Pablo Codesido, Iballa Ruano, Starboard, Rubén Salvador, Alas, Triki Navascués, Lander Ipenza, Ensis, Erlison Smith (USA SUP), Joan García, Sooruz,Nico Arnedo, Up Suping.
PHOTOS
Gewn Marche, MTH Sport, J.Renedo, Sean Evans, Ensis, @georgiasphoto,Mario Entero, Kurro Díaz, Yacht Club Saint Tropez, Black Project, Katniss Paris, SIC, A. Laborda, L.Olivier, Starboard, Rubén Salvador, Gino Bello, Jaime Creixems, Mannuelsson,@ aadma17, Marco Botina, Lander Ipenza, Lisa Bee, Jim Ferro, Sooruz , Nico Arnedo.
COVER|BACK COVER
J.Renedo
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#47
edito by Nico Arnedo | @nicodinovo_sup
The first issue of 2025 is here. I have to say, and with total sincerity, that despite the fact that every day it is more difficult to produce this type of magazine, whether digital or on paper, my illusion to make it and publish it is still intact. Obviously there are times when I doubt, and very much, for various reasons. Just look at how some media that produce this type of magazine are closing their doors. The economic factor, perhaps the main one. Also the time and energy involved in the production of this graphic art, which is becoming less and less valued and difficult to obtain. This is the reality, and what we must get used to.
However, the reading statistics of the different published issues of Up Suping continues to grow, and in both languages. There is a great job by all the contributors, and we are happy with every comment and feedback received to keep growing. There is no doubt that the growth of the Foil and its aspects, along with the improvement in terms of media quality of Stand Up Paddle are being very important to continue standing. We continue to work on humanizing with our interviews, spreading the events and maintaining our values. So, putting all these reasons together, what do you do?...Well, keep going forward!
Up#47, the first of this year’s 3 issues, is a magazine that flows. You will be surprised by the amount of material on Foil, very well chosen and also quite entertaining. It was time to teach all those people who can’t stop enjoying a glorious downwind, or just show them the evolution of the sport over the last few years. It is becoming an important complement for those who love SUP, it has a beastly power of adaptability. And of course, we can not stay behind, and obviously we accompany the brands in their growth with Foil.
While we enjoy during the next few weeks one of the best times of the year for the practice of our sport, hopefully Up#47 will become that escape route, that engine that encourages you in moments of doubts and uncertainties. We are very lucky to have fresh information about everything that happens in the world on the networks, and also with respect to SUP, in a matter of minutes, even seconds. That’s great! But let’s give it a chance to calm down, to that reading that is not in a hurry and is always there, waiting for you to pick it up later, when you decide. And if you allow me, and also my colleagues who make this media possible, may Up Suping continue to be the engine in my day to day life. I need it very much. Ladies and gentlemen... Welcome to Up#47!
S. Evans
KATNISS PARIS
Парижская
¨I really like the athlete lifestyle, and I feel better living that way¨
Project|Katniss Pariss
For us, you are the definition of a true athlete. How and when did your interest in bringing your skills as an athlete to Stand Up Paddle came about?
In late 2016 friend introduced me to the sport. I first tried a potato chip plastic board and did not like it. She convinced me to come back a while later and try a touring board which was much more enjoyable and a few weeks later I purchased a race board and entered and won my very first race. I never actually intended to race but the girl who sold me my SUP convinced me to try it. I did not think I would be good at the sport but found I really enjoyed it and was actually pretty good at it to my surprise.
Mario Entero|Black
Up Suping
How have the days and weeks been after winning that great gold medal in the ICF sprints? Managing feelings, moods, learning, etc....
Wonderful! It couldn’t have been a more perfect experience! I have remained on the high ever since haha! I continue my training and also am expanding my skillset to try my hand at SUP Surf and enter more technical ocean races as well.
You have the paddle factor in your veins! Your paddling technique with the rest of your body is really powerful. Tell us how you have been learning, perfecting and maintaining it.
I´ve always been suited to sprint, any sports that require explosive power. I learned much over time and in the last year began some professional coaching with Adam @optimal.paddle.sports and that has been very helpful since I require a different kind of customized plan than what I think most other paddlers probably use and find success with. My body responds to training differently than others so we work with it in the way that it likes to progress instead of just following the “norm”. I´ve been told by other coaches the things I felt worked for me were all wrong, and basically there was only one way to progress and if that way didn’t produce a good result for me then I just wasn’t cut out for the sport. Adam listened to my experiences with past training and made some radical adjustments and we have gotten some radical results! He has an eye for knowing what different athletes actually need to realize their potential instead of putting everyone on the same plan.
How have you experienced the different competitions in which you have participated last year in Europe? Do you feel big differences, both sporting and competitive, with respect to the events in the USA?
The USA currently has less active pro paddlers, there are much higher numbers in Europe so the competition is more challenging there, but it´s harder for us to get there because of the travel involved. The USA events are good too, but there are fewer and fewer as we have lost most of the competition from Europe that used to come over and our competitions have lost their prize purses that made it worth it for pro level paddlers to show up.
The USA does not support its athletes at all unlike many other countries, which makes it really unsustainable and difficult for people in the USA to develop and actually get to the start line of the bigest events to be seen. These are the biggest differences I’ve noticed.
We are not going to ask you how are your training routines to maintain a healthy body, because it can be something very extensive (laughs) But we do want to know at a psychological level how you maintain that commitment to take care of yourself and achieve the goals you set for yourself.
I really like the athlete lifestyle and I feel best living this way, I would not change it even if I did not compete in sport. I feel healthiest, happiest and my best when I train, eat well and live well. I also really enjoy meeting my personal goals so this keeps me motivated to continue along with already loving what I do.
How about the waves? Do you get motivated to ride waves both SUP Surf and Race boards?
I love both sup surf and race board in the surf! Surf racing is one of the most fun competitions to partake in. I have been doing a little more ocean training this year, which is something I enjoy.
Tell us which are your training spots in the water, and also where you usually go paddling to disconnect a little bit from everything. That is always necessary, isn’t it?
I head to any body of water. I really like ocean paddling but I also like flat water sprinting too. My most peacful places are surfing, and actually in a race, particularly a sprint or surf race, those are my zen spots.
Like many of us, sport is a great remedy to face hard moments in life. Has it ever happened to you? Has SUP been or is it a great ally in your life?
Yes, I experience this as well. But I stay away from distance paddling if I am having a hard time and opt for ocean stuff instead, or maybe a social paddle with friends. If I do distance training it is too boring and monotonous for me and my mind will start to wander, and if I am in a negative place it will go farther there and I will be in a worse mood by the end. If I pick the other things I will feel refreshed and motivated, ready to tackle my problems haha!
Tell us 3 necessary tips for women paddlers who want to make a technical and physical quality leap in Stand Up Paddle.
You need to eat a lot of protein and strength train. That is the best method for beginning women in the sport. If you already have good strength, then you are ahead of the game!
Thanks to…
My amazing coach Adam for all his help and eye for knowing what different athletes need to succeed in training and competition. And my amazing sponsors. Dave at Infinity is a seriously awesome and good dude, he and his company made things possible for me to reach this level and I am forever greatful for that and the help of everyone at Infinity. Chris at Black Project paddles for providing me the best paddle equipment to race with. Especially my sprintX paddles, they are my all time favorite design. The ISSN and Dr. Jose Antonio for my sports nutrition thats 100% based in science so I can be sure I am following real guidelines and not pseudoscience or fads. Guardian Angel devices for keeping me safe during my night training sessions. And Boundary Waters in South Carrolina who helped me get back into paddling after a big break from mid 2019 to late 2022. And so many other people out there who there are too many to list.
M.Entero
4º CAMPUS SUP RACE
UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA
WONDERFUL 4TH EDITION, KICKING OFF THE ANDALUSIAN CIRCUIT COSTA DEL SUP 2025.
Once again this year, the Cubillas reservoir was once again a great setting for Stand Up Paddle. After the cancellation of the first event of the Costa del SUP circuit in Iznájar due to bad weather, the 4th edition of the Campus SUP Race of the University of Granada was shaping up to be the first competitive meeting for SUP enthusiasts in Andalusia.
And so it was, because almost a hundred athletes, coming from different areas of Andalusia, enjoyed a wonderful day in this place in the province of Granada, and all under a perfect organiza-tion of the UGR team, and an excellent spring weather that accompanied throughout the day in Cubillas.
There was a great desire for reunions, both in and out of the water, which gave life to this event from very early in the morning, in front of a majestic Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. The first to take to the water were the Elite, U18, U16 and Amateur categories, where they did practically the same courses as in previous editions, but this time, changing the direction of the course. Result: both the starts and the finishes were undoubtedly more exciting and attractive than in previous editions... and in all categories.
