The grit factor: Infinity Speed Freak & 3x World Champ Csillag Kocsis on pressure, staying hungry & high-stakes racing

Photo by Andy Klotz

Csillag Kocsis’ (Triple World Champion, 1x ISA, 2x ICF, and 8x Hungarian SUP Titleholder) breakout victory at the ISA SUP World Championships didn’t just turn heads – it signalled a shift in women’s SUP racing. From that moment on, one thing has been certain: when Csillag lines up, she’s racing to empty the tank.

In her own words: “The margins are smaller now, so it’s not just about who’s the fittest—it’s about who races smartest, who can adapt, and who stays composed under pressure.” And Csillag delivers – every time. Laser-focused, hungry, and sharp.

Coming off a commanding performance at the Lake Rocks Festival – Gold in Sprints, Gold in Technical, and Silver in Long Distance – she’s now officially part of the Infinity SUP Speed Freak family. With fresh backing and fierce momentum, Csillag is charging toward more podiums, tougher showdowns, and (there’s no doubt about it!) her next defining chapter at the top of the sport.

Hi Csillag, welcome back to TotalSUP! You’ve had a meteoric rise in the SUP scene – what has this journey felt like from your perspective?

It’s been an incredible journey – kind of surreal, honestly. I started out just loving the sport and spending as much time on the water as I could. I never imagined things would move this fast. One moment I was training locally, racing nationally, and the next I was competing on a much bigger stage, going against the best athletes in the sport. It’s been a mix of hard work, support from some amazing people, and just staying focused, always having my goals in sight. I still feel like there is so much more in me, I’m learning and growing every day, but I’m really grateful for how far I’ve come already.

Csillag claiming the 2024 ISA Junior Technical Race World Championship title in Copenhagen, Denmark

You’re known for being both hungry and laser-focused – how do you manage the pressure you put on yourself?

Yeah, I’m definitely hard on myself, but I think that’s part of what drives me. I’ve always had big goals, and I know they don’t come without discipline and sacrifice. At the same time, I’ve learned that pressure can pile up if you don’t handle it the right way. For me, I manage it by staying locked in on my routines – early mornings, structured training blocks, and a strong recovery game. That consistency helps keep my mind steady when things get intense. And when it gets tough, I try to focus on what I can control – my effort, my mindset, and my preparation.

I also remind myself that pressure is a privilege. It means I’m in a position to do something that not everyone gets to do. I’ve been working more on the mental side too – visualization, breathing work, and just learning how to switch off when I need to.

The pressure I put on myself isn’t easy to handle, you can’t just shut off that inner voice. It’s always there, pushing, questioning, demanding more. So instead of trying to ignore it, I’m learning to live with it and control it. I try to use it as fuel, not something that burns me out.

And I’ve got a great support system – my coach, my family, and some mentors who’ve helped me learn that it’s okay to demand a lot from yourself, as long as you also give yourself space to grow.

Photo by Andy Klotz

As you transition from the junior division to the open women’s category, how do you feel about this switch? Do you plan to change anything in your training or race strategy moving forward?

I’m actually really excited about the transition. Moving from juniors to the open women’s category definitely raises the level – more experienced athletes, faster pace, and more tactical racing. But I see it as the next step in my progression. I’ve been preparing for this for a while, mentally and physically, and I’m ready to test myself at a higher level.

My training is already at the elite level but with that said, I know it’s going to require some changes. More race-specific sessions, more focus on speed and power but still maintaining my endurance which is my strongest side. Also dialing in my recovery so I can train consistently at a high level. I am starting to realise how important recovery actually is, wow, I am starting to grow up.

The margins are smaller now, so it’s not just about who’s the fittest – it’s about who races smartest, who can adapt, and who stays composed under pressure. Tactics will play a huge role so I’m also focusing more on analysing races, watching the top women compete, and learning how they position themselves, how they make decisions mid-race. I know I’ll be the underdog at first, but I’m hungry, and I want to earn my place among the best. This is the level I’ve been chasing, and now it’s time to rise to it.

Photo by Andy Klotz

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

Definitely, there are athletes who really push me, whether it’s on the start line or just knowing they’re out there training as hard as I am. Having rivals is a huge motivator for me. It brings out another gear when you’re racing someone you respect and want to beat at the same time.

There’s a level of sharpness and intensity they bring that I want to match. Every time I line up next to someone I admire and who’s been at the top for a while, it’s a chance to learn, challenge myself, and see how far I’ve come. My biggest inspirations are Esperanza Barreras, Duna Gordillo, MarieCarmen Rivera and Alba Frey. At the moment they are at the top of the women field.

Photo by Andy Klotz

In your first TotalSUP interview, you mentioned the challenges around sponsorship in SUP. From your perspective, has anything changed since then – either for you personally or within the sport more broadly?

Yes, things have definitely changed since that first interview. I’ve now officially joined Infinity and Black Project, which is something I’m really proud of. Having their support means a lot to me—it’s not just about having great gear, but also being part of a team that shares the same ambitions as I do, motivates me even more.

I hope it’s also a sign of where the sport is headed—more support, more recognition, and more opportunities for athletes to turn their passion into a real career. The sport is growing, but it doesn’t yet have the same visibility or investment as more mainstream disciplines.

