2026 ICF SUP World Championships: Record interest builds for a defining moment the sport – Interview with Noemi Horvath

The 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy, are on track to become one of the biggest editions in the event’s history. The numbers are already making a statement: more than 400 athletes have registered, with three months still to go before the championships begin.

Taking place from 14-18 October and organised by the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation (FICK), the championships will bring together the world’s leading SUP athletes for five days of elite competition. Located in the Lazio region within the Circeo National Park, Sabaudia offers an exceptional venue for Stand Up Paddle racing, with the protected waters of Lago di Paola providing ideal conditions for both sprint and long-distance events.

As excitement builds for the return of the ICF SUP World Championships to Europe in Sabaudia in 2026, we’re catching up with Noemi Horvath, ICF Board Member, Chair of the global governing body’s Stand-Up Paddling Committee and Head of the Sports Department at the Hungarian Olympic Committee. Our conversation comes at a pivotal moment, following the International Canoe Federation’s relaunch as Paddle Worldwide – a new global identity designed to inspire a worldwide movement for paddlesport.

We discuss what the championships’ return to Europe means for the sport, junior development, the international calendar and the continued growth of SUP on the world stage. With record interest already building, Sabaudia 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for competitive SUP.

Hi Noemi, welcome to TotalSUP! The ICF SUP World Championships return to Europe this October, with Sabaudia hosting the event from 14 – 18 October 2026. What does it mean for the Championships to return to Europe?

Thank you! It is fantastic to see the ICF SUP World Championships returning to Europe. Europe has always been one of the strongest foundations of our sport, with a passionate SUP community, well-established clubs and National Federations, and a growing number of high-quality events.

Following the successful Championships in Poland in 2022, we are delighted to bring the event back to Europe once again. Italy is one of the world’s leading sporting nations and has a long tradition of organising major international events to an exceptionally high standard. This is equally true in SUP, where Italy has become one of the strongest and most active countries.

We are confident that Sabaudia will provide an outstanding experience for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.

The 2026 ICF SUP World Championships have already received a record number of entries. What do you think is driving this unprecedented level of interest and what does it say about the future of competitive SUP?

We are extremely pleased with the number of entries received so far, and I would also like to encourage everyone who is still considering participating – there is still time to register!

The strong interest clearly reflects the continued growth of SUP around the world. Europe has a particularly active racing community, and having the Championships here makes travel and logistics much easier for many athletes. We are also delighted to see increasing participation not only in the Open category but also among Junior and Masters competitors, demonstrating that the sport is developing across all age groups.

Italy is also a wonderful destination beyond the competition itself. We hope many participants will extend their stay to enjoy everything the region has to offer – not only the beautiful surroundings of Sabaudia but also Rome, which is just over an hour away by car. Combining world-class racing with an unforgettable travel experience makes this event especially attractive.

Connor Baxter has confirmed his return to championship racing, with the 2026 ICF World Championships set to mark his comeback

Why was Sabaudia the right choice to host the 2026 ICF SUP World Championships, and what can athletes and spectators expect from the venue?

Italy has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to host major international sporting events across many disciplines – most recently with the Winter Olympic Games. This experience gives us great confidence in the organisational quality of the Championships.

Sabaudia is an outstanding host venue thanks to its unique natural surroundings and world-class sporting infrastructure. Situated on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast, the town combines a stunning Mediterranean setting with the nearby lagoon, which has long been recognised as one of Italy’s premier training centres.

Over the years, numerous Olympic champions have prepared there, highlighting the exceptional quality of the facilities. Together, these elements provide an ideal environment for athletes, teams, officials, and spectators, while creating a memorable Championship experience for everyone involved.

Noemi at the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi

How would you describe the current state of international SUP racing? Where do you see the biggest areas of growth heading into the 2026 World Championships?

International SUP racing continues to develop at an impressive pace. Every year, more National Federations are investing in structured athlete development programmes and creating clearer pathways for young paddlers.