In the Elite category, Antonio Morillo from Cadiz was unrivalled and took first place, demonstrating why he has been considered for the Stand Up Paddle National Team for the last few years. Where there was a lot of action was in the group chasing the leader, where Jorge and José Miguel Valenzuela, along with Álvaro Blanco Valenzuela, paddled as a block during practically the entire competition. In the end, Jorge crossed the finish line in second place ahead of José Miguel and Álvaro respectively. As for the girls, Marina Navarro maintained a constant and clean pace from the first minute, thus achieving the first position ahead of the rider Victoria Sanchez and Isabel Valverde. Also noteworthy are the great performances of the rest of the competitors, who showed a high level in the waters of Cubillas, as well as the Master and Kahuna categories that give so much life to the Costa del SUP circuit.
Jorge Valenzuela also climbed the podium in the U18 category, achieving the first position ahead of Álvaro Coscollano, who did a great performance and just 2 minutes behind the fourth Elite. And much attention this season to the U16 category! These young promises have started, especially in the male category, with a lot of strength and dedication; demonstrating the high level they have. We are talking about Alfred Gregory Barbeito, Álvaro Del Pino and Borja Camacho Ortega, who offered us a super exciting finish line, and we are looking forward to seeing them rowing together again in the next competition. On the girls’ side, Laura Ailing from Malaga got the first position. A rider who also has a great future ahead of her
The rest of the Kids categories were also present in Cubillas! And as always, the Costa del SUP cir-cuit races pampering and encouraging the little ones, who fill us with joy every time they cross the finish line, with paddle in hand and a giant smile (one day we will talk in Up Suping about the management of emotions in these categories, it is very interesting when you see it live).
Of course, the Amateur category, which gives so much value to this circuit, had a great participation in Granada. Magdalena Muñoz, a local rider who is already demonstrating great skills in this type of competition, climbed to the top of the podium along with Juan de Dios Rodríguez. We can not forget the Amateur Inflatable and Popular categories, who also gave colour to the morning of competition in this edition of the Campus SUP Race. Without forgetting that this competition, organised by the University of Granada, also had its space for the University category, with several participants who paddled in this reservoir, sharing experiences with other riders.
It was a wonderful day, with almost a hundred athletes and their families enjoying the environment of this reservoir and the facilities of the UGR. By the way, the disposition of the team and volunteers of the University and the services offered to the ¨SUPer@s¨, show once again why they organise so many official sporting events with the professionalism that characterises them.
The Costa del SUP 2025 circuit has already started. This year will have competitions spread throughout each and every one of the provinces of Andalusia, and with fabulous surroundings...unique! This circuit is a perfect excuse not only to compete and give more growth to Stand Up Paddle, it is also the perfect getaway, a weekend with friends and family in the middle of nature. Hopefully this will be the case throughout the season, and we will see it very closely.
Acknowledgements: Albolote Town Hall, Coca-Cola and Power Ade (drinks supplies) Laser 4 (tro-phies), Up Suping, Duraero (SUP boards and accessories), Lecrin Valley products (fruit supplies), sports volunteers and Remama association (dragon boat).
ProSUP Race League and Federation League arrives
MTH|KDF Fotografía Up Suping
We have more information about this new model which, hopefully, is here to stay. It will be valid for both Long Distance and Technical disciplines, where the PROSUP League is based on a ranking model with criteria to be taken into account, and a Federation League open to different established categories that many of us already know.
You can clearly find the differences of both leagues. And we think that they have a common goal, which brings a lot of value to this new format: to encourage the motivation of athletes, whatever their level is. Of course, each one will have earned its space...which will also be difficult to maintain.
New developments always generate excitement, doubts and controversy. We will have to see how these leagues develop. And most importantly, how athletes and event organisers adapt in their first year of life. But it is true that it is something that has and must happen, so that Fesurfing has again a circuit, a reason for all athletes to feel motivated to train, compete and travel. And that not only the official Spanish championships are the top events for this federation. There has to be something more: an idea, a commitment... a work in itself. By and for all.
But 2025 will be the litmus test. At the end of the year we will evaluate if these leagues, which look very good, will be the ones that mark the future of Stand Up Paddle competitions for the federation. The ones that give way to new events to become a reality, organisers with more resources and athletes with greater recognition. We believe it is possible...so let’s get to it!
RST TEST
Hi, my name is Joan García and I’m a rider of the international team of SIC Maui. In this post, I come to explain you the feelings I have with the super rockets of SIC.
I will start talking about my favourite board, the new model we released a season ago, the famous SIC RST.
This board is an ‘All-Water’ board and it is one of the only boards I have paddled with during all my sport career, which I can say that it is perfectly adapted to all kind of conditions.
I’m currently using it in 14x21 with 260 L, the perfect size for my height and weight. If you like to be stable and carry a width of 21 but your weight is lower and you have to carry less than 260 L, you’re in luck! Because there is also the 14x21 with a reduced volume of 240 L.
The RST is a versatile board, fast and stable in all conditions.
Joan García
In downwind, it is a board that surfs very well, it links the waves very well and above all the edges help you a lot to turn to look for other waves in smaller downwind.
In flat, the board has a very good cruising speed and we have a great advantage that thanks to its excellent nose, we can paddle catching the drafting more easily.
In open water, it is the territory of this board. Thanks to the volume that we have in the nose and above all how well distributed it is on the board. Then we also have a narrow tail that will help us when turning around the buoy.
The find box, we have the option to move the keel and not leave it fixed.
Now we will deal with buoy turns. As we have already said, the SIC RST has a very narrow tail which is very favourable for buoy turns. This makes it a very fast board also in technical races, because in these races the points that win you a race are the buoy turns.
The board has a black grip colour at the end of the tail, but I for example don’t touch it, I just put my foot on the grip change from grey to black.
In short...my favourite board!
Downwind in Paradise
WIND, WAVES AND ADRENALINE IN FUERTEVENTURA
Iballa Ruano
Georgia Schofield
I t seems like only yesterday that we started exploring our first downwind foiling adventures. We started timidly, with small waves, short trips and the support of a zodiac. Then came the 5km runs, with all the logistics involved, and later the expected 25 or 30km group downwinds. It wasn’t an easy road, but it was precisely that challenge, the challenge of learning something new, that drove us. And what has happened to this sport in such a short time is simply crazy: the evolution of the equipment has made something that once seemed impossible, now almost accessible.
Every session is an adventure. We spend days checking the weather forecast, calculating routes, fine-tuning the plan the night before. And yes, we love crossing new sections off our list. This one, in particular, had been on our radar for some time.
We called our friend and photographer Jesús Renedo to join us with the wing foil. It was his first downwind and he was so excited that he confessed he hadn’t slept the night before. Graham, who has probably done the most SUP foil downwinds in Fuerteventura, also joined us. Always motivated, always willing. He loves to hang out with us: ‘Girl Power!’ he shouts as he watches us progress with a smile on his face.
T he chosen rou T e : 20 km from G ran T arajal T o m a T as B ay
A route with all that implies: wind changes, encounters with marine fauna (yes, even sharks), and the ever-present need to have a plan B. That’s why we carry waistcoats, mobile phones with waterproof cases, share our location in real time and count on friends like Víctor from Matas Bay, who can rescue us on his jet ski if something gets complicated. Because the south of the island, with its gusty onshore winds, can be as magical as it is dangerous.
That day, we were also lucky enough to meet Georgia Schofield, who gave us a spectacular photo report. Thank you, Georgia!
W e set off from Gran Tarajal, taking advantage of the easterly winds that pushed the waves (‘bumps’) in the same direction as the course. As always, we lined up, paddled out to the open sea and took a reference point on land to guide us. The advantage of the foil is that it allows you to correct the direction quite a bit once you are flying.
Alba describes downwind foiling as being in a video game, collecting coins as you fly over the sea. It’s no wonder she’s dreaming of the next wind report, although right now her schedule is full with the busy SUP Race season.
¨For me, downwind foiling is one of the sports that has hooked me the most. Being out in the open ocean, flying over the waves and harnessing their energy is an incredible feeling. It requires both physical strength and mental concentration. Reading the sea is, for me, like solving a sudoku: there are days when it is very difficult, others easier, but it never repeats itself. Every DW is different, and that is exactly what I am passionate about¨, Alba.
