BCN SUP World Fest 2025: SUNOVA stars locked in – Susak Molinero shares insider scoop

With less than a week remaining to register, the BCN SUP World Fest (Barcelona SUP World Fest), the EuroTour’s Grand Slam event held on 24-25 May,  promises a SUP star-studded event with €12,000 in prize money on offer.

Framed by the iconic Port Olímpic – home to the Club Patí Vela de Barcelona and a landmark of the 1992 Olympic Games – this year’s festival makes a vibrant return to its historic setting.

Among the locked in names are the Spanish / Italian SUP duo and SUNOVA stars Susak Molinero, ICF Technical Race Vice World Champion and Paolo Marconi, Founders and Coaches at SUP Salivoli.

Originally from Catalunya and now based in Italy, Susak is especially excited to be racing at home in Barcelona, one of her favourite events on the calendar.

But it seems they have recently had far more on their plate than just racing – Paolo recently released his new book, ‘Racing the Quit Monkey: An Ultra Endurance Journey’ – so we caught up with Susak to talk about competing at one of their favourite events and the exciting initiatives that are being launched at the festival.

Photo by Alex Macheras | Image source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

You’ve already had a strong start to the 2025 season—can you tell us about your key results so far and how you’re feeling heading into the 6-star event of the EuroTour?

We started the season with the EuroTour Sprint in Germany, and I was really happy with my 4th place finish, less than a second away from the final.

After returning from our winter training camp in Fuerteventura, we competed in the Spring Race, the first ICF World Cup event in Italy, where I achieved two top 5 in Sprint and Long Distance and a 6th place in the Technical. Then just a couple of weeks ago we were in Crete for the double ICF World Cup Event in Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. There I managed a 3rd, a 4th in the Technical Races, and a 2nd in the long distance.

Image source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

Now the focus is on the two weeks of racing in Spain. I’m super excited to compete at the Barcelona SUP World Fest, where the best of the best in our sport will be racing together. I’m feeling pumped and ready to give it my all!

The BCN SUP World Fest is back for its second edition —what makes this event special to you personally and as a competitor?

Racing at a world high level is always exciting and challenging, but doing it in the place where I was born is truly special. I can feel the energy, and it’s easier for my family and friends to come and cheer me on, which gives me an extra motivation!

I’m so happy because during the event, there will be a presentation of the Blue Soler project, promoting the inclusion of adapted sports and ocean-related activities, and a pioneering initiative that investigates how stand-up paddleboarding can improve the quality of life for people with musculoskeletal conditions.

Photo by Alex Macheras

You’re originally from Catalunya – what’s your relationship with Barcelona today, and how often do you get the chance to return to your roots?

Depending on the racing calendar for each season, I try to fit in trips to Barcelona whenever I can. I love to spend the Christmas Holidays at home, and of course, come back for some family time every time I can!

You’ll be giving a clinic the day before the race – can you give us a preview of what participants can expect to learn and who it’s designed for?

“Femsuprace” is a group dedicated to encouraging women’s training and participation in SUP racing in Catalonia. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of the women behind this initiative, and they’ve been inviting me to lead this clinic for some time. What a better opportunity than the Barcelona SUP World Fest!

Some of them have been racing for a while, while others have just started. Regardless, we’ve decided to open it up to anyone who wants to learn more about the world of SUP Racing.

Both you and Paolo are longtime SUNOVA athletes—what boards will you be riding in Barcelona and why are they suited to this race course?

Probably we will use the SUNOVA Allwater 14’x22″ in case of open water conditions. But if the conditions are flat or not too choppy we will have with us the flat water 14×20

As a native Catalan, what are your top recommendations for people coming to Barcelona and Catalunya for the first time—places to visit, eat, or paddle?

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, there are plenty of beautiful places to discover beyond the famous spots like La Rambla, Barceloneta, and Plaça Catalunya. Personally, I’m a fan of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc, and the breathtaking views of the city from the Bunkers or Tibidabo.

And of course if you love plant-based food like I do, you can find some great vegan food in Barcelona.
And if you have more days over there for paddling you have to go to discover the beautifully waters of Costa Brava.

You and Paolo are not only elite athletes but also young parents—how do you balance racing, training, parenting, and traveling together on the European circuit?

Since becoming parents, we’ve had to choose our races more carefully, depending on the type of event, whether we compete separately so we can be with Kilian, or if the races coincide, depending on the availability of our family members or friends who can take care of him. Logistics apart,  we are so grateful for balancing our parenting and family life and at the same time competing, teaching and sharing our passion for SUP.

Photo by Alex Macheras

Thank you Susak, we can’t wait to see you in Barcelona!

Find out more and register for the BCN SUP World Fest 2025 here

Follow Susak Molinero on Instagram and Facebook

Check out her SUP training and SUNOVA demo centre

To find out more about SUNOVA, visit sunovasurfboards.com

Follow SUNOVA on Instagram and Facebook  

*Images courtesy of Susak Molinero