Koh Chang International Ocean Race: The Emerald Challenge

Registrations now open!

Inaugural Koh Chang International Ocean Race: The Emerald Challenge – Experience the ultimate ocean paddling race in the crystal-clear emerald waters of Salak Phet Bay, Koh Chang. Featuring Surfski (25km), OC1 (25km), Kayak (15km), and SUP events (Long Distance 15km, Technical 1km, Sprints 200m), this two-day festival delivers world-class racing set against breathtaking scenery.

With a ฿1,000,000 THB prize pool (approx. $30,000 USD / €27,000 EUR), The Emerald Challenge 2026 brings elite competition to one of Asia’s most pristine destinations.

Recognized among the world’s “Top 100 Green Destinations,” Koh Chang offers competitors a race course that is not only spectacular, but also among the cleanest and most sustainable in the region.

About the race

The Koh Chang Ocean Race is an international ocean paddling competition set in the breathtaking waters of Salak Phet Bay – Koh Chang’s emerald gem.

Koh Chang (Elephant Island), Trat Province – Thailand’s second-largest island and the crown jewel of the Eastern Gulf – offers a blend of lush tropical rainforests and crystal-clear emerald waters, making it an ultimate paradise for ocean sports enthusiasts.

Eligibility

The race is open to:

• International Division: Open to all nationalities
• Thai Division: Thai citizens only (Thai national ID required)
• All participants must be 18 years or older by calendar year (2026 minus birth year). Under-18 athletes require written parental/guardian consent
• All participants must be able to swim at least 200 meters unaided
• Athletes must be in good physical condition and capable of self-rescue
• Valid personal accident/health insurance is strongly recommended

Entry Requirements & Fees

International Division: 

• Surfski (Long Distance): ฿3,200
• OC1 — Outrigger Canoe (Long Distance): ฿3,200
• Kayak (Long Distance): ฿3,200
• SUP Single Event : ฿3,200
• SUP Multi-Event (2–3 Races): ฿4,800

Thai Division:

• Surfski (Long Distance): ฿1,500
• OC1 — Outrigger Canoe (Long Distance): ฿1,500
• Kayak (Long Distance): ฿1,500
• SUP Single Event: ฿1,500
• SUP Multi-Event (2–3 Races): ฿2,000

What’s included:

• Official Race Shirt
• Official Goodie Bag
• After-Race Food & Beverages
• Medal & Race Photos
• Eligibility for ฿1,000,000 Prize Pool

Divisions and Race Courses

1.Surfski — Long Distance Race (25 KM) 
Route: Salakpetch Bridge → Ko Ngam → Koh Lao Ya Nai → Wai Chek Beach → Salakpetch Bridge

2.OC1 (Outrigger Canoe) — Long Distance Race (25 KM)
Route: Same as Surfski (25 KM course)

3.SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard):

• Long Distance (15 KM) / ทางไกล — Salakpetch Bridge → Koh Lao Ya Nai → Salakpetch Bridge
• Technical (1 KM) / เทคนิค — Salakpetch Bay (buoy turns & board control)
• Sprint (200 M) / สปรินท์ — Salakpetch Bay (head-to-head beach sprint)

4.Kayak — Long Distance Race (15 KM)
Route: Salakpetch Bridge → Koh Lao Ya Nai → Salakpetch Bridge

Prizes & Awards

Total Prize Pool: ฿1,000,000 THB – c.$31,000 USD

Prize Breakdown by Discipline:

• SUP (3 events): ฿348,000
• Surfski: ฿228,000
• OC1: ฿172,800
• Kayak: ฿172,800

Award Structure

• International Open — 1st through 5th
• Best Thai Open — bonus prizes
• Thai Age Groups (U18/45+/55+) — 1st–3rd

Entry Fees

International Division – Open to all nationalities (including Thai athletes who wish to compete internationally)

• Surfski (Long Distance) ฿3,200
• OC1 — Outrigger Canoe (Long Distance) ฿3,200
• Kayak (Long Distance) ฿3,200
• SUP — Single Event (LD / Technical / Sprint) ฿3,200
• SUP — Multi-Event (2–3 Races) ฿4,800

Thai Division – Thai nationals only (competing for Best Thai prize)

• Surfski (Long Distance) ฿1,500
• OC1 — Outrigger Canoe (Long Distance) ฿1,500
• Kayak (Long Distance) ฿1,500
• SUP — Single Event (LD / Technical / Sprint) ฿1,500
• SUP — Multi-Event (2–3 Races) ฿2,000

Race Schedule

06:30 – Registration
06:30 – Start of the 25 km race.
07:00 – Start of the 15 km race.
13:30 – Check-in for Technical 1 km race.
14:00 – Technical race
15:00 – Check-in for Sprint 200 m race
15:30 – Sprint race
17:00 – Award ceremony

Safety Regulations

All athletes must comply with the following safety requirements:

• PFD (Personal Flotation Device/Life jacket) — mandatory for all paddlers during racing
• Leash — must be worn at all times while on the water (board/craft leash)
• Adequate hydration — athletes should carry water for long distance events
• Whistle or sound signaling device attached to PFD
• Appropriate sun protection (hat, sunscreen, rash guard recommended)
• Craft must be in seaworthy condition and inspected before the race
• Athletes must attend the mandatory safety briefing before their first race

To find out more and register for the event, visit kohchangoceanrace.com

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