W hen we found the ideal spot to start, we started the clocks. Jesus, nervous and excited, flew off first, he didn’t even look back! Meanwhile, those of us in SUP foil were still paddling out. The challenge was set: to reach it!
e l r ecorrido
T he first 10 minutes are always the hardest: you fight against the sea, against your own body and against the frustration of not having flown yet. But as soon as the foil is lifted, everything changes. The dance with the ocean begins. You read the sea, you let yourself go, you regulate your breathing.
Of course, constantly lifting the foil is exhausting. It has nothing to do with a clean downwind where you fly the whole course. There are times when you love the foil... and times when you hate it. It all depends on the bumps, your fitness and the day you have.
T hat day, luckily, everything flowed. We were going at a good pace. Graham, Alba and I took turns in the game of chasing Jesus. He, with his zigzagging wing, was trying to keep the lead. Alba was still ‘collecting coins’, Graham was surfing the open sea with a smile, and I was just trying to keep my heart in my mouth. But we were in sync, in a straight line to the finish line.
There is no feeling like flying over the sea, reading the waves, feeling only the wind at your back and the silence of the water under the foil. After 45 minutes and 20 km, we arrived. And yes, when everything goes well, you always ask yourself: ‘Why didn’t we do 10 km more?
T here stood Jesus, with a huge smile on his face. From being nervous and serious at first, he now looked euphoric. He had made it, his first downwind wing foil in the open sea. An experience that, according to him, he will never forget:
¨To be able to accompany Iballa, Alba and Graham on a downwind is a great opportunity to spend a day in the ocean with the best, to get to know new spots in Fuerte and to enjoy wingfoiling in the open sea. Although the wave lines and speed are different, the feeling is incredible. Going from wave to wave trying to use the wing as little as possible is always a challenge that helps you to improve. I’m always up for it!
And so are we. Because every downwind is different. Each one has its magic, its challenges, its learning. And, above all, that feeling of freedom that makes us dream about the next one even before we touch the sand at the end of the course.
ETHAN
My results have never been so good. have never been so good. The future will tell if I am at the beginning of my sporting career or at the end¨.
Hi Ethan! The hard winter in the north of France offering you fun sessions on the water?
Hello, it’s true that winter in Brittany is generally cold and windy. However, I am lucky enough to be able to practice many different sports that allow me to vary and adapt to the conditions (surfing, surf foil, wingfoil, SUP foil, cycling and Stand Up Paddle). Although the water is cold, the conditions can be really good in winter, but you have to be motivated. Stand Up Paddle, on the other hand, is more difficult to train in due to the wind, the low temperatures and the short days, which sometimes make it impossible to go out on the water after school class.
We want to know your beginnings in the world of SUP and foiling. How, when and where did it all start?
It all started with my family. I have always lived near the sea. I remember when we were kids we used to go to the beach a lot to swim or just have fun with friends. My father was and still is very active in water sports like surfing, windsurfing and SUP. He was the one who passed on the ¨surfing gene to me. I started surfing when I was 9 years old, when I was 11-12 I started windsurfing and SUP came later. From a very young age, I would go to watch my father at the finish line of the long distance SUP races, but it didn’t really appeal to me. Then I met Amaury Dormet at the youth competitions he organised regularly in the summer. Amaury, who was a friend of my father’s, soon became my coach and we met regularly at the club for joint sessions once or twice a week. As the years went by, the number of training sessions increased to the present day.
As for foiling, I started a bit on the side thanks to a shaper friend who lent me his foil surfboard (it was at the beginning of foiling). A few years later I wanted to try it with a paddle and a wing, and that’s how I got into Wingfoil and SUP foiling in Downwind.
Olivier
Back to the present, during the last year we think we have seen the best Ethan Bry so far, do you think the same? Do you think your performance and results have marked a before and after in your career?
Yes, it’s true that in recent years my results have been quite good. Two years ago I spent a whole year working for a competition, which meant I had no time to train. But thanks to my preparation before the competition and what I put in place afterwards with my coach, a few months later I was able to participate in the European Championships in good shape, which allowed me to get 2nd place in the long distance and relay events. At the moment, my results have never been so good. The future will tell whether I am at the beginning of my sporting career or at the end.
Your technique and endurance in long distance races undoubtedly make the difference. How has your evolution been in these aspects? Have you had to train and perfect these skills a lot, or is it something natural in you?
In terms of the different types of races, I’ve always been more attracted to long distances. I like to have time to get into the rhythm of the race and to settle into my effort. Also, if I make a mistake during the race, I have time to make up for it. Since I’ve been training Stand Up Paddle, I’ve always worked on endurance combined with good paddling technique. For me, it’s vital that your technique is as good as possible, because otherwise you will lose more energy and in the end you won’t be able to go fast enough. I try to work on this aspect as much as possible: I try to selfcorrect every time I paddling and I have regular technique sessions with my coach and sometimes with video commentary. Once a week, we paddling in a club and we can give each other advice on our rowing technique and what we can improve.
L. Olivier
M. Enrtero
We’ve always seen you fighting at the head of the race, in national and international events, paddling with the best. That must have given you a lot of experience, right?
Yes, I recently decided to take part in as many international competitions as possible, thanks in particular to the EuroTour circuit. Of course, all these encounters have given me a lot to learn and now allow me to have the necessary skills in the different stages of the tour. These international competitions have also allowed me to give 100%, which will have helped me to progress a little faster.
How is your performance with the SIC material in these years? We see you enjoy a lot with the race and foil boards!
The SIC team allows me to go out and get good results. Whether it’s foiling or racing, the really good thing about SIC is the versatility of the boards. I know I can paddle in all conditions and there won’t be any problems. On SUP, whether it’s flat or moving, I know I can have a great time. In foiling, whether it’s 15 knots or 35 knots, no waves or 1.50m waves, the equipment will allow me to go in all those conditions and stay in control and be able to do all the manoeuvres I want. SIC is based on fairly simple shapes, but this simplicity means that I get to know my boards very quickly. Also, the construction of the boards is very solid. I’ve never broken anything...although the landings are sometimes brutal on the foils!
Regarding foiling...What are your favorite modalities and what is it that hooks you to prac-tice them?
What I like most about foiling is the waves, especially in wingfoil. In these conditions, I can surf with the wing and on the way back I can jump on the waves coming from the front. Also, I think wingfoil is a sport that adapts very easily to the conditions and I can enjoy it no matter how strong the wind is or how big the waves are.
What are the things that have marked you the most in these years while paddling or foiling? Are there special moments to always remember them?
In the last few years I have been more into SUP than foiling. The highlight for me (although there have been many) was probably during the ISA World Championships last year in Denmark. During the long distance, the race was very hard but mostly very fast and I don’t think I made any mistakes. And at the end, when I saw that I had finished 4th...it was really a unique moment. If you add the French team who were there to congratulate me at the finish line, that was already the best
Undoubtedly the French National SUP team has a spectacular level, where it is always fighting for the main medals... And the future? Is there a level in the Juniors?
Yes, the level in France is high. However, not many of us have reached that level, and I think we lack some of the necessary structures to make the sport more accessible to everyone. In France, I see fewer and fewer young people. But in my club there are 2 or 3 juniors who train hard and who should give very good results in a few years’ time.
What are your plans for 2025?
For 2025, I would like to try to compete in international competitions at my best level. This year I have more time to train and, in terms of my mental workload, I can concentrate much more on Stand Up Paddle. During the first part of the season, I would like to participate in as many European competitions as possible (either in the EuroTour or elsewhere). And after that, I would like to try to participate in the ISA World Championships to try to get on the podium.
S. Evans
Thanks to...
Of course, I would like to thank SIC for all the support they have given me in terms of equipment: at home, SIC allows me to train with the same equipment as on race day and, of course, I would like to thank them for the support they have given me at the competitions, for having the right equipment at the race venue. I would also like to thank Blackfish for supporting me with the paddles and making sure I have the right equipment when I paddle.
And of course thanks to OceanPaddleCamp and Amaury Dormet for following me all these years. The structure of OceanPaddleCamp allows us, for example, to organise weekends where several racers of the same level meet and we can all paddle together and progress thanks to this short but intense format under the watchful eye of coach Amaury Dormet.
SIC
AN ACE IN FOILING DOWNWIND
The Ace Foil features the iconic pin-tail design for efficient takeoff and tracking downwind. The outline is designed to resemble nature’s most streamline possible shape, a teardrop; and the slightly recessed standing area gives the rider a flat, stable, and more connected feel over the foil.
A LEGACY, REBORN
The famous Ace model by Starboard was an industry-first design that reimagined the downwind raceboard design. First produced as a 12’6” SUP Race board and debuting at the Battle of the Paddle in 2009, the Ace was available in many iterations and sizes from 12’6” – 14’0” models between 2009 – 2021. Now, in the advent of downwind foiling it has been reborn as cutting edge new range for the latest downwind innovation; downwind SUP foiling.
