Compete for €9,000 prize money at the Agios Nikolaos ICF SUP World Cup 2024: Insights from Alba Frey and Andrey Kraytor!

The Agios Nikolaos on SUP race, set against the stunning backdrop of Mirabello Bay in Crete, is a premier gathering for SUP athletes from around the globe. As part of the ICF SUP World Cup circuit, it also serves as a critical qualifier and ranking event leading up to the ICF World Championships in Sarasota, USA. Join us for an exhilarating weekend of SUP racing, stunning scenery, and Greek hospitality during September 27-29. With a total prize pool of €9,000 (distributed evenly among the winners of the long-distance, sprint, and technical courses) and excellent conditions for racing, this is a must-attend event for all paddlers. Secure your spot now and benefit from early bird pricing till the end of the month!

Alba Frey and Andrey Kraytor shared their tips with our readers on how to prepare for the special conditions.

Alba Frey (31) is an emerging SUP star, particularly known for her recent achievements in the 2024 SUP race circuit. Hailing from the Canary Islands, Alba has made a name for herself through her impressive performances in various high-profile competitions. One of her most notable victories came at the 2024 Battle for Hercules in Benalmádena, Spain, where she claimed first place in the elite women’s category. Alba is part of the Starboard Dream Team.

Growing up in the Canary Islands, you’ve had a unique connection to the ocean from an early age. How has this environment influenced your approach to stand up paddleboarding, and in what ways do you think it gives you an advantage over your competitors?

The sea has been my life since I was born; I cannot imagine a life without the sea nearby. For me, stand up paddle is one of the best ways to connect with the ocean. Without a doubt, living in paradise (Fuerteventura, Pájara) is a great advantage—I can train all year round in all kinds of conditions. I’m very lucky.

You’ve quickly emerged as a dominant force in SUP racing, especially after your recent win at the Battle for Hercules. How do you stay focused during such intense races, and what personal rituals or routines do you rely on to maintain your competitive edge?

Racing is the last part of my training. For me, it’s the most fun part. I enjoy it and give 100% of what I have that day, focusing on doing my best. I don’t have many rituals; I just like to eat well and rest to have as much energy as possible for the race.

Agios is known for its picturesque but challenging conditions. As you prepare for this event, how do you tailor your training to adapt to the specific environmental factors like wind, waves, and currents? What aspects of your training are you emphasizing to ensure top performance?

I’m very excited to compete in Agios. In Fuerteventura, where I live, it’s very windy, especially in summer. So, I think my training will be perfect for the conditions in Agios since I train in strong winds every day.

Being part of the Starboard Dream Team places you among some of the most elite SUP athletes in the world. How has this experience shaped your development as an athlete, and what unique opportunities or insights have you gained from being surrounded by such top-tier talent?

Being part of the Starboard team is a dream. It’s an honor to be with the top brand and the best athletes. Thanks to Starboard, I’ve become more professional in this sport. It has helped me believe in myself and live fully as an athlete. I love training and competing, and being with Starboard keeps me motivated.

As a rising star in the SUP community, you’re becoming a role model for many young paddlers. What message do you hope to convey through your journey in SUP, and how do you plan to use your platform to inspire and support the next generation of athletes?

Like all water sports, stand up paddle has a special connection with the ocean. It’s easy for everyone, both kids and adults, and lets you exercise and connect with nature. If you compete, there’s a great community. I’ve made many friends that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I want to share what I feel with this sport: a healthy and active life. If I could make it in this sport, anyone can. With hard work and motivation, anything is possible.

Andrey Kraytor (32) is a versatile athlete known for his accomplishments in both sprint canoeing and SUP. Born in Ukraine, he began his athletic career in canoeing at a young age, guided by his father, who was also a prominent coach. In sprint canoeing, Andrey has an impressive track record, having won multiple medals at the European and World Championships. Notably, he secured gold medals in the C1 200m event at the 2013 and 2014 World Championships, along with several other medals in team events and at European Championships. He also competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing sixth in the C1 200m event.

Throughout your career, you’ve accumulated an impressive collection of medals in both canoe and SUP. Which one holds the most significance for you, and why?

The most significant races, I would say, actually involve two where I lost medals: the Olympics and the European Games. Losses are more memorable than wins. But if I had to choose a medal, it would be the 2012 World Cup. It was my first year after junior, and the selection for the Olympic Games in London 2012 was between me and another guy, both representing Azerbaijan at that time. I won. My father, mother, aunt, and a few more people from my home village were in the Grandstand. It was the most memorable for me because, after the race, I could celebrate the victory with my family, which didn’t happen often. And during that time, my father, who was my coach, said to me, “I never expected you could be so good at this level.” He was very proud of me.

