prior to a competition? Do you usually have a lot of nerves or do you stay calm?

Prior to a competition, I follow a structured preparation routine. I focus on maintaining a balance between physical training, mental preparation, and rest. While I do experience some nerves, I’ve learned to channel them into positive energy. I use visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and deep breathing exercises to stay calm and focused. Having a routine and trusting my preparation helps me stay composed and perform at my best when it matters most.

And besides SUP…what other things complement your life? Studies, hobbies, friends, sports, etc…

Besides SUP, I enjoy various other aspects of life. I prioritize my studies to ensure a well-rounded education. Additionally, I have hobbies such as photography and painting, which allow me to express my creativity. I also value spending time with my friends and participating in other sports to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

What are your next goals in your athlete lifestyle?

In my athlete lifestyle, my next goals include continuing to improve my skills and performance in SUP. I aspire to compete in larger international events and challenge myself against the best paddlers in the world. I also want to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions and lead active, healthy lives. Beyond that, I aim to contribute to the growth and development of the sport by sharing my knowledge and experiences through coaching and mentoring.

Thanks to….

Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. I want to express my deep gratitude to my family, friends, coaches, and fans who have believed in me and cheered me on every step of the way. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my success. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Light Board Corp for their exceptional contribution to my career. Their innovative and high-quality paddleboard equipment has played a crucial role in my achievements. The performance and reliability of their boards have given me the confidence to push my limits and excel in competitions.

SUPers from different places all over Spain arrived in Melilla the days before the Triple Ese Festival, to acclimatize, enjoy this wonderful place and concentrate on one of the most important events in their calendar competition. A Mar Surf Club, organizers of this great event, also prepared different activities for the 3S Festival.

And although the forecasts for Saturday, May 13, predicted a day of a lot of action for the desired competition, the conditions present from the early hours of the day, were not adequate for the realization of the Spanish SUP Race Championship, also scoring for the Costa del SUP circuit, being postponed to Sunday and with more favourable forecasts for its development; eliminating the Sprint competition from the initial planning and changing it to a real Beach Race during the day on Saturday as the weather improved.

An exciting afternoon with technical races in front of the Hípica beach, where the athletes showed great skills crossing breakers, turning buoys and surfing the waves with their Stand Up Paddleboards. The competitors Manuel Hoyuela and Duna Gordillo were the winners in the Elite category, while Augusto García and Alexia Soto achieved the same results in the SUB 18 category under the enjoyment of the entire local public, and with a great improvement in the weather, wishing that the long distance could be played the next day.

In the women’s Elite category, the favourites for this race started very strong during the course made in the bay of Melilla. As soon as they went out to sea and very close to the unchecking buoy in the Galapagos beach, Duna Gordillo opened up the distance over her opponents, further raising her race pace and with no chance of being able to catch up with her; she finally achieving the first position and obtaining the title of Champion of Spain SUP Race Long Distance. The riders Esperanza Barreras and Alba Frey performed a magnificent race, Espe obtained the second position ahead of Alba.

Continuing with the girls and young promises, it is worth highlighting Alexia Soto’s first place in the SUB 18 category, ahead of Ainhoa Rivas and Elene Etxeberría; confirming once again the great growth of this sport among women.

On the men’s Elite category, and after an exciting start crossing the waves of the Hípica beach, we enjoyed an extremely solid group paddling inside the bay, with exchanges of positions in the buoy, turns and some falls. The meters before the buoy in front of the Aguadú cliffs and its corresponding turn, made the competitors obtain more distances between themselves, with a race led by Aaron Sánchez and Antonio Morillo. The mallorcan used his experience in this kind of condition, managing to bring a few more meters away from the Los Caños rider, and moving completely away from him until he crossed the finish line and obtained the title of Champion of Spain. Antonio won a great second position ahead of his friend from Cádiz Fernando Pérez finishing in third place.

The younger boys also showed a great level of competition in Melilla, with an intractable Joan García Valero taking first place in the SUB 18 category ahead of Lluis Perotti and Augusto García.

We highlight the great results by Daniel Parres, Marc Foraster and Josu Allica in the Kahuna category. The Catalan Miquel Roigé and Gadea Ibarloza jump to the top of the podium in the Master category. As well as Miguel García Pérez and Inés Blin achieving the first places in SUB 16... and the rest of the young promises of this sport who gave us a great day of competition, action and emotion. Without a doubt, they are the heart of the national SUP Race!

The competition day ended with a cool journey for the children from Melilla, who were accompanied by Guillermo Carracedo, current SUP Surf European Champion. And after the awards ceremony of the different competitions held over the weekend, with the presence of local entities, the second edition of the Triple Ese Festival came to an end.

During the next few days, the city of Melilla continued to enjoy the presence of some of these athletes summoned for the first annual concentration of the National SUP Race Team with the support of the Spanish Surf Federation and A Mar Surf Club.

Total thanks to Melilla Sports Capital, Tourist Board, Autonomous City of Melilla, Transmediterránea, Fesurfing, Surfing.es, Real Club Marítimo de Melilla, Starboard, A Mar Surf Club and other collaborators who have made this project possible big event.

3D Keeler was born from the idea of creating the most revolutionary fin on the market. We decided to work on a new concept and studied all the fluid theorems to be able to achieve a stable keel that would also give us natural speed.

Used Technology

3D Keeler is a technological revolution within3D printing, it is a set of technologies that allows you to create objects without the need for molds, based on digital files. The 3D printers used are the most modern of the market, they are intelligent machines because they are capable of printing prototypes quickly and accurately.

Dise O Nico

The design, engineering development and manufacturing process make the 3D Keeler the fastest fin in the world. It offers a versatile and balanced fin in terms of sensations, maneuverability and stability.

Their versatile movements in the water are superior to any fin on the market, since they provide a plus of speed and unprecedented control.