A FANTASTIC CROSSOVER BOARD
In addition to being a phenominal SUP downwinding board, the Ace Foil is a fantastic crossover range excelling in light wind wingfoiling conditions, as well genertaing easy glibe to early lift SUP foil surfing mode. We conductued multiple multiple testing trips across Thailand, Australia, USA and Tenerife and optimised this model to use both with wing and paddle.
Hello again. Now that it is almost 10 years since the media appearance of SUP foil, 7 if we count in my case, I think it is interesting to see the evolution that the material has had from 2017 to 2025.
Upgrade Foil 2.0
Let’s start by saying that it all started because of Kai Lenny or Connor Baxter with their foil touring boards. I saw it and automatically knew I wanted to do it. Of course, I also modified a touring board in June 2017. And no, it didn’t work at all, especially not in Mallorca. Luckily I got my first foil board in July of that year.
It was an 8’2¨ x 32¨ wave paddle that came from the factory with a foil box. Now I would see it as an aberration, but at the time it was a blast, although my face didn’t express it as it should have (laughs).
Rubén Salvador
The tendency over the years was to get shorter and narrower, which thanks to the thinner sleeves made it easier to get the board off the ground. The first changes in my garage were 7’4¨x27’5¨ / 6’6¨x 30¨ / 6’0¨ x 28¨ / 6’4¨x 25¨ / 6’1¨x 25¨ / 5’5 x 26¨ / 5’10¨x 24¨. If you look at it, the line was leaning towards the wingfoil that appeared in Mallorca in 2019.
It could be said that the few brands that bet on the SUP foil leaned towards the wingfoil market that entered very strong leaving aside the minority of the SUP foil or Downwind foil. Luckily, the brand Sunova, brought by our friend Xavi Masde, was one of the few that kept betting strong and by 2023 they already had an incredible catalogue of sizes.
At that time we could already appreciate boards with more specific shapes, not so rectangular. Longer, narrower, super light and most importantly, the foil boxes were much more advanced.
The two pillars that we have noticed the most in evolution in the history of downwind, we could say that they are the stability and the hydrodynamics of the shape. We could say that a board with an 18¨ beam in 2025 is just as stable as a 23¨ board in 2020. It gives us the possibility to go on such narrow boards, being lake that I never thought this was possible. You can see that Starboard, thanks to its shape, has released a 15¨ and I never thought that I could go with something smaller than 18¨...but it is like that.
Understand that a narrower beam gives us more speed, which translates into less muscular effort in the start sprint. Being able to lift smaller foils or being able to do downwinds where we don’t have sea power to help us. Result...In short: more days on the water.
Another complication that downwind has and that we didn’t discover until we entered is the modality is the organisation of transfers and pick-ups by car... and here too we can tell you that there has been an evolution. I see three options: the first is the FoilDrive, the most comfortable. It’s like an efoil, but it’s just the motor that you attach to your foil, and the height of the foil so that it only helps you to take off. Once in the air, the pumping and sea reading is what you have to control just like with the oar.
The second option is to go up sailing in a wing, deflate it in the middle of the sea and paddle down. For this modality the brands have brought out accessories such as waistcoats to carry the wing comfortably on the back, anchors to carry the paddle on the sail, etc.
And the third, which is the most modern and which has just arrived in Mallorca this year, is the Parawing: a kite-shaped sail but with very short lines. It weighs about 500 grams, makes launching easier and is very comfortable once folded...it’s like not carrying anything in your hands.
We continue with the evolutions! Another part of foil SUP that has evolved slightly is the paddle. It doesn’t mean that the traditional drop-shaped paddle doesn’t work, on the contrary, everyone should use the paddle that gives them the most comfort and power. The objective we are looking for is to quickly achieve the minimum speed necessary for the foil to take off, if possible with very few paddles, as this is the most explosive part of this sport: the start sprint.
Until now I used the drop-shaped paddle, which I’m sure you all have, a very good shape for all kinds of disciplines: SUP wave, touring, river, race and even SUP foil. But the paddles, depending on the size, gave you more or less power. The more power, the less cadence, or the other way around. Think that in SUP foil we start from zero, we take off at about 10/12 km / h and flying speed depending on your swell of 20 km / h up. So we need a paddle that provides power and cadence at the same time. Well, this performance has been achieved by flattening the paddle, it is the same blade but wider and shorter. For those who don’t like to read, there is a short with a ¨big¨ grandfather who explains it.
One detail to bear in mind: breakage. You can’t imagine how many paddles you will break in your beginnings every time the paddle touches the foil while you are flying, the pressure of the water on the blade makes it fold with the wing. I’ve broken 17 in two years, and since November I’ve had the Starboard Blade foil, I haven’t broken it yet.
And finally, and most importantly, the evolution of the foils. They are more efficient, faster, more stable, more reactive and more supportive than the previous ones. In the past it was recommended to carry large foils for beginners or in light swell conditions without energy, and now with a 300/400 cm2 smaller wing you get the same efficiency but increasing speed and manoeuvrability by carrying something smaller under your feet.
One of the parameters that classify foils is the Aspect Ratio (AR): there is Low AR, Mid AR and High AR. In the past, a low was from 4 to 6 AR, the MA from 6 to 8 and everything above 8 was classified as High Aspect. Now, the HA should be 10 and above, even new 14/16 wings are coming on the market and they are being called ultra high aspect.
I recommend everything that is HA for any discipline where pumping is more important than the rest of the performance. For wingfoil, the best option will always be an MA unless you have a more specialised mode such as race or surf, then there are wings designed for that.
TAMIL MARTINO THE SUP SURFING HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
The first round of Men’s SUP Surfing featured three heats with clear supremacy by the locals. The first two competitors to advance to the semi-finals were Sebastian Gomez (Peru) and Gabriel Lautaro Salazar (Chile). In the second heat, Maximilian Torres (Puerto Rico) beat the local Gino Perez with a final score of 7.33 vs. 4.07, passing both to the next phase.
Tamil Martino got the two best waves of the opening day and the highest combination: 17.60 (9.43 + 8.17). The Pan American medallist made his way with total authority to the semi-final, and made it clear that he is one of the big favourites in the category. He was followed by his compatriots Walter Blas (7.20 points) and Itzel Delgado (5.26 points).
D AY1
SEBASTIÁN GÓMEZ, THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
Once again the highest combination was recorded in the Men’s SUP Surfing category. In the first of the semi-finals, Peru’s Sebastian Gomez scored a total of 18.65 points (9.65 + 9.00) after scoring the two highest waves of the event, ahead of compatriot Tamil Martino (11.25 points), who took second place. The 5.90 points of Gino Perez (Peru), were not enough to get into the final.
‘The truth is that I’m happy to have found two good waves, I was able to score 18.65 and the truth is that I will continue like this, choosing my waves well, so tomorrow I will go with everything for the final,’ said a serene Sebas Gomez after qualifying for the final.
In the last heat of the day, Puerto Rico’s Maximilian Torres scored 15.50 points to make his way to the final, behind him was Gabriel Lautaro Salazar (Chile) with 9.45 points, while third place went to Peru’s Walter Blas (3.50 points).
LUCÍA COSOLETO SUP SURF LADIES CHAMPION
Argentina’s Lucia Cosoleto (3 times World Champion and 2 times Pan American Champion), had no fissures in her performance and took the final with total authority after scoring 11.25 points (6.00 + 5.25).
I am very happy to have won this first SUP Surfing date in the 2025 circuit. The truth is that the championship was great, the waves were not the best, but as I said before, Punta Rocas is always good, it’s a machine that doesn’t stop, so I’m very happy. They are all surfing very well and now I have the longboard final too. I’m very happy to get into the rhythm of competition again and I’m looking forward to compete in 3 disciplines’, said the Argentinean after winning another victory in the ALAS Global Tour.
SEBASTIAN GOMEZ SUP SURF MEN CHAMPION
Peru’s Sebastian Gomez rounded off an excellent weekend by being crowned the winner in SUP Surfing. From his first performance he was one of the serious candidates for the title, and in the final against Gabriel Lautaro Salazar (Chile), Maximilian Torres (Puerto Rico) and Tamil Martino (Peru) he did nothing but confirm it.
From smallest to biggest he got into rhythm and in the last two waves he managed to snatch the first place from his compatriot. The final horn found the score with 12.65 points in his locker, while Martino’s score was 11.35 points (6.25 + 5.10). Torres and Salazar took third and fourth place respectively.
