Agios Nikolaos on SUP: 2026 Paddle Europe Stand Up Paddling Championships – ICF SUP World CUP

A double bill awaits at this year’s Agios Nikolaos On SUP, one of the most exciting SUP race events of 2026, featuring the ECA / Paddle Europe European SUP Championships (18-20 September) followed by the ICF World Cup (20-23 September). The two events will share the Long Distance race, with separate rankings for EU and Non-EU athletes. 

Organised by the Hellenic Canoe, Kayak, SUP & Surf Federation, in partnership with Paddle Europe, the International Canoe Federation, the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the Region of Crete, the event will once again bring together Europe’s leading SUP athletes while welcoming paddlers of all levels.

The championships will be held alongside the ICF SUP World Cup, creating one of the largest international Stand Up Paddling festivals of the season and offering athletes the opportunity to compete on both the European and world stage at the same venue.

The crystal-clear waters of Agios Nikolaos and the unique setting of Crete will once again provide the perfect backdrop for one of Europe’s premier Stand Up Paddling events.

The Official Bulletin is now available, providing essential information on the competition programme, venue, accommodation, entries and event services.

Registration is now open through Paddle Europe’s new Individual Entry System (IES).

The programme:

Agios Nikolaos On SUP 2026 Programme

16 September
• Accreditation opens

17 September
• Opening Ceremony
• Accreditation opens

18-19 September

• ECA / Paddle Europe SUP European Championships
• Sprint & Technical Race competition days

20 September

• ECA / Paddle Europe SUP European Championships + ICF World Cup
• Long Distance competition day
• ECA / Paddle Europe Closing Ceremony

21 September

• Rest day

22-23 September

• ICF World Cup competition days
• Sprint & Technical Race competition days

The prize money:

Race courses:

SPRINTS 100m (150m depending on weather conditions) – Check the Official Bulletin for all details 

 

Technical race – All categories: 1 lap – total distance 1000m – Check the Official Bulletin for all details 

Long Distance race – Long Distance 13.5km with North Wind – Check the Official Bulletin for all details 

Start: Plaka beach – Spinalonga
Finish: Lake Voulismeni

How to get there:

Heraklion Airport (HER) – N. Kazantzakis

Distance: 60 km | Approx. 50 minutes by car

• The most convenient options are taxi or rental car.
• Taxi: Available directly from the airport. Journey time is approximately 50–60 minutes, with costs around €80–100.
• Rental Car: Several rental companies operate from the airport. The drive takes around one hour and the route is well signposted.
• Public Transport: Buses run regularly to Agios Nikolaos. The journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and costs approximately €10–12 per person.

Chania International Airport (CHQ) – Ioannis Daskalogiannis

Distance: 206 km | Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes by car

• The recommended options are rental car or taxi.
• Rental Car: Available at the airport, with a well-signposted route to Agios Nikolaos. Journey time is around 2–3 hours.
• Taxi: Available from the airport. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around €150–180.
• Public Transport: The most affordable option, but requires a change in Heraklion. Total journey time is around 3–4 hours, costing approximately €20–25 per person.

Sitia Municipal Airport (JSH) – Vitsentzos Kornaros

Distance: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car

Sitia Airport offers connections from several European destinations, with local buses and car rental options available nearby.

To find out more about the event, visit agiosonsup.gr

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