Athletes like myself – we love what we do, but the costs are high. Just like any other professional athlete, we need financial support to be able to train and perform at a very high level. Without sponsors, it becomes really difficult to keep pushing at the top of your game while balancing all the behind-the-scenes demands that come with this lifestyle.

And of course, there’s still the hope of the Olympics. If SUP were included in the Olympic program, it would make an immense difference. The top SUP paddlers train just as hard as Olympic athletes – we have the same level of commitment and drive – but we don’t yet have that five-ring recognition. If SUP became an Olympic sport, it would not only solve a lot of the financial difficulties athletes face, it would also take the sport to the next level. It would inspire a whole new generation to think bigger, to chase the dream of being an Olympic champion, and it would give the sport the exposure it truly deserves.

What do you think is still needed in the sport to better support young paddlers coming up? Has the landscape shifted at all, or is access to sponsorship and resources still one of the biggest hurdles?

Access to sponsorship and resources is definitely still one of the biggest hurdles for young paddlers. The passion and talent are there—we’re seeing more and more young athletes coming up with serious potential—but without the right support, it’s hard for them to stay in the sport long-term. Boards, paddles, travel, entry fees, coaching… it all adds up quickly, and most of us aren’t coming from big-budget sports systems.

What’s really needed is more structure and investment at the development level, that means more clubs and SUP schools. We also very in need of stronger national federations and governing bodies that treat SUP as a serious performance sport, not just a hobby or lifestyle activity.

That said, I’m really happy about what I’m seeing in Hungary when it comes to youth development. We have some great clubs that are doing amazing work to educate and support the next generation. A very close example is my own club—we’ve got some incredibly talented and hardworking kids coming up. Sometimes I get the chance to work with them, and honestly, it really recharges me. It reminds me why I started, how amazing our sport actually is and gives me feedback that it’s all worth it—not just the results, but being part of something bigger and helping to grow the sport from the inside out.

I do think the landscape is starting to shift. We’re seeing some brands take more interest in younger athletes and provide support earlier, and a few countries are starting to back their paddlers more seriously. But there’s still a long way to go.

You were just officially announced as an Infinity Team rider – what does this partnership mean to you?

Being officially announced as an Infinity Team rider a big step forward in my career. It’s not just a sponsorship – it feels like joining a family that truly lives and breathes the sport. Infinity is such a respected name in SUP, and I’ve always admired the way they support their athletes, push innovation, and stay so deeply connected to the culture of paddling.

I wanted to become a Speed Freak since I first started SUP. I remember seeing Candice Appleby surfing on her Blackfish board, and something about that image stuck with me. I knew this was going to be my goal—to one day ride for Infinity and be part of that legacy.

For me, it’s a partnership that goes beyond just using great equipment. It’s about aligning with a brand that shares the same mindset: hungry to improve, never satisfied, and always chasing the next level. I feel really proud to represent Infinity, and I’m motivated to deliver strong performances with their name on my board.

Photo by Andy Klotz

How do you see this new chapter with Infinity helping you elevate your performance even further?

Honestly, using Infinity boards has made the biggest difference in my performance. Dave Boehne is a master when it comes to shaping boards. Before I was struggling a lot with finding the right equipment, but the EverReady was a breakthrough moment, it’s when things really started to kick off. I’ve never felt more comfortable and stable on a board. It translates the power of your stroke so efficiently, and the versatility is just unbelievable. Whether it’s flatwater or bumps, it gives me confidence in every condition. I have won three junior world titles with it, and I can’t wait to add more.

I’ve also recently started training and racing with the Whiplash, and I have been loving it. It cuts through the water like a knife, and the glide is fantastic. Abu Dhabi will be a great place to compete with it again.

Knowing I have options that are not only high-performance, but also so dialled in for specific race conditions, allows me to only focus on my performance and leave out the stress and worries about equipment.

Photo by Andy Klotz

What would you tell young paddlers who look up to you and are chasing their own breakthrough?

First of all, I’d say thank you. It means a lot to know that there are young paddlers out there who look up to me. It always fills me with joy when someone comes up to have chat or take a picture.

What I’d tell them is: be patient, be consistent, and stay hungry. Progress doesn’t always show up right away, and there are going to be tough days, even doubts. But if you keep showing up—on the hard days, not just the good ones—you’ll move forward. Every stroke, every session, it all adds up.

Also, don’t be afraid to dream big. Set goals that scare you a little. At the same time, enjoy the process. It’s easy to focus only on results, but the love for the sport – that’s what keeps you going when things get hard. If you truly love it, that passion will carry you through the setbacks.

And finally, surround yourself with good people – coaches, team mates, friends – who believe in you and push you to be better. I’m lucky to have that, and it makes a huge difference. Your breakthrough will come. Just keep paddling forward.

What’s in the SUP pipeline this year?

One of the biggest events on my calendar is the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. That’s a major target for me this year, and my training is fully geared toward peaking at that event. We’ve structured the season around specific training phases, the goal is to hit that competition in the best form possible. For that reason I have some preparation races in the plan as well, to stay sharp and confident.

I also have training camps planned here and there to break the monotonicity and to gain some ocean knowledge.
I’m also spending time with the next generation, doing clinics and trainings . As I mentioned before, we have a great youth setup at my club, and I get to work with some of the younger paddlers. It’s super motivating and keeps me grounded.

Thank you so much Csillag for this in-depth chat!

Photo by Andy Klotz

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