Belgian SUP Tour 2025: Wim Luyckx steps into the racing spotlight

Photo by Andy Klotz

The Belgian SUP Tour is evolving fast, driven by a new wave of emerging talent – and SUP Club Kempen remains at the heart of it all. Both the club and the Belgian SUP Tour serve as a launchpad for elite paddlers – an undeniable talent factory whose influence extends far beyond national borders. Renowned for producing standout athletes like Loranne Vleminckx and Michel Keersmackers, the club is once again in the spotlight with its latest latest breakout: Wim Luyckx.

Wim,  a 39-year-old athlete from Dessel, Belgium, and a proud member of SUP Club Kempen, is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most promising talents on the Belgian SUP Tour. He’s making a serious mark with consistent podium finishes (placing 5th overall and 3rd in the Belgian Championship at the Paddle of the Kempen Open).

Wim’s confidence continues to grow as he competes strongly against top international rivals. At the Lake Rocks City Race, he made the finals and finished 7th. His competitive spirit was recently recognised at the Dutch National Championships, where he competed in all three disciplines. Despite a fall, he finished as the 3rd-best Belgian (11th overall) in the Technical Race and, most notably, secured 10th place in the Long Distance event – just ahead of his mentor, Michel Keersmaeker.

At TotalSUP, we dig spotlighting up-and-comers in the SUP world – especially those who are new to the competitive scene. Having only recently joined the SUP circuit, Wim has quickly caught our attention, so we sat down with him to dive deeper into his rapid ascent.

Photo by Andy Klotz

Hi Wim, welcome to TotalSUP! What first got you into SUP, and when did you realise you wanted to take it seriously as a sport?

I ran into Michel Keersmaekers at the gym and he invited me to go stand-up paddling with him. I gave it a try, and that’s how it all started. After just two weeks, I participated in a race and realised that I really enjoyed it and was actually quite good at it. That was the beginning of many more competitions and a lot of SUP fun.

We’re catching up ahead of the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) North Sea SUP Classic event. Are you planning to hit all stops of the tour?

I try to take part as much as I can, as long as it fits in with my work and family life.

What impact has the Belgian SUP Tour had on your growth as a racer, and has it shaped your development as a racer?

I see every race as an experience and an opportunity to grow, and I always try to keep enjoying it. It’s just great to be able to go to races as a club — we’re like one big family. There’s always competition, no matter which category you paddle in – all levels are represented. It really helps you grow, because you always try to stay ahead of the guy next to you.

Are there any key lessons or habits you’ve developed from racing on the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) that you carry into every competition?

Not pushing myself too hard in the first few kilometers and saving energy so I can fight for position along the way and give it everything I’ve got in the final stretch.

Are there specific competitors or rivalries that push you harder? Who do you most look forward to racing against?

Michel Keersmaekers is a role model for me – we work really well together. But he also makes me stronger, and that’s helped me grow a lot. He’s one of my biggest competitors, along with Reinder Ijmker and Richard Proost. I really try to stay ahead of them, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction. I also really look up to Donato Freens and Kjell De Bruyn – they’re my biggest inspirations, even though getting close to their level will be very difficult.

Looking at your own journey, what’s made the biggest difference in accelerating your progress as a competitive paddler?

The technical training sessions with Michel at SUP Club Kempen have really helped me improve. I kept training through the winter with Michel and Loranne, which made a big difference. The coaching from Kjell also gives that little extra push to get even more out of myself. Seeing my progress in the races and competing in events outside the BST has been really motivating. Also my sons really look up to me, and they’re definitely a big part of what drives me.

If you had to give just three words of advice to aspiring SUP racers, what would they be?

Discipline, passion and enjoyment.

Photo by: Patje Fotografie

Thank you for your time Wim and good luck with the rest of the season!

UPCOMING BELGIAN SUP TOUR (BST) EVENTS:

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

To find out more and register for the Belgian SUP Tour, visit belgiansuptour.be

Join the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) group on Facebook and follow BST on Instagram 

Follow Wim Luyckx on Instagram