‘Happy to have won the SUP Surf category. Punta Rocas is one of my favourite beaches and the truth is that being here with my family, loved ones, friends and all the people of Punta Rocas supporting me feels great. I dedicate this title to my grandmother who is at home resting...This morning I went to visit her and I told her I wanted to win to dedicate the victory to her. This victory is for my grandmother Vilma,’ said the champion as he came out of the water.
1st Lucía Cosoleto (Argentina) 11.25 pts.
2nd Vania Torres (Peru) 4.70 pts.
3rd María Celeste Ruiz (Peru) 3.70 pts.
4th Denise Blondet (Peru) 2.85 pts.
1st Sebastian Gomez (Peru) 12.65 pts.
2nd Tamil Martino (Peru) 11.35 pts.
3rd Maximilian Torres (Puerto Rico) 9.95 pts.
4th Gabriel Lautaro Salazar (Chile) 5.80 pts.
THE DOCT SPOT R´S
ORGANISERS
I feel deeply fortunate. I can see the sea from my house. Today I have the afternoon off and I intend to go rowing. As I approach the window I can see the beautiful expanse of the A Coruña estuary. I am close to the millenary Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, where the inlet opens out into the ocean. I can see the small beach of San Amaro, very close to where a couple of centuries ago the English tried to land to take the peninsula by force, but where some people led by a woman called María Pita opposed such an offence. The English cemetery flanks the promenade that leads to the castle of San Antón. On the other side of the estuary I can see the lighthouse of Mera and the famous island of Marola, they say that ¨quen pasou a Marola pasou a Mar toda¨. When exceptionally the weather allows it, a group of SUPers friends go for a round trip challenging the waves and cliffs of the Galician waters.
Pablo Codesido Jaime Creixems|Gwen Marche|Up Suping
We always think of the opportunity to do a race that reaches the Marola, or crosses the Tower of Hercules towards Riazor beach. But if you don’t know La Coruña, I’ll tell you that the sea and the weather are in charge here. A crossroads of seas, part of the Gulf of Ártabro, here the sea is already a vast ocean. Today is one of those winter days where the strong south-westerly wind accompanies one of those so frequent squalls, which fortunately bring big waves, but where you have to look for the right orientation and shelter to be able to enjoy the sea without danger. Today is not the day for a longdistance race.
In this situation, I often wonder what would happen if that competition was scheduled for today. If I were the organiser of the event. After deciding on such an undertaking with all that it entails. First the sponsorship, the funding which is so scarce. Lots of permits and paperwork. Then the logistics and the auxiliary staff, and finally the most important thing, the security of the event. When you organise an event, you can do it for commercial reasons or simply for the satisfaction of contributing to the sport. Both reasons are perfectly legitimate and compatible, working in what fulfils you is a blessing. But this, in the case of sporting events that depend on the weather, is not at all easy. Hopefully there will come a time when we will be able to have ‘waiting time’, as in the great surfing events.
Jaime Creixems
With all this I would like to pay tribute to the event organisers. This year, given the calendar of competitions, we have more and more options to enjoy SUP in all its versions: waves, long distance, technical, beach race... but all of them with a hard organisational work behind them, so that we can all enjoy what we really like.
But be careful, as I always say in my professional life, if you try to do something, do it well. We don’t want opportunistic competitions, with the desire to make a huge profit at the expense of an event with no guarantees for its participants. As we have said many times before, the first thing is the safety of the participants and a minimum of competitive guarantees, rules. It is true that sometimes it can be disappointing to go to a wave event and not have them, or to set up an ocean route and have to go round a circuit, but time dictates, and the disappointment starts with the organiser himself, so in these cases goodwill dictates our understanding and support for new editions of that event to take place. Personally I have always recommended to the organisers to have a plan B. The weather forecast is difficult but the alternatives always depend on the organisation itself and the place where the event takes place.
G.Marche
From here I would also like to make a call for support from the different sports Federations to the organisers. In a world full of bureaucracy and obstacles, the Federations must be at the side of the organisers, often clubs, to facilitate their work and not be just another obstacle to overcome. The promotion and development of the sport is their main objective, and without event organisers things would be very complicated.
I do not want to forget the fundamental object of all this: the ¨SUPers¨. The person in love with a sport that combines nature and competition. We are passionate about events, where we meet, compete, enjoy together and talk about our passion. But sometimes it is not easy to attend. Given the calendar of events scattered all over the country, the average financial outlay of a supero is not enough to attend everything. Some registrations are really high, although we understand the organisation’s need for funding. Travel, accommodation, meals and the need to transport expensive and delicate sports equipment make things very complicated for the average user. Therefore, once again I trust in the good will of federations and institutions to promote this sport, making it as easy as possible for children and adults to enjoy SUP.
I encourage you to participate in events and competitions. Taking part does not only mean having great results on the ranking scale. You can compete with yourself or simply enjoy the courses and tests set. The challenge is up to you. And who knows, maybe one day you will come to a race here, where you cross A Marola and you will be able to say that you have passed the whole sea.
G.Marche
STARBOARD LONGBOARD BLUE CARBON
The new longboard is faster and more forgiving nose riding performance, due to the combination of rocker and bottom shape, makes transitions from nose to tail flow naturally. The rails are radically thinner, giving more bite, control and response to maneuver between bottom to top turns. The board just wants to go where you look, with less pressure at ease. The nose outline combined with thinner profile reduces the swing weight in the nose for faster rotations through turns.
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!
SIC 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
WINDPARADISE PROLIMIT EVO RACE
The Prolimit SUP boardbag evo race is the perfect travel companion for SUP Race boards, with 7mm foam padding for great protection and plenty of straps for ideal handling. Connects the paddle to the board with the paddle straps. High density 12mm side padding, plus tie-down straps. Shape follows our 5cm formula. Velcro fastening fin opening. Cool white bottom reduces overheating of the board. Top made of heavy duty 600D polyester. Adjustable shoulder strap. Durable, non-corrosive zips. NEW business card holder
Model V2
STARBOARD
ACE FOIL
The Ace Foil features the iconic pin-tail design for efficient takeoff and tracking downwind. The outline is designed to resemble nature’s most streamline possible shape, a teardrop; and the slightly recessed standing area gives the rider a flat, stable, and more connected feel over the foil. After multiple testing trips to Thailand, Australia, USA and Tenerife, we found the Ace Foil to be a fantastic crossover board for not only SUP downwinding, but light wind Wingfoiling as well as SUP surfing.
CODE FOILS
R SERIES FRONT WING
These wings are designed for the growing discipline of downwind SUP foiling. The 860R High Modulus and 770R High Modulus were both used by World Champion James Casey to win major races in Hawaii in 2023. The 860R High Modulus won the Molokai 2 Oahu Downwind World Championship. The 770R High Modulus won Paddle Imua, a shorter, sprint style race. The R series are offered in two larger sizes as well now, the 960R and the 1075R.
KA’A PRO
The KA’A Pro 50-70L boards are your all-in-one daily driver. These versatile mid-length boards are ideal for advanced riders SUP foiling, light-wind, downwind and surf wing, and prone surf foiling. Their longer, narrower shape provides less drag and better hull speed for early lift-off which is essential for performance and racing. The pulled-in tail outline enhances maneuverability and reduces touchdowns during sharp carving transitions. Model
SUNOVA
AVIATOR DW
This is the latest evolution of downwind boards and has been tried and tested all over the world, with countless prototypes. It’s designed for pure speed, but is surprisingly stable and comfortable for its width. With lower volumes than its predecessors, your center of gravity is closer to the waterline, aiding in stability. A revised bottom shape, with more efficient contours means you’ll be flying on foil earlier than ever before.
Available sizes from 6’4‘ to 9’0’.
Alba & Iballa
Of rough seas and squalls
adventures inthe time ofHerminia
While the storm Herminia lashes our coasts with waves of up to 10 metres and windsthat wouldblow even an anchor away, my colleagues are getting readyas if they were going to film the sequel to ¨Mad Max¨: jet skis ready, waistcoats that look like something out of an action movie, radios and all that paraphernalia that, although impressive, no longer appeals to me so much. I’ve never been known for being like Axi Muniain but I feel that I’ve made my first steps in big waves where I’ve had a lot of fun.
Now, I prefer my usual spot, ¨Bunkers¨, that special spot that I take care of like a treasure, aware that its magic is ephemeral. It’s a place for big wave days and very specific conditions, and I’ve come to know every grain of sand like the back of my hand.
If the wind is blowing, I don’t hesitate: I take the wing out and launch into that section where I know that, if I make a mistake or the wind decides to abandon me, the risk is minimal. I go in with speed, touch it as deep as I can and get out to catch the next one, even linking 2-3 waves in the same series...sharing it with my bathing partners.