Reflecting on your long and distinguished career as an elite athlete, how do you perceive your role and ambitions today as you continue to compete at the highest levels? As you look toward the future, what goals are you setting for yourself?

Reflecting on my experience at the recent European Championship in Szeged, an iconic venue for paddle sports, I felt a profound sense of rebirth. I approached the event with the same professionalism and dedication that defined my earlier career in canoeing, and everything fell into place perfectly. But in my path, I had to sacrifice important things in life. Winning gold with an exceptional time was a proud moment, but it also brought a realization—while I appreciate winning, I don’t need medals anymore. My focus has shifted now. As I look forward to the next chapter in my athletic journey, specifically my hopes to compete in the USA, if I get a visa, I see it as my “last dance.” This event will mark a pivotal moment for me, not just in sport but in life. My aim now is to be a champion in life, and I am committed to making the effort required to achieve that. If I make it to the USA, it will truly be my last dance.

These two disciplines demand some similar, but also some different skill sets. How do you mentally and physically prepare to switch between these sports, and what aspects of your training have been most critical in your recent successes on the SUP circuit?

I am a competitive person; I love to race. I switched to SUP when I first lost selection to the canoe sprint team, and here I found the opportunity not to miss the international stage and compete at the 2017 ISA World. How to make it was a process; I needed to be at any world championship. In the end, racing 200m in a straight line was quite okay, but the tech race and all the skills took years to develop. Mentally, I was enjoying my new sport life, and each event where I improved my results and won against some opponents was a great journey after canoeing. The aspects of training I can share during online coaching—it’s something I’ve gained through all my life experiences, so you’re welcome to join and train with me!

Agios is known for its challenging conditions, particularly in the open-water segments. How do you adapt your racing style to the unique environment of this race, and what do you believe will be the key factors to securing a victory?

Agios offers a mix of conditions, from flat water to challenging downwind segments, making it a race that truly tests all aspects of a paddler’s skillset. I’m not necessarily the best in every condition, which is why I love Agios—there’s something for everyone, and it allows each paddler to play to their strengths while still enjoying the diversity of the race. The key factors for success here are disciplined preparation, smart strategy, and of course, a little bit of luck.

SUP is gaining momentum worldwide, and you’ve been a strong advocate for its inclusion in the Olympics. How do you see the sport evolving over the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in its growth on the global stage?

My optimism for SUP’s future and its global development has faced challenges, but I still see potential in its growth. Currently, there are many independent units making significant efforts and investments in the industry. However, what we need is better communication and a strategic, cohesive plan for the sport’s evolution. I envision bringing together organizers of major competitions, leagues, and federation representatives to create a unified and logical competition map for the entire season. Forming a committee of athletes who can represent the community’s voice at these meetings is crucial. Their input will ensure that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the SUP community. We’ve been working hard to make the sport more accessible through equipment rental solutions, recognizing the logistical challenges athletes face. However, the current competition schedule, with events scattered across Europe within tight timelines, poses logistical hurdles that impact both athletes and organizers. This model needs reevaluation to ensure sustainability and growth. Despite these challenges, there are positive examples, like the organizers of Agios, who support logistical costs and contribute to the sport’s accessibility. I believe that with collaborative efforts, we can find common solutions and move forward together, fostering a more unified and successful future for SUP.

You’re not just an athlete but also an entrepreneur with the launch of Union Paddlers. What inspired the creation of this platform, and what are your long-term goals for Union Paddlers in terms of supporting the SUP community and growing the sport globally?

The creation of Union Paddlers was born out of the challenges I’ve faced as an athlete. I realized that there was a need for a platform that could bridge the gap in services and support within the SUP community. Our goal is to make the sport more accessible and connected globally, but it’s important to acknowledge that we can’t be everywhere at once. Often, we have top athletes spread across different parts of Europe, all competing on the same weekend, which makes it challenging to provide our services equally. That’s why we emphasize the need for a smart, coordinated calendar and a unified effort across the community. Together, we can truly grow SUP and make it great for everyone.

For more information:

TotalSUP event page

Event page

Facebook page

Alba Frey on instagram

Andrey Kraytor on instagram

Photos by the courtesy of: Agios Nikolaos on SUP, Andy Klotz, Alba Frey, Andrey Kraytor, JESÚS RENEDO