Starboard Sensation: Alba Frey’s Lightning-Fast Ascent to Sprint World Title

In just two and a half years, Starboard SUP racer Alba Alonso Frey from Spain has made a meteoric rise in the world of SUP racing. Recently crowned the 2024 ISA Sprint World Champion, Alba also helped Team Spain claim the Nations World Champion title at the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen. In a thrilling final, she secured the top spot, with fellow Starboard teammate (and Junior still), Italy’s Cecilia Pampinella, finishing 2nd, making it a Starboard double on the podium. With the 2024 ICF SUP World Championship in Sarasota, Florida as her next major goal, Alba is training harder than ever to solidify her place among the sport’s elite. She shares with TotalSUP insights into her rapid progression, her life in Fuerteventura, and her passion for all things SUP!

Hola Alba Can you tell us about your sports background and personal history? How did you first get introduced to SUP, and what made you fall in love with the sport?

Hola Mathieu! I’ve always been into sports. I started sailing and windsurfing when I was six, then went through a football phase. After finishing university and returning home, I got back into wave windsurfing and became really passionate about it. During the seasons with less wind, I started trying out SUP surfing. Later on, I tried racing to support a local event, and that’s when I fell in love with the sport and with competing.

Things have moved quickly since you started competing internationally just 2 1/2 years ago. How do you explain your rapid rise in the SUP racing world? What were some key factors in your progression?

I think the turning point for me was when I reached a crossroads in my life. I had quit my job to become a firefighter, but I didn’t pass the exam. With the support of my coach, Samu, and Iballa Ruano, they encouraged me to give racing a shot. Since I’m someone who gives 100% in everything I do, I put all my energy and savings into becoming an athlete. I guess that was the key—discipline, dedication, and a lot of motivation, plus having a team that supports me all the way.

Huge congratulations on becoming the 2024 Sprint World Champion and Nations World Champion! Could you walk us through your experience at the ISA World Championship in Copenhagen, both personally and in terms of the competition?

Thank you so much! It’s been an incredible experience, and I still can’t quite believe it. Just being able to go to the World Championship with Spain was already an achievement, especially considering I had Duna and Espe as teammates. From the moment I knew I’d be doing the sprints, I trained really hard and visualized the competition in every practice.

During the championship, since the sprints were the last event, it added more pressure, especially seeing how well my teammates performed in their races. I wanted to do well for the team and for all the people who support me. During the competition, I felt really confident and kept advancing through the heats until I made it to the final. Being there with my Starboard teammate Cecilia was a beautiful moment.

What does life look like for you at home in terms of balancing work, training, and downtime? What are your favorite training spots, who are your training partners, and how do they shape your preparation?

Life at home is amazing. Living in Fuerteventura gives me the chance to train in all kinds of conditions and try out different sports all year round without ever getting cold, haha.

I’m pretty disciplined; the first thing I do is get my training done so I can have free time to enjoy other water sports with friends (windsurfing, wingfoiling, SUP surfing, foiling). My favorite training spots are in the south of the island, in Pájara — it’s a magical coastline.

I usually train with Claudia Luchetta, Erica Revil, Jaran, Iballa, and last winter with Susak, Boris, Amandine, Fer, Duna, and Aaron. I often have to train alone, so when I get to join them, it’s the best. Training with others gives me extra motivation.

You’re part of the Starboard Dream Team – what’s your personal journey with the brand? How did the partnership come about, and what does it mean for your development as a rider?

I’m really happy with Starboard; I feel so lucky to be part of the best SUP brand. I started paddling with a Starboard board that Iballa lent me, and after my first results, Iballa reached out to Starboard. They gave me a chance, and here we are today. Being a Starboard rider is really important and fulfilling. Getting to witness the development and innovation in the sport firsthand is such a gift.

When it comes to gear, what are your go-to Starboard SUP race boards and paddles? Why do these stand out for you?

My favorite board is the Starboard All Star; it’s super versatile, fast, stable, and perfect for all kinds of conditions—it’s like a safety net. But when there are waves, I love using the Starboard Gen R.

As for paddles, I love the Starboard  Lima M, especially for explosive races—it gives me really powerful strokes. But now, with the new Starboard Velocity paddle, I’ll have to mix up my paddles because I love it for long distances.

In addition to SUP racing, you’re also passionate about SUP surfing. What’s your favorite surf gear, and how do you balance both disciplines in your training and competitions?

I love surfing, and I’ve got my Starboard Pro, which works great for me. I spend my free time in the water too, so as long as my body can handle it, I’m always out surfing. Lately, I’ve also become hooked on SUP foil downwinding—I can’t stop thinking about it! I recently got the new ACE Foil from Starboard, and it takes downwind foiling to another level. I think getting into foiling has helped with my preparation for sprints, so everything just complements each other. The important thing is to spend time in the water.

What are your goals for the rest of the year? Will we see you at the 2024 ICF SUP Worlds in Sarasota, Florida? And are you already looking ahead to 2025?

Right now, I’m training hard for the ICF in Sarasota, the last event of the season. The level is going to be incredible, and it’s going to be an amazing experience to be there.

I’m already thinking about 2025, but mostly about vacation. As soon as I finish in Sarasota, I plan to spend my days surfing, sailing, and foiling. Then, after recharging my batteries, it’ll be all about getting ready for 2025.

Follow Alba Frey on Instagram:
@albafrey

More information on Alba’s Starboard gear:
sup.star-board.com