If the waves are big but the wind is not blowing, I opt for the downwind board, looking for the wave before it forms, in the exact spot. It’s a joy to control the weights in a powerful take off with a huge board and a foil underneath that wants to spit you out like a wimp. This is one of the things that I love the most... having that feel where you have to perfectly control where to put and where to take the weight off. Once you’re down... if you’re going fast, it’s not easy to make turns, but I like it the most.
And so, while Herminia follows her course, I follow mine, enjoying the sea in my own way, adapting to whatever comes my way and always with a smile after every wave.
While some people were taming monsters at Belharra or Roca Puta, I was making a living at quieter spots. In Hendaye with my students, we’d catch clean, perfect waves, and I’d have a few laughs along the way.
When the sea got rough and the waves got bigger, I’d take out my downwind SUP and paddle, and I’d go out and catch waves until my body had had enough.
In the afternoons, when the wind picked up, it was time to take out the Wing foil, or as we say here, ¨the compress¨. The feeling of gliding with the wind is pure magic, and mixed with the waves, once again I could only look at the sky at the end of the wave and kiss my board.
I leave it to the bravest ones to face giant waves at spots like Belharra or Playa Gris. I prefer more relaxed sessions, where I don’t have to be with my heart in my mouth. Besides, I have a kid to take to his stuff, although he doesn’t care about me anymore, and my mobile phone is always smoking with surf school stuff.
Looking for alternatives, I went to the Urumea river, where I shared waves with 15 other crazy people, all screaming with joy on the same wave. I even dared to surf in a channel that enters Rentería, a place that smells like a rubbish bin, but I couldn’t resist. Of course, I went in with booties and tried not to fall in so as not to touch the water too much, just in case.
In short, the storm Herminia led me to explore new places and experiences in the world of hydrofoil, always looking for new places and new experiences. la diversión y evitando complicaciones innecesarias.
LAURA
PARICIO
M.Botina
2024 has been a ¨click¨ in you, for your results and fitness...are you ready for this new year
Totally! I feel that 2024 has been a key year in my evolution, both physically and mentally. I have worked hard to improve in all aspects, and although there is still a lot to do, I feel ready to face this new year with everything. I’m more motivated than ever and I’m eager to improve day by day. Besides, I feel that I am enjoying every moment of the sport and the sea. SUP has taught me to know the true meaning of effort and dedication. For this year I have big goals, both nationally and internationally, such as my first world championship in Abu Dhabi. It is clear to me that I have to make the most of my last year in U18, show my potential, train hard and keep learning.
You have been paddling for a few years now, getting great experience in different competitions. How would you describe your evolution until today and what moments have been important to keep growing as an athlete?
I have always been a very sporty and competitive person. I started paddling in 2021, just as a hobby, but it didn’t take me long to go to my first competition. At that moment I realised that despite the nerves of competing, this sport made me really happy and I wanted to keep competing and improving. Then, after several competitions, I decided to buy my own board to focus more. I feel that having your own equipment and getting used to it is essential to grow as an athlete.
An important moment was the Spanish Long Distance Championships in Melilla in 2024, where I got second place in my category. From then on, I have a clear idea of where I want to go. I think that to evolve as an athlete you have to be disciplined and never stop seeing sport as a constant learning process.
Marlon Botina|KDF Fotografía|Up Suping
Tell us about Santi, about SUP Republic and everything that all these years with this great team mean.
What can I say about Santi…he has been my coach for many years, he has always been there to support me and give me the best advice, to teach me to go beyond my limits and never give up. We have spent a lot together, unforgettable moments and he makes me improve as an athlete and as a person. Even if it is impossible to put up with his ‘back to calm’, he is always there to focus and motivate me on a daily basis.
República SUP has been with Club Náutico Alicante Costa Blanca for many years, which I consider my second home. More than a team it is a family, both those of us who have been paddling for several years, as well as the new promises. We all have in common our passion for SUP, this is what makes it so special. In the end, SUP is a very individual sport, but at the same time I consider it very important to train as a team, in my opinion, it produces great benefits in performance and mental level. I am very proud to belong to Republica and to be able to live experiences together with this great family.
M.Botina
KDF
KDF
Now you are going to be part of the SIC Maui team in Spain, are you nervous? What do you think these new boards will give you that will make a difference with respect to the material you have been using?
I’m very excited and grateful to be part of the SIC Maui team. Of course there is a bit of nerves, but more than anything it’s a feeling of motivation and a great desire to start training and competing with the best equipment. SIC Maui boards are known for their quality, innovation and performance, so I’m sure they will make a big difference in competitions. The stability, control and speed of these boards will allow me to improve my technique and adapt even more to the conditions of the sea, giving me the confidence to give my best in every race. I can’t wait to be able to use them to their full potential and take my level to the next step. Without a doubt, this change of equipment will allow me to make significant progress and continue my learning process.
You know the Mediterranean SUP Race Circuit like no one else. What has it given you over the years? What have been the moments you remember the most in the different events that you have been all along the Mediterranean coast?
The Mediterranean Circuit has seen me grow as an athlete throughout all these years and in different categories. I have had the opportunity to compete in different events on the Mediterranean coast, which has allowed me to know better every corner of this incredible circuit and, at the same time, has helped me to improve my technique and endurance. I want to highlight the incredible fellow sailors with whom I have had the pleasure of competing, thanks to them I have learned a lot.
The moments I remember most are my first competitions on the beach of San Juan, in Campello, in Cabo de Palos and in my club Nautico Alicante Costa Blanca. Above all, I remember all my falls: at the start, at the finish line, in the turns... moments that at first made me very angry, but nowadays, remembering them, they make me smile. All those experiences have left their mark on me. Each of those races has taught me something new, whether it’s about technique, strategy or the importance of staying calm under pressure.
What other sports or activities do you do? Are you a sea and mountain person?
Taking into account that I was a very active child who couldn’t sit still, my parents have instilled in me since I was a child the importance of sport. I have always done different activities such as paddle tennis, football, surfing... Honestly, I consider sport as an escape route that gives me happiness and peace of mind. Right now, I combine SUP with cardio exercises such as swimming, cycling and running, with the aim of gaining endurance and endurance in competitions.
In addition, the gym is also very important to gain strength and avoid possible injuries. On the other hand, I really enjoy calisthenics and all sports that have to do with the mountains, from trail running to via ferrata. SUP is my passion, but I also like to combine it with other activities that allow me to enjoy nature and continue training fully. So to answer the question, yes, I’m a sea and mountain person.
What are your favourite conditions in the Mediterranean Sea and why?
My favourite conditions are the upwind and downwind. The Mediterranean, although it doesn’t always have big waves like other places, has its magic when the wind lines up with the right conditions. The long waves and moderate wind allow me to enjoy the sea, as well as being an excellent opportunity to work on paddling technique, balance and how to manage energy to take advantage of every change of pace. They are my favourite conditions because they require a lot of concentration, and I enjoy them every time I paddle.
But it is true that I always do upwind and downwind first, I consider them as the uphill that requires a lot of effort and the downhill of enjoyment. All in all, I feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy all the conditions that the Mediterranean Sea offers me on a daily basis.
What do you think if we tell you that you have shared the race course with the best SUP racers in Spain and in different categories? What do you take away from these great experiences?
For me it is an honour to share the race course with the great Spanish racers and world champions. I believe that in Spain we have a great level in SUP racing and it is more than demonstrated, Spain is currently one of the main powers in this sport. Competing against them is a constant challenge, but also an immense source of inspiration. Every time I am in a race with them, I feel like I learn something new, whether it’s their experience, their mental approach or their ability to handle different sea conditions. From these great experiences I take away a huge motivation, along with a great desire to keep training so that I can keep up with these great athletes.
Thanks to…
I would like to thank Nico for this great opportunity for people to know a little bit more about me. Also to SIC Maui for supporting me and trusting me this season. Also, without the help of my family, my friends and my team this would not be possible. I will always be grateful to my coach, all my achievements are his too. Also to my family who are a fundamental pillar in this whole process, they are always there, even in the most difficult moments. They are my base and my strength.
LANDER IPENZA
From the secrets behind custom board design to the foray into the world of SUP racing, we spoke to the creator of Landboard about materials, technological evolution and the importance of understanding the rider to take performance to the next level.
Up Suping Lander Ipensza
MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BOARDS
Well, first of all I have to say that all the boards I manufacture are made of epoxy. The main material is EPS foam (expanded polystyrene) which is what gives shape to the board. I use different densities of the material depending on the type of board or customer specifications. On the other hand the fiberglass and / or carbon fiber that hardens with epoxy resin.
