Eri Tenorio on The First Stop of the Euro Tour, Family, and Future Goals

Eri Tenorio, Flying Fish Board Co professional team rider, recently secured a commendable third place at the first stop of the Euro Tour in Düsseldorf, Germany. Having taken some time off for the holidays, Eri approached the competition with a balance of determination and excitement, eager to showcase his skills against a backdrop of strong competitors. Today on TotalSUP, Eri shares his thoughts on the unique experience of competing in a pool, the strategies that led to her podium finish, and the importance of support from loved ones. With a new chapter in his personal life approaching, Eri’s journey is just beginning!

Photo by Marco Messingfeld | The EuroTour 2025

Welcome back to TotalSUP Eri! Congratulations on finishing third at the first stop of the Euro Tour Race in Düsseldorf! How do you feel about your performance overall?

I feel really good. Of course as competitive athletes we always expect more from ourselves when we don’t win. But to be honest, after taking a couple weeks off season during Christmas and New Years, I was definitely not in my best shape for the race. Regardless, I am super happy to bring home a medal!

Photo by Mario Entero

We are super happy for you as well! What were your expectations going into the Euro Tour Indoor Boat Show Race?

I was going after the gold. Even though I know sprint racing still isn’t my forte, I knew I could compensate with my balance and skills on the buoy turns. Knowing there would be so many strong athletes competing, I knew this wouldn’t be an easy task, but I am always up for the challenge.

Photo by Mario Entero

Can you describe to us the experience of competing in such a prestigious event in Germany?

It was a unique experience for me to compete in a pool for the first time. Besides, competing alongside the best really reminds you that you’re right there with them, and that feeling fuels my drive to keep getting better.

Photo by Mario Entero

That’s incredible! What strategies did you use during the race to claim a podium finish?

I really think that nobody had a strategy. The race was simple enough and short enough that all we could do is the get on the board and do the best we could. Most of the races was almost photo-finish so most of us was paddling super hard since the very beginning.

Photo by Mario Entero

We’ve heard so many thoughts about the race course! How did the course layout and conditions affect your race?

The course layout was perhaps the most fair course I’ve ever seen in the spot so far. Each athlete had a buoy for him/herself and nobody was in nobody’s way. Only thing was that we had to turn for the outside of the buy so if both athletes wanted choose the same buoy, we would flip a coin and choose head and tail to decide who would get the choose the side they wanted perform the buoy turn.

Photo by Mario Entero

That format sounds like a lot of fun! We’re there any particular moments during the race that stood out to you?

For sure. In the quarter finals I got to race against my fellow Brazilian and good friend David Leão, who had just won the ISA World Championship a few months ago in Denmark in this same race format, so he was an absolute favorite. I knew that he would be a hard one to beat. But I knew what I had to do and made a point to keep my mind focused on the mission. It was a great battle and I was stoked to win the heat.

Photo by Mario Entero

We are so stoked you won your heat! How does this third-place finish compare to your previous competitions such as your recent ICF podium finish?

It felt great to keep up the good momentum. Last year I didn’t have a very exciting Euro Tour season so now starting with a solid podium gives me confidence to get the ball rolling.

Photo by Mario Entero

What kind of training did you do leading up to this stop on the Euro Tour?

My training mainly focused on building explosiveness and improving skills. I also did a few longer paddles, but the primary goal was to work on my speed.

Photo by Mario Entero

How important is the support from your team, friends, and family during competitions like this?

It is super exciting for me to know I have an audience of families and friends that are always watching and sending out their good energy to me. I would say this gives me the extra push and motivation to never give up.

What are your goals moving forward in your Stand Up Paddling career after this event? Do you plan to compete on the rest of the Euro Tour? Essentially – What’s next for you?

Next for me is the birth of my son who is coming in the next few weeks. So basically focused on family until the season really kicks off in may. The next in my schedule tho is the Brazilian National Championship that will be help end of march, in Rio de Janeiro.

Thank you for coming back to TotalSUP and for sharing your incredible start to the new year with us! We wish you nothing but the best of luck for the rest of the season and on becoming a father soon!

To find out more about the the Flying Fish Board Co. visit www.flyingfishboardco.com
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