En Route to Copenhagen’s ISA Worlds: The Danish SUP Tour Explained

Carsten Linnet Sørensen, a pivotal figure within the Danish Surf & SUP Federation, has been deeply immersed in Denmark’s SUP scene since 2012. His journey from competitor to organizer showcases a passion for fostering the sport’s growth. Spearheading the Danish SUP Tour, Carsten orchestrates a series of races spanning diverse water conditions across Denmark. With four stops this year, including classics like the Fjord Xing, the tour serves as a platform for enthusiasts of all ages. As Denmark prepares to host the 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship, the Danish SUP Tour aligns its calendar, fostering national enthusiasm and readiness for this prestigious event.

Hello Carsten, could you describe your role within the Danish SURF & SUP Federation?

I have been a part of the Danish SUP scene since 2012 when I bought my first raceboard and started competing for fun. I believe it was in 2013 when I met Michael and Jacob from the Danish SUP Federation during the first ISA instructor course held here in Denmark. I have been working part-time as an SUP instructor ever since.

In 2017, I joined the team involved with the Danish SUP tour as an organizer and race manager, while also competing on the Danish SUP tour. I have been involved with running the Danish SUP tour ever since, alongside Michael Lindberg and the team.

In 2018, I became a member of the Danish Surf and SUP board, working with the Danish Surf and SUP federation to grow the sport here in Denmark.

Apart from that, I coach the famous Team Red Nose in Denmark, the most successful SUP team in the country.

Can you explain what the Danish SUP Tour is and why it’s important within the Danish SURF & SUP Federation’s activities?

The Danish SUP tour is the official SUP tour in Denmark, running from late April to October. It typically comprises five stops across various parts of Denmark, although this year, there are only four stops due to the ISA Worlds. We strive to host different events with varying water conditions, ranging from flatwater on lakes to ocean downwinds. Some tour stops, like the Fjord Xing, are considered classics, featuring a downwind race annually on Ringkøping Fjord.

Hosting a SUP tour is paramount. It’s a crucial component of the Danish Surf and SUP Federation’s activities, vital for placing the sport on the map and increasing its visibility in Denmark. Our goal is to expand the sport’s reach and attract participants of all ages, and without the SUP tour, achieving this would be more challenging.

What events are scheduled for this year’s Danish SUP Tour, and are there any notable changes or additions compared to previous years? Can you say 1 line about a unique aspect of each event?

For 2024, the Danish SUP tour features four stops.

• Silkeborg on May 11th marks the return of one of the classic stops on the tour. It entails a long-distance race of 14-15 km on flatwater, navigating through a lake—a challenging start to the tour.
• Next up, on June 15th, is Lynæs, a new addition to the tour. The plan involves ferrying all athletes across a small stretch of water where Isefjord meets Kattegat. Depending on weather conditions, the race can vary from flatwater to downwind.
• On August 17th and 18th, the Danish Nationals take place, with the tech race serving as a stop on the Danish SUP tour. The venue is Amager Beach Park, where the ISA Worlds will also be held.
• The tour concludes on October 12th with the Fjord Xing, the oldest and longest-running event on the Danish SUP tour, featuring a downwind race across Ringkøbing Fjord.

What inspired the creation of the Danish SUP Tour, and how has it grown over time?

When planning the Danish SUP tour, our aim is for participants to experience and paddle through various types of water conditions while exploring different parts of Denmark. This has always been our goal. Over the years, some of the SUP tour stops have become classics, and we strive to include one or two of these classics in each tour. Each tour stop should narrate a unique story, whether it involves paddling across a fjord, passing by an old city castle, or navigating the waters between Germany and Denmark.

While only one person can emerge as the winner, we want all participants to return home with a memorable racing experience and an exciting story to share with their families.

With Denmark hosting the 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship, how does the Danish SUP Tour contribute to the preparation and promotion of this event nationally?

This year, the Danish SUP tour comprises only four stops, leaving September open for the ISA Worlds and the Copenhagen SUP, the major mass participation event associated with the ISA Worlds. We encourage people to participate in the Copenhagen SUP without concern about the SUP tour. The Danish Nationals will take place on the same beach where the ISA tech race and team relay will be held. The Danish Nationals are open to everyone and provide a fantastic opportunity to race in the same waters as the professionals.

As both an organizer and a SUP racer yourself, how do you balance your participation in the races with your role in organizing the Danish SUP Tour?

For me, it’s the best of both worlds. However, I often have little time to prepare myself and warm up before the start. As a result, my starts are always slow, and the first 15-20 minutes are challenging as I strive to regain my position at the front of the field. But that’s okay; I enjoy organizing and developing the sport here in Denmark.

Find out more about the Danish SUP Tour on Surf & SUP Danmark:
www.surfsup.dk

Register for Copenhagen SUP, the Open Race of the ISA SUP & Prone Paddleboard Championships:
www.copenhagensup.com