From Dream to Reality: Cecilia Pampinella’s Journey to the Starboard Dream Team

After much anticipation, we finally catch up with Cecilia Pampinella, a towering figure in stand-up paddling at only 17 with an impressive tally of 5 Junior World Titles under the ICF and ISA federations, 6 European titles and countless national Italian titles. Recently, Cecilia realized her lifelong ambition of joining the prestigious Starboard Dream Team, marking a significant milestone in her SUP Race career. Hailing from Civitavecchia, Italy, Cecilia discusses her training regimen against the backdrop of Rome’s coastal waters and her love for her brand new trusty All-Star board. With aspirations to conquer more international races in 2024 in both the Junior and Open divisions, Cecilia’s story resonates as a testament to dedication and passion in the pursuit of excellence within the sport.

Hi Cecilia! Welcome to TotalSUP! How is the new year starting for you so far?

Hi! The new year is starting very well, with a lot of training and studying.

How did you get into stand-up paddling? And eventually SUP racing?

I started practicing Stand Up Paddle in 2018 with my brother Tommaso and from the moment I got on the board I never got off!

Where are you based in Italy? What is it like to paddle where you are?

I call Civitavecchia home, a seaside town near Rome, with the ocean right at our doorstep. Every day, you’ll find me training at the Lega Navale of Civitavecchia, soaking up the coastal vibes. While I love the sea’s calm, it’s a bummer that we don’t get waves every day.

How stoked are you to be joining the Starboard Dream Team? What is your go-to Starboard that you ride?

From the get-go, I’ve had this big dream: to be part of the Starboard Dream Team. I put in the work, never backing down from my goal, and that’s how I landed a spot on the team. As for my ride, the All Star is my top pick. It’s a beast in any conditions and it is very fast!

Your achievements in SUP Racing, especially clinching five World Junior Champion titles, have been truly remarkable these past two seasons! Congratulations! Can you share what these victories mean to you personally?

Becoming a world champion is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of success for a SUP athlete. For me, it brought immense satisfaction. Crossing that finish line and realizing that I was the strongest junior in the world was an indescribable feeling. It’s a moment that makes you reflect on all the sacrifices you made to reach that point, and it’s incredibly exhilarating.

What are your thoughts on the Italian SUP Racing scene?

Italy’s weather is ideal for training, which gives us a significant advantage compared to other countries. While there’s a decent number of people practicing SUP in Italy, I’d love to see that number grow even more. I’ve noticed that the level of athlete performance is on the rise compared to previous years, which is really encouraging.

We’d love to know – What does your training routine look like? Do you paddle with any groups at home?

Since I started this sport, I’ve always trained solo. It’s been tough because there’s no one else in my city practicing stand-up paddling. It gets lonely sometimes, and training alone can be challenging. To be honest, I’d really love to have another girl to train with!

As a young athlete in the sport, where do you see the development of SUP going? Do you think more young people are getting involved with the sport?

In contrast, in the wider world, numerous groups train together, which is a huge advantage. I understand that stand-up paddling is demanding and not for everyone due to the sacrifices it requires. However, it offers many positives, like the opportunity to travel and forge friendships with fellow athletes around the globe.

What are some of your goals for 2024? For racing, for yourself?

My top priority is to reclaim the title of world champion in the junior category, and I’m eager to see how things unfold in the senior category as well. Winning international races like the Eurotour and the European Championship is also high on my list, and I’m excited to make the most of the season ahead!

Thank you Cecilia for your answers! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope that your success continues to inspire others to chase their dreams.

To find out more about Starboard visit www.sup.star-board.com
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