2025 Nanxun Ancient Town SUP Open uncovered: Daniel Hasulyo’s exclusive insider scoop

As we can’t be everywhere, especially in the world’s far-flung locations, we’re grateful for the stories shared by athletes on the front lines of SUP’s global growth.

Over 300 paddlers stood on the start line at the 8th Nanxun Ancient Town SUP Open, reflecting both the scale of the event and the rapid rise of stand up paddling in China.

World SUP Champion, SUNOVA Team Rider and Coach, Daniel Hasulyo took us inside this truly unique experience: his Summer Solstice Miracle and historic performance at one of Asia’s most vibrant SUP festivals held in a UNESCO-listed water town tied to the ancient Silk Road and Grand Canal.

This was more than just a race. It was a celebration of heritage, endurance, and the sport’s growing global heartbeat. This is Daniel story – in his own words:

Where it all unfolded

The 8th Edition of the Nanxun Ancient Town SUP Open was an absolute success. The event is set to be one of the most important races of the Chinese SUP Racing calendar, attracting the best athletes of the country and many hundreds of participants ready to tackle the narrow canals of Nanxun.

More than just a race, it is a real three-day Watersport Festival, including a complete culinary experience, live music, night paddling, foldable kayak race, cosplay outing through the canals, a 5km distance race, Foil and Pump Foil Competition, SUP Freestyle Exhibition and an absolute thrilling Sprint Race: the 4 Elephants and 8 Bulls Race, a brutal paddle battle for the brave.

A town like no other

Situated only 2 hours from Shanghai, the Town of Nanxun offers crystal clean waters (with a special system for keeping the canals pristine) and breathtaking scenery throughout the entire course. Ancient bridges and the really well-kept museum town offer one of the most unique racing environments to all participants, making this event an absolute bucket list experience for paddlers from around the world.

This was my 4th time returning to Nanxun and I am already committed to return next year, but this year’s edition deserves a special chapter as it reserved one of the greatest stories in SUP racing history and a real first in my 10-year racing career.

The fall, the paddle, the comeback

Summer Solstice, Saturday, 21 June 2025, gave an extra charge to the day and offered truly perfect racing conditions. Good temperature and sunny weather gave extra shine to the ancient townhouses, temples and bridges around the course.

With 30% higher participation rates, all race categories, from Juniors to Masters, Open Male and Female, were really packed, showcasing the constant growth of the Chinese SUP community. After the 78 Juniors finished, it was time to line up for the main distance event.

With over 300 paddlers on the start line, I chose a middle position, ready to shoot out but on my 4th stroke, disaster struck. My paddle shaft snapped in half and I flew face forward into the water. TIME STOPPED.

In shock and disbelief, I jumped back on my board as the field rocketed ahead. I was ready to keep paddling just to finish, when my dear friend Curt (Cui Ji), passed me and, without hesitation, threw me his own paddle and shouted ‘GO GET THEM!’

With that incredible act, I got back into the race, now starting from beyond 50th place. I focused only on breathing, pacing, and pushing. One by one, I fought my way back. By halfway, I had made it to 4th, and joined the lead group with Zhong Zijin, Chen Chenghao and Shibijang.

Strategy, spirit and the finish fine

As we raced, I felt a surge of energy. I knew I had one shot. With about 1.2 km to go, in a key curve, I saw a drop in pace, took the inside, and surged forward – taking the lead. From there, I didn’t look back.

My mind and body went into auto-pilot. I heard only the roar of the crowd and above it all, Sai and Jasmine, my wife and daughter, cheering at the top of their lungs. That was the moment I knew: ‘I’m going to win this race’.

Crossing the finish line 1st at the 2025 Nanxun Ancient Town SUP Open was a statement of power and determination.
My eternal thanks to Curt – his selfless act turned a disaster into a historic comeback. I believe in higher energies, and I think we witnessed one on this day.

Sprint Format Showdown: 4 Elephants & 8 Bulls

The day wasn’t over yet. In the afternoon, we faced the 4 Elephants and 8 Bulls Sprint Race: 200M, 4x50m segments, 4 buoy turns, and direct elimination duels.

Only the top four fastest times would go to the Finals on Sunday. Chen Chenghao, Black (Chen Yanjun), Thomas, and I made it.

Sunday’s format was a full duel structure: sitting starts, mental focus, and explosive performance. Each finalist raced each other, with the top two rematching for the Grand Final.

Every round was tight. The boys were on fire. I won against Black and Thomas, but Chen Chenghao got the better of me in both our duels. Hats off to him for an incredible performance.

Earning it twice

With a 1st in the Distance Race and 2nd in the Sprint, I took the 2025 Nanxun Ancient SUP Open Overall Champion title for the second consecutive year. This town and its people will always hold a special place in my heart.

Culture, connection and goodbye

On Monday, our final day, Mr Chen and Ms Kitty Chen Gang, the masterminds behind this incredible event, treated us to a full local experience.

Delicious food, a visit to the historic paintbrush museum, traditional wooden boat rides, and even touching a meteorite – all set within the heritage of China’s ancient silk empire.

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