Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
The Belgian SUP Tour 2025 got off to a strong and dynamic start with the Paddle of the Kempen, an event that kicked off the new season in style. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its founder, Vincent Claeskens, the Tour continues to grow in strength and hype. In recent years, the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) has established itself as a key player on the European stand-up paddleboarding scene, offering a vibrant mix of events that welcome elite athletes, passionate amateurs, and young paddlers alike. For Claeskens, it’s a mission rooted in community, progression, and a deep love for the sport.
Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
Set in the picturesque waterways of the Kempen, the race offered perfect early-season conditions and drew an enthusiastic turnout of both competitive and recreational paddlers. While not part of the Belgian Championship, the race delivered top-tier performances and fierce competition.
In the men’s elite category, Kjell De Bruyn, Antwerp based 12-time Belgian National SUP Champion, Starboard Team Rider and Coach, delivered a commanding performance, establishing a clear lead early and extending it throughout the race to secure a well-deserved victory.
Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
Kjell De Bruyn said: “It has been great racing in the Kempen. Amazing to see some young guns attacking the pecking order. Big shout out to the organisation for bringing our Belgian paddling community together in such a great event. I’m really looking forward to do some technical racing at the next stop of the Belgian SUP Tour, the Northsea SUP Classic.”
Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
On the women’s side, Loranne Vleminckx , the 15-year-old rising star from Mol, Belgium, demonstrated similar dominance, paddling with precision and power to cross the line far ahead of her challengers.
Loranne Vleminckx said: “I really enjoyed the paddle in the Kempen. The weather was great, and the organization was excellent. The competition was also a lot of fun! The next races I’ll participate in are Rondje Haarlem and the NK SUPTOUR in the Netherlands. I’ll also be at The Lake Rocks Festival in Austria.”
Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
The event served as a vibrant season opener, reconnecting the SUP community after the off-season and setting an upbeat tone for the races to come. The supportive atmosphere, seamless organisation, and participation across age groups highlighted the inclusive spirit of the Belgian SUP Tour.
With the Kempen race in the books, all eyes now turn to Blankenberge, where anticipation is building for the next showdown. This coastal stop brings a unique twist: a Mass Start followed by a Pursuit Race — a true test of strategy, endurance, and head-to-head grit.
Photo by Patrick Turelinckx
Grand Masters M/F Podiums:
Men:
Women:
Grand Kahunas M/F Podiums:
Men:
Women:
NEW for 2025! 8 June – TR Beachclub Blankenberge – The BST team is shaking things up at the Technical Race in Blankenberge with a brand-new format: a mass start followed by a pursuit race. Expect action, strategy, and a whole lot of excitement on the water!
29 June – Belgian Championship Technical Race (Koksijde) – BST + BeNe SUP Cup
30 August – Belgian Championship Ultra Long Distance (Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure) – Belgian SUP Tour (BST) + Double 10 Challenge
6 September – Belgian Championship Sprint + TR Hazewinkel – BST
21 September – Long Distance Nieuwpoort – BST + BeNe SUP Cup
14 December – SUP4Life (Long Distance) – BST
21 Apr 2025
We’ve seen a surge of young SUP talent emerging from the Belgian SUP Tour (BST), which puts equal emphasis on all divisions — with a strong spotlight on Juniors and the Under 14 category. Now a key player in the European stand-up paddleboarding scene, the BST offers a dynamic mix of events that welcome elite […]
6 Apr 2025
The junior division is on the rise, gaining just as much spotlight as the open category, with young SUP athletes hitting the water at increasingly younger ages. What’s driving this shift? A powerful mix of experienced coaches, supportive clubs, and opportunities to travel and compete – often against the very athletes these juniors have grown […]
14 Jan 2025
In recent years, the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) has become a key player in the European stand-up paddleboarding scene, offering a dynamic mix of events that cater to elite athletes, amateurs, and young paddlers alike. For its founder, Vincent Claeskens, 2024 marked a year of transition and growth, with a streamlined calendar, expanded inclusivity, and […]
6 Nov 2024
When grassroots rider passion sparks a thriving SUP community, backed by watersport organisations with a shared vision for growth, good things can happen. As we approach the annual charity-driven, SUP4Life event (12km canal race) and the Belgian SUP racing season finale, held on 15 December in Ghent, TotalSUP sat down with Vincent Claeskens, Founder and […]
3 Nov 2024
À seulement 16 ans, Thomas Dusart fait déjà parler de lui dans le monde du SUP race. Avec une série de performances remarquables, de la Gla Gla Race au Fort Boyard Challenge, en passant par les derniers Championnats de France où il a fait forte impression, ce jeune rider plein d’ambitions enchaîne les courses et […]
28 Oct 2024
Dirk de Beuf‘s SUP comeback might be one of the most compelling stories of our sport, shining a spotlight on the unsung Champion. How can you do justice to the story of an athlete who endured a heart attack while competing in one of the most iconic SUP races on the planet, only to make […]
20 Oct 2024
The next-to-last race of the 2024 Belgian SUP Tour (BST) took place recently at the Brugges Classic in Bruges, hosting the Belgian Open Long Distance SUP Championships. Originally scheduled a month earlier, the event was postponed due to the presence of blue algae, but athletes arrived in peak form, four of them fresh from competing […]
23 Aug 2024
Loranne Vlemincx, a 14-year-old rising star from Mol, Belgium, is quickly becoming a name to watch on the international SUP scene. With a knack for long-distance racing she’s already proven her versatility bagging three gold medals (Tech, Sprint & LD) in the Open Class Junior Girls at the SUPNL’s NK SUP Tour 2024 in the […]
9 Aug 2024
The beach in Kołobrzeg transformed into one of the hottest SUP hubs of the season as it hosted the 7th edition of the Planet Baltic SUP Race, Poland’s longest-running ocean race. The event has firmly established itself as a key stop on the international SUP racing circuit, welcoming over 80 athletes from 11 countries this […]