One of the most encouraging developments is the increasing focus on youth development. More and more countries have introduced dedicated programmes for junior athletes, recognising that investing in the next generation is essential for the long-term success of the sport. A great example is this year’s ICF International SUP Cup, which brought together more than 100 junior athletes from 15 countries. The level of competition and enthusiasm demonstrated there gives us great confidence in the future of SUP.

The continued growth of our sport depends on having a strong base of young athletes who train and compete at a high level, as they will become the champions of tomorrow. Supporting junior development is therefore one of our key priorities, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for young paddlers to learn, compete, and progress within the international SUP community.

Italy is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most mature SUP racing nations, with a strong development pathway from juniors to elite athletes. The country’s depth of talent was on full display recently, with the Italian junior team delivering an outstanding performance at the ICF SUP Junior International Cup in Romania, while Cecilia Pampinella further underlined Italy’s dominance by claiming three gold medals at the ICF SUP World Cup in Torquay, UK. What do you believe are the key ingredients in building a successful SUP racing nation, from grassroots participation through to elite competition?

Italy is an excellent example of what can be achieved through long-term commitment and a structured development system. Building a successful SUP nation starts with passionate and well-qualified coaches who can support athletes from their very first paddle strokes all the way to the World Championship podium.

Recognising the importance of coach education, the ICF launched the Level 1 SUP Coaching Course last year to increase the number of qualified SUP coaches worldwide. We have received very positive feedback, and we hope to introduce the Level 2 programme in the near future to further strengthen the coaching pathway.

At the same time, athletes need the right environment to develop. Families often make significant personal and financial commitments to support young paddlers, but National Federations also have a crucial role to play. By investing in athlete development, providing access to competitions, and supporting talented paddlers throughout their careers, federations can help athletes reach their full potential while ensuring the sustainable growth of the sport.

Triple gold medallist Cecilia Pampinella at the historic ICF SUP World Cup in Torquay, United Kingdom.

Junior participation is growing rapidly across Europe. How important is investment in youth racing to the long-term success of SUP as an international sport?

It is absolutely essential. Every successful sport is built on a strong youth programme, and SUP is no exception. Young athletes are the future of our discipline, so providing them with opportunities to train, compete, and develop in a safe and professional environment is one of our highest priorities.

For the ICF, investing in youth is an investment in the future of the sport. Our goal is to ensure that talented young paddlers receive the support, education, and competitive opportunities they need to become the next generation of international champions.

With Agios Nikolaos on SUP being the next stop on the World Cup tour, how important is a well-structured international calendar in raising the standard of racing and building momentum towards the World Championships?

A well-planned international calendar is fundamental to the continued development of our sport. For several years now, we have aimed to publish the following season’s competition calendar well in advance so that athletes, coaches, and National Federations can prepare accordingly.

Having a predictable schedule allows athletes to plan their training cycles effectively, organise travel and logistics, and manage their budgets throughout the season. This is particularly important for athletes who compete internationally and need to balance sporting commitments with work or education. Good planning creates better preparation, stronger performances, and ultimately a higher standard of racing. Without that predictability, long-term development becomes much more difficult.

What would success look like for the ICF when the 2026 World Championships conclude – not just in terms of participation, but in the continued growth of the sport?

Success goes far beyond participation numbers or medal tables. Of course, we hope to see exciting racing across all categories – Junior, Open, and Masters – with close competition and outstanding performances from athletes around the world.

Most importantly, we want every athlete, coach, official, and spectator to leave Sabaudia with unforgettable memories and an even greater passion for our sport. If people return home inspired, motivated, and already looking forward to next year’s World Championships, we will know we have achieved something special.

Our ultimate goal is to continue building a welcoming and inclusive international SUP community, where athletes of all ages and abilities feel encouraged to develop, compete, and enjoy the sport for many years to come.

Thank you for your time and insights Noemi – we can’t wait to see you in Italy

Find out more and REGISTER for the 2026 ICF Stand-Up Paddling World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy here 

Explore the official event bulletin here 

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*Images courtesy of Planet Worldwide