Elche Paddle Festival 2026: A new division and title to defend for Alexia Soto

A new chapter will be written this year for Alexia Soto as she moves into the Open Women category – while also returning to the Arenales del Sol Beach in Elche, to defend the Gran Bay Beach Race title she claimed in 2025.

The two-time 2025 ICF World Championship silver medallist in the Technical Race and Sprint, and an NSP Team Rider, Alexia has developed through years of structured training with Club Deportivo Parres, continually refining her racing and putting that preparation to the test on the world stage, with outstanding results.

Now, she returns to familiar waters at Arenales del Sol Beach in Elche, Alicante – her home turf and training playground – for the 2nd Elche Paddle Festival, taking place on 29-30 August.

The festival brings together elite racing and grassroots participation, creating a weekend that goes beyond competition to make SUP accessible to a wider community while promoting a stronger connection between the sport and the environment. Part of both the Regional and National SUP Leagues, the event is also open to international athletes, with €4,000 in prize money across the Sprint and Technical Race.

For Alexia, it will be a particularly significant weekend – a first step into the Open Women division on home waters, with a title to defend, as she continues to build towards more Spanish League events and her goal of reaching the final at the ICF World Championships.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

Hi Alexia, welcome back to TotalSUP! A lot has happened since last year, including your big international results. How do you feel you’ve grown as an athlete and racer?

It’s my first year in the Open category, so obviously it’s been a year of learning and transitioning after leaving the junior category. But I’m really, really happy because, looking back, I feel like I’ve grown and improved in many ways.

Especially when it comes to managing my nerves and emotions during a race. I think that’s probably one of the biggest things I’ve improved over this past year.

Photo by Ivan De Frutos Ruiz

You’re heading back to the Elche Paddle Festival, where you won the Gran Bay Beach Race and finished second in Tech race last year. What memories do you have from that weekend?

I have really, really good memories from that weekend at the end of the summer when the Elche Paddle Festival took place. I got to compete with teammates, friends and other paddlers from the area, but I also got to see all the kids who had been working hard with their families and training at the club all summer, having their first competition.

So I remember that weekend with a lot of love. Of course, competing at home was already really special, but seeing all those kids from the summer school take that next step and compete was also amazing.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

Arenales del Sol Beach is your home waters and somewhere you train regularly. Does racing the Paddle Festival on your own training ground give you an extra sense of confidence or excitement?

Of course! Racing at home is really special because it’s not just where I train, it’s actually home. I wake up every morning looking out at Arenales del Sol beach, so it’s pretty amazing.

I feel really lucky to have that. And obviously, when you’re racing at home, it always gives you that extra bit of energy and excitement.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

If you had to describe the conditions in Elche to someone racing there for the first time, what would you say? Do they favour an all-round waterwoman who can adapt to whatever the sea throws at her, or is it a race where anyone can find their place and enjoy the challenge?

Well, the conditions at the Elche Paddle Festival usually have a bit of movement and some small waves, which makes the race more dynamic and fun. And I think everyone enjoys that, especially those of us who train here in the sea.

It’s really motivating. They’re pretty ideal conditions for having a technical, fun and exciting race, and it’s definitely easy to enjoy.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

The Spanish SUP scene is incredibly competitive right now. What kind of level are you expecting on the start line in Elche this year?

This year I’m expecting a really high level. Just looking at all the talent we have in this area of the Mediterranean, the competition is already amazing. More and more people are getting into SUP, and they’re coming with more level and more motivation every year.

That makes the races much more fun because you have more people around you, everyone is closer together and the level is higher. It really pushes you to keep improving and gives you that extra motivation to step up.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

You’ve been part of the Club Deportivo Parres family for years, and it has played such a big role in your development. What does the next chapter with Parres look like for you?

I’ve been part of Club Deportivo Parres for many years now, so my teammates and coaches have honestly become like family to me. And now I’m seeing a new generation coming through, with lots of kids who really motivate me.

Both the boys and girls from the younger categories are starting to move up, and it’s really cool to see them growing and progressing.

Photo by Alejandro Garcia Raduan

Looking at the rest of the season, what’s the ultimate goal you’re working towards – is there a particular result, race or milestone you have your sights on?

Looking at the rest of the season, we’re obviously getting ready for all the international races that are still to come, including the Spain League races, the ICF World Championships and a few other international events.

Since it’s my first year in Open, I’d really love to make it into a World Championship final, especially in the technical race or the sprints. It would be amazing to make it into a final and have a spot among the best riders on the international scene. I really enjoy racing against them, and it’s always a great chance to see where I stand, push myself and show what I can do against the very best.

Photo by Ivan De Frutos Ruiz

Thank you Alexia for your time – have a great event on home waters and good luck with the rest of the season!

Find out more and register for the event here 

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