I am one of those who think that to make a good construction the materials have to be of good quality and in Landboard I give that guarantee.
Finally the different caps that are placed for the fins, leash, ventilation....
HOW TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN RIGIDITY AND FLEXIBILITY IN THE DESIGN
This depends a lot on the type of board it is. After defining well the level, measures of the rider, type of wave that is going to surf...The combination of the different layers of fiberglass fabric and / or carbon together with reinforcement bands we get the stiffness, flexibility and performance to the board that we want to give.
In this sense each manufacturer has its own methods or theories due to their experience although in many occasions they coincide in the manufacture.
The first thing to know is what kind of foil board to design, there are several modalities like wing, surf foil, downwing SUP foil, etc.
The level of the rider plays a very important role in this aspect, mainly looking for a board that is stable, that is comfortable on it, as aerodynamic as possible to facilitate the pumping and a quick start to start flying. The final weight of the board is also an important factor to take into account.
COMMON MISTAKES SURFERS MAKE WHEN CHOOSING A BOARD AND HOW TO AVOID THEM IN YOUR DESIGNS
Possibly the most common mistake is that many surfers do not carry the right board for their level or style of surfing, a large percentage I would say from what I see on the beaches. The objective is clear, to catch waves in an easy and comfortable way and enjoy the environment.
Before buying a board it would be a great help to try one with similar characteristics to what you are looking for and if you are a beginner in surfing for example a soft board will make your progression faster before moving on to a hard board.
As we manufacture 100% customised boards we adapt the designs and sizes to the needs of each surfer.
HOW LANDBOARD ADAPTS TO THE NEW TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF SUP AND FOILING
In terms of design and construction on these boards I am constantly developing. I have more classic designs in both modalities but also more avant-garde designs that many riders are using nowadays.
In the foil world for example, in a short space of time the design trend has evolved so much that almost what they are looking for is to go more to the limit, also including electrical equipment that are inserted into the board itself (designs that I also have).
IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DESIGNING A LONGSUP BOARD THAT COMBINES STABILITY, MANOEUVRABILITY AND PERFORMANCE.
One of the most important factors I take into account is the shape of the board. Depending on the style of the rider, one design suits him/her better than another and the level he/she has will determine more than the length, the width of the board so that it is stable and comfortable to carry.
To gain manoeuvrability I play with the bottom part and the edges of the board that together with the reduced weight that I manufacture these boards, without altering its resistance, it moves easily.
LANDBOARD MAKES ITS WAY TO SUP RACE BOARDS!
This is a project that I have been thinking about for a long time and I can’t stay with the desire to try to get into this world, I am aware that it will be very difficult but I want to show that in this country you can also make good race boards.
Last year I made the HAWK, my first 14’ carbon SUP race board, a challenge for me in which I was very happy with the result although certain parts of the board had to be improved to make it a more competitive board in the races. After a lot of effort in every way, I have set up a new workshop to be able to make these boards, with two new boards on which I have worked many hours to create a good and competitive design for today.
I can’t wait for you to try them out and draw your own conclusions.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RIDERS LOOKING TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE
ON SUP AND FOIL BOARDS
My recommendation would be that after reaching a certain level with the board they are using and they feel like they are stagnating is to take a leap further. The possibility of getting a custom board, made exclusively for them is very important when you want to progress in these modalities. Talking to the shaper face to face and understanding what your needs are and where you want to improve your performance is important when defining what your new board will be like. If possible a local shaper, he/she will thank you for it and you will both win.
TYPICAL MISTAKES IN THE SUP FOIL DOWNWIND INITIATION
Doing a SUP Foil downwind can be the best experience you can get out of all the water sports that exist today. It mixes sport, adventure, technique and surfing at the same time, but it can be complicated if we make some mistakes at the beginning of the practice. Here is a list of the typical mistakes that are usually made both in material and technique that can cause us to abandon this sport.
Les Ailes de Saint Tropez|Yacht Club Saint Tropez|Gerogia Schofield
Rubén Salvador
1. EQUIPMENT
Wanting to go on a board or foil that is too small is the first mistake we can make. Many people come from wingfoil and keep the same calculation of materials they use, both in volume and wing size. The first thing they have to accept is that they are doing a totally different sport with many similarities and no matter how much you buy the fastest foil or the most efficient board, if you can’t stay on your feet, they are useless.
The measurements of the first board should be between 7’8¨ to 8’0¨ feet long and one 20¨ to 23¨ inches wide, the volume I would opt for about 40 lt above your weight. Someone weighing 80kg would opt for a 120lt board, if you are around 90lt I would go up to 130/140, and if you are like me 70/75kg a 110/115lt board is very comfortable. These are not the final volumes, only the initial ones and if you have the option to test first before buying, never test them in flat water, it has nothing to do with a flat day or glassy waves with a downwind day.
In terms of foils, it’s easy: big, very big and with an Aspect Ratio of around 9/10. The idea is to make learning easier and to visualise a quick and less frustrating evolution. In the past, the specific ¨pumping foils¨ were used to get a quick gratification but then in the DW they didn’t turn well and you could feel a lot of drag that made it impossible to overtake waves. Now the market offers a wide range of specific wings for DW that a person of 80kg can start perfectly well with a 1400cm2. Mast 75 is the most used size internationally, both for beginners and forever, it is true that if you change it will be for another with more rigidity, not for another size. Depending on the conditions you can go up to 80 but not more.
2. USELESS ACCESSORIES
Basically we have to go to the water with our equipment and the vest lifejacket, inside the vest lifejacket a mobile phone, but in the beginning you don’t need anything else. Even in flat water without a BCD, something I shouldn’t say but it’s true that without a vest lifejacket you reduce weight and gain mobility. Anything that represents extra weight on your back like a camelback, backpack, etc. will only generate instability in your position.
3. ROUTE SELECTION
The first routes should be short, 3km is enough. Think that at the beginning we usually have about 10/15 attempts to start, if we use all of them at the beginning without success, then we have 1 or 2 hours of floating in the sea and that is the first reason for frustration in this sport, to finish the energy.
Here we usually do what we call an up & down, we usually paddle upwind for 300/500 metres and then we go down. We don’t start with the downwinds until we manage to fly down those 500mts without falling.
4. DESCARDING THE FLAT WATER
It is typical that the desire to do downwinds always choose days with wind, there are some steps in the paddling technique, position, rhythm, etc..that is important to know how to do before going in more choppy conditions. It doesn’t mean that until we get it up on flat water we can’t change the environment, this was wrong advice in the old days, just that until we control three basic steps that need to be learnt, we shouldn’t go out for a break.
5. GETTING DISCOURAGED
Getting discouraged after the first fight is another typical mistake. How many have started and on the second day have given up with the phrase ¨this is not for me¨ or ¨this is impossible¨. We have all gone through our struggles, we have screamed, we have cried, we have wanted to set the team on fire, but suddenly one day you see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is impossible for me to explain how great is the satisfaction you get in return. There is no other sport that gives you that feeling, after achieving it you won’t want to do anything else.
Get it out of your mind that you are incapable of doing it, every body has the capacity to adapt. You will gain little by little, stability, power, technique, etc. It may take you a month or a year, but in the end, everyone succeeds.
6. NOT WORRYING ABOUT SECURITY
It may seem the least important, but it is the most necessary. Equipment such as waistcoats, leashes and even helmets are accessories that I would recommend using from the start. Adventuring alone in this type of adventure is not a good idea, going with other companions or having someone watching over you on land are details that can get you out of trouble... I haven’t broken any paddles or anything out there in the middle of the immensity!
Another accessory that we do carry is a mobile phone with a real time tracking app, we use Adidas (formerly runtastic) which is free and has this service. And of course select routes according to your level.
7. PADDLING EVERYTHING
Trying to paddle every wave we see and not stopping because we think we’re going to get it up can only lead to us using up our energy quickly. Try to count to 10 paddles and if we have not succeeded, abort and rest to try another one later.
Don’t look back to see the wave coming, it’s not like on the beach where you see it and get ready. Here there are no waves, it’s swell or windswell, as soon as you see it it disappears. If you stand still for a while looking around you will suddenly see a perfect bump ahead, then there is another one to the left, then another one to the right, and so on and so on. So patience is crucial as at some point it will touch the bump where we are. Don’t chase after the ones you see.
8. LEGS APART
In our beginnings we usually go with our legs wide apart, this gives us more stability and control, but it is very inefficient at the time of paddling and more physical.
It is important to centre the weights so that they do not interact with the inclination of the board. If there is too much variation in the inclination of the board, we exert a lot of pressure on the water and it is difficult to gain speed.
