2026 ESL #1 : World SUP Festival Costa Blanca

Since 2018, the World SUP Festival has evolved to become one of the leading Stand Up Paddle references in Europe.

Held in Santa Pola (Alicante province), opposite Tabarca Island, the event combines international competition, activities for the public, and environmental commitment in a unique Mediterranean setting. Over its five editions, it has strengthened its organisational structure, expanded disciplines, and boosted its international profile.

EVENT #1 OF THE 2026 EUROPEAN SUP LEAGUE (ESL)

The World SUP Festival is the inaugural and permanent venue of the European SUP League, the circuit driving the future of SUP in Europe.

After being part of the first edition of the European League, the championship is now established as the flagship event on the European calendar, marking the start of the season and positioning Santa Pola as a strategic hub for SUP in Europe.

The experience begins with the athletes travelling together to the island, followed by a spectacular start from Tabarca and a finish opposite Playa del Varadero, on a course that combines sporting challenge with the unique natural setting of Tabarca Island, Spain’s first Marine Reserve.

This is the Long Distance race day. There are 2 competitive distances from the island, 5.5 km and 13.5 km, and meanwhile on Santa Pola beach, the long-distance race will be held for the children’s categories.

OTHER EVENT DISCIPLINES
Over the 4 days of the event, competitions take place across several water sports disciplines:

SUP Sprint, SUP Technical, SUP Long Distance, SUP Downwind Foil, Paddleboard and Friendship Paddle

Schedule

THURSDAY

Sports Village
16:00 – 20:00 Official opening of the Sports Area
16:00 – 20:00 Competitor check-in
Leisure Village
16:00 – 18:00 Free beginner SUP classes

FRIDAY

Sports Village
08:00 – 09:00 SUP Sprint competitor check-in
09:00 – 09:30 SUP Sprint briefing
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM SUP Sprint Competition (all categories)
7:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Parade of Nations. SUP Sprint Awards Ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
10:00 AM – 8:45 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Introductory SUP Classes / Inclusive SUP
11:00 AM & 5:30 PM Children’s workshops
19:30 Concert

SATURDAY

Sports Village
07:30 – 08:30 Athletes boarding for Tabarca Island
10:30 AM 5.5 km SUP Long Distance Start
11:30 AM 13.5 km SUP Long Distance Start
10:30 AM Long Distance Paddleboard Competition
3:00 PM U8/U10/U12/U14/Inflatable/Popular Categories (Playa Varadero course)
18:30 Long Distance awards ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM & 5:00 PM Children’s workshops
4:00 PM SUP Talk
19:30 Concert

SUNDAY

Sports Village
08:30 – 09:00 SUP Technical briefing
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Friendship paddle
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Technical SUP Competition (all categories)
4:30 PM Team Relays
5:30 PM Final awards ceremony AND Official event closing
Leisure Village
10:00 – 19:00 Leisure & Expo Area
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM & 5:00 PM Children’s workshops

Prizes and Awards

The World SUP Festival reinforces its commitment to the professionalization of SUP through balanced financial prizes, ensuring equal remuneration between male and female categories.

SUP SPRINT €5,000
€2,500 men · €2,500 women
Prizes for the top 5 finishers.

SUP TECHNICAL €5,000
€2,500 men · €2,500 women
Prizes for the top 5 finishers.

SUP LONG DISTANCE €5,000
€2,500 men · €2,500 women
Prizes for the top 5 finishers.

SUP FOIL €2,000
Distribution according to the specific regulations of the modality.

REGISTRATION
Go to www.worldsupfestival.com