Elin van der Sar: Light Board Corp’s Young SUP Racer to Watch on the European Circuit

The junior division is on the rise, gaining just as much spotlight as the open category, with young SUP athletes hitting the water at increasingly younger ages. What’s driving this shift? A powerful mix of experienced coaches, supportive clubs, and opportunities to travel and compete – often against the very athletes these juniors have grown up admiring.

Brands like Light Board Corp are recognising the potential early, with breakthrough riders like Benyam Bossack joining the team last year.

We’ve spotted Elin van der Sar, Bronze Medallist in Tech & Long Distance at the U16 Dutch Championships 2024 from Sneek, The Netherlands, shredding on the brand’s PARADOXA. Her polished technique and fierce focus are set to turn heads in the SUP world. At just 14, she’s already testing the European race circuit and gaining valuable experience on the international SUP racing scene.

Image source: Regattateam Brandenburg Beetzsee e.V.

Hi Elin, welcome to TotalSUP! How did you first get into stand-up paddleboarding, and what do you love most about it?

Hello Anna! First of all, thank you for this opportunity! I started paddleboarding on an inflatable SUP in our backyard when I was 8. From the age of 9, I’ve been paddling with the SUP Kids Club in Makkum. I fell in love with SUP, because it’s an outdoor activity, on the water and you can always challenge yourself. It has taken me to many different places and allowed meeting new people.

Photo by Engel Photography

Could you tell us a bit about your local SUP scene and SUP club?

At SUP Kids Makkum we have been training with a permanent team for the past five years, including Benyam Bossack, Selwyn Pritchard, Marrit Miedema and Robin Hoekstra. There is also another group for younger kids. Our trainer is Jörg Bossack. He’s the best trainer you could wish for.

In recent years, our team has spent a lot of time on the road, taking part in competitions across different countries. The racing community is not very big in the Netherlands and we have only a few juniors. There are even fewer of us girls this time, but we’re a tight-knit group – nationals are going to be exciting again!

What’s a typical training session like with SUP Kids Makkum? Any favourite drills or workouts?

A typical training in Makkum is always different. We train on the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). Depending on the conditions we differ our training, from interval to sprint or beach starts. (what the weather has for us, we train). My favourite sessions are the downwinders with a Force 6 on the Beaufort scale.

You’re competing at such a young age! What’s been your most exciting race or best memory so far?

The coolest race was last year in Skrea, Sweden. The conditions were crazy. Lots of wind, high waves. There I (still) managed to get a 9th place in the Open Women category.

My best race was in Brandenburg Berlin, at the German flat water Championships. I took 1st place in the sprint for my category, and 2nd in both the tech and long distance races. The best memories are just the good times with my team mates while travelling.

Could you share more about your connection with the Light Board Corp brand?

Yes, of course! Last year I was searching for a 14 inch hard board. I was able to do a training try out on the Light Board Corp’s PARADOXA from my team mate Benyam Bossack. I fell in love right away.After that, I got the opportunity to join the Light Board Corp team, thanks to Gerd Weisner.  I’m so incredibly happy about it! In two weeks time, I’ll finally get my own PARADOXA.

How does the PARADOXA board complement your paddling and racing style?

The PARADOXA is super light at  just about 9 kg. The board is (also) super stable and easy to rotate on the water. That’s ideal for me since I am not that powerful yet. The board really cuts through the water. I love doing sprints, so it’s perfect for me!

Who inspires you the most in the SUP world, and why?

Looking at the Dutch ladies, of course Petronella van Malsen, she is so good. Also Alba Frey, she is so strong and solid.

What are your biggest goals for the future in SUP racing?

Next year I would like to participate in the ICF World Cup. Furthermore I want to participate in as many races as possible throughout Europe. This year I plan to go to Spain (for the first time) to participate in the Battle for Hercules.

I hope that I can continue to develop myself and become stronger, and who knows, maybe even get a spot at the top. With the support of Light Board Corp and my Coach Jörg Bossack everything is possible.

What advice would you give to other young paddlers who want to start competing?

Go out, keep paddling and have fun!

Thanks so much for your time, Elin! Wishing you all the best and hope everything you’re working toward comes true!

To find out more about LIGHTBOARDCORP® designs, visit lightboardcorp.com  and check out our full interview with Gerd Weisner

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*Images courtesy of Elin van der Sar