On the physical side, when you carry them apart, the legs pump simultaneously. On the other hand, when the legs are together, they kick at the same time, which is less tiring and it is important to save energy.
9. PUMPING TOO MUCH
This still happens to me until I get my head on straight. The nerves of starting the DW and not knowing how it is going to be done makes us unconsciously pumpover all the time and that exhausts us very quickly. The best thing to do is to let yourself go for a moment and try to locate where the energy of the sea is.
Very often the energy we need is behind or to one side of us, something that I had a hard time getting out of my head. I only saw waves in front of me and I was obsessed with catching them, with the result that my lungs and my heart were lost along the way.
Think that in the beginnings, we took big foils, with little performance to be able to overtake waves, the style to follow is more surfing or carving.
10. FOIL SETTINGS
Let’s not get confused about the foil settings or what others are doing. While we are learning and until we do constant DW it is very difficult to know where the foil is placed on the board, if we need wedges for the stabiliser or the mast. A first trick that is also used in wingfoil is to be able to lift the board with one hand under the front wing, if the board lifts flat it means that the weights are balanced. This option is not definitive as there are parameters that do not coincide with everyone, there are wings with more lift than others, different rider weights, manoeuvrability, etc...so we will vary this position based on what we feel.
Lastly, and I don’t consider it a mistake, is to be in a hurry to learn. The evolution is slow but not impossible. I just recommend to be patient and keep practising.
See you in the water!
Why You Should Try Wingfoil with a Downwind Board
Downwind boards exploded onto the foiling scene recently, initially designed to make it easy for SUP foilers to get on the foil out in the middle of the ocean. Thanks to their long and narrow design, downwind boards build and maintain water surface speed much better than shorter and wider foilboards. It didn’t take long for foil addicts to realise that downwind boards also allow you to wingfoil in unimaginably light winds.
Not interested in freestyle? Does your home spot have more lightwind days, or do you just love chasing breezy and glassy conditions? We strongly recommend you try a downwind board—we’re confident it will blow your mind. We’re going to go over the ENSIS downwind board, the WALTZ, and explain why it works and why it is great for lightwind wingfoiling.
LONG AND NARROW
Longer boards are faster through the water (when not planing), but if you simply made a board longer, you would also increase the drag and the power needed to make that board go fast. This is balanced by trading off on the width and going narrower, thereby reducing the drag but also the stability. The dimensions of a downwind board need to be carefully balanced, but when done correctly the end result is a board that easily gains speed with minimal power.
THE RAILS
Part of the secret sauce in the WALTZ design is the square/sharp rails that run far forward on the board. It’s all about water flow. When a board moves forward, the displaced water flows around it. Water tends to flow up and hug rounded rails, sticking the board to the water surface and increasing drag. Square rails break the curve and give the flow of water a point to release from, rather than hold on. This means that the WALTZ accelerates quicker and releases from the water surface easier, which is perfect for foil takeoffs. The front rail section and nose are kept rounded, so when you touch down, it is smooth and natural.
THE TAIL
The WALTZ pin tail gives you more leverage when you’re pumping the board to generate speed, which also makes it easy to pitch the board up for foil takeoff from the water.
WHY WINGFOIL WITH THE WALTZ
In moderate and “normal” wind conditions, the qualities of the WALTZ make it incredibly easy to get on the foil. It allows you to use a smaller wing, a smaller foil, or a combination of both. In light wind, you can easily build speed with minimal pumping until foil takeoff, and when you fall in, you will have the confidence to get back on the foil. The WALTZ is so good in light wind that, with good technique and practice, you will start foiling in almost no wind.
TREASURE COAST PADDLE BATTLE
The spring race season got its start on March 15th and 16th in Fort Pierce, FL. Victoria Burgess of Tactical Athlete Nutrition + Performance directed the event held at Jaycee Park and is part of the Southeastern Regional Race Series. The aptly named Battle began with an ocean start amongst the breakers for the 10K.
Paddlers took a course out and then along the coastline, around Ft. Pierce Jetty and into the inlet to the Indian River Lagoon. 5K racers faced a challenge as well, with three laps in the lagoon, including several buoy turns as the wind speed increased. The fun continued on the second day with short but exciting sprints along the shore at the Park.
Jake Portwood edged out Campbell Carter in a photo finish and Stephanie Shideler took first in the 10K. Katniss Paris and Mason Kober were the 5K fastest finishers. Carter and Paris placed again in the sprints in lightning quick fashion. The race is also open to most other paddlecraft and is exciting for participants and spectators alike. Make a visit to the Sunshine state in this beautiful destination a part of your race calendar.
Ellison Smith - USA SUP Board Member Lisa Bee (FloridaGirl Lisa) & Jim Ferro
CATEGORÍAS:
ANFI DEL MAR, GRAN CANARIA
7-8 JUNIO 2025
SOÖRUZ ACCELERATES ITS RECYCLING PROGRAM, OFFERING A SUSTAINABLE END-OF-LIFE SOLUTION FOR ITS PRODUCTS AND THOSE OF OTHER BRANDS
SOÖRUZ, a pioneering brand in eco-friendly wetsuits, is ramping up its wetsuit recycling program to provide a concrete solution for the end-of-life of its products. This ambitious initiative aligns with a circular economy approach and sustainable innovation.
How does it work?
SOÖRUZ ACCELERATES ITS RECYCLING PROGRAM, OFFERING A SUSTAINABLE END-OF-LIFE SOLUTION FOR ITS PRODUCTS AND THOSE OF OTHER BRANDS
La Rochelle, 10/03/2025 –
SOÖRUZ, a pioneering brand in eco-friendly wetsuits, is ramping up its wetsuit recycling program to provide a concrete solution for the end-of-life of its products. This ambitious initiative aligns with a circular economy approach and sustainable innovation.
How does it work?
Soöruz has invested in a unique wetsuit recycling center in France, designed to process and repurpose all collected wetsuits from across France and Europe. The used wetsuits are gathered through one of 130 partner drop-off points. Once collected and sent to our workshop in La Rochelle, they are sorted and transformed into new raw materials or products. Some are upcycled into accessories (fanny packs, horse saddles, cushions, punching bags, and surf leashes), incorporated into cork-based decorative elements (bricks, stools, and coasters), and soon will be repurposed into CrossFit tiles and yoga mats.
An Award-Winning and Evolving Program
Soöruz has invested in a unique wetsuit recycling center in France, designed to process and repurpose all collected wetsuits from across France and Europe. The used wetsuits are gathered through one of 130 partner drop-off points. Once collected and sent to our workshop in La Rochelle, they are sorted and transformed into new raw materials or products. Some are upcycled into accessories (fanny packs, horse saddles, cushions, punching bags, and surf leashes), incorporated into cork-based decorative elements (bricks, stools, and coasters), and soon will be repurposed into CrossFit tiles and yoga mats.
An Award-Winning and Evolving Program
SOÖRUZ’s recycling program was honored with the 2024 Eurosima Innovation Award, recognizing its commitment to a more sustainable industry. This recognition has fueled the development of new recycled products and investment in advanced infrastructure. The brand is now taking a major step forward with the launch of a dedicated industrial workshop and the acquisition of a cutting-edge machine, designed to optimize the recycling process and scale up the program.
SOÖRUZ’s recycling program was honored with the 2024 Eurosima Innovation Award, recognizing its commitment to a more sustainable industry. This recognition has fueled the development of new recycled products and investment in advanced infrastructure. The brand is now taking a major step forward with the launch of a dedicated industrial workshop and the acquisition of a cutting-edge machine, designed to optimize the recycling process and scale up the program.
SOÖRUZ encourages all water sports enthusiasts to join the movement by dropping off their used wetsuits at partner collection points.
About SOÖRUZ
SOÖRUZ encourages all water sports enthusiasts to join the movement by dropping off their used wetsuits at partner collection points.
Founded in 1999, SOÖRUZ is a French brand specializing in high-performance & eco-friendly equipment for water sports. A pioneer in sustainable innovation, the company develops alternatives to conventional neoprene and actively works to reduce its environmental impact. Its ultimate goal is to recycle as many wetsuits as it puts on the market.
Presse contacts : Antoine FOULIOT - welcome@sooruz.com - 0661299211 https://surfwear.sooruz.com/recycler-combinaison-surf/
About SOÖRUZ
Founded in 1999, SOÖRUZ is a French brand specializing in high-performance & ecofriendly equipment for water sports. A pioneer in sustainable innovation, the company develops alternatives to conventional neoprene and actively works to reduce its environmental impact. Its ultimate goal is to recycle as many wetsuits as it puts on the market.
