European SUP League Stop #2 in Lido Gandoli, Taranto: Who to watch with local pro Maria Laura Metta

As the week heats up and the inaugural European SUP League (ESL) stop is about to kick off, we caught up with Maria Laura Metta – one of the founding members and advisors of SUP Academy Taranto, hosts of the European SUP League (ESL) Stop #2 in Taranto, Italy.

A 23-year-old from Taranto, Maria Laura is a professional SUP athlete, Italian FICK National Champion and has represented Italy at the 2022 and 2023 ICF World Championships as well as the 2024 ECA European Championships. Today, she plays an active role as an advisor within the academy, supporting both the event and the local SUP community.

Just one week after the season opener in Santa Pola, Spain, the European SUP League circuit heads to southern Italy, where from 1-3 May, Lido Gandoli in Marina di Leporano will host three days of top-level stand-up paddle racing. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ionian Sea, the event will feature over €7,000 in prize money and bring together some of Europe’s best athletes.

Hi Maria Laura, welcome to TotalSUP! How did you first get into SUP, and what led you into competitive racing?

Hi TotalSUP, I still remember the first time I tried SUP at the beginning of 2017 – just for fun and to experience something new. I loved it instantly, and Mario and I clicked right away. That same year, I started competing in the Apulia regional championship while also helping at our school in Lido Gandoli.

The following year, I moved on to the SUP Race National Championship, and my passion kept growing stronger and stronger. It grew so much that I earned my instructor’s license to help share and promote this wonderful discipline.

How would you describe your local SUP community – junior paddlers, athletes and recreational paddlers?

The local SUP community here in Taranto is amazing right now, and my biggest gratification is knowing I contributed to it and have seen it grow year by year. Clearly, we have some of the world’s strongest young talents in our team, and they’ve grown up with us. I still remember some of their first lessons – like Sveva and Serse Sabato’s – and starting to train together.

Going from that to where we are now is extraordinary. Today, our community is a real family for us, not just in words. We are there for one another – from the young kids who bring joy and freshness, to the masters who always keep an eye out and support everyone in the group with whatever they can offer.

Can you tell us about your role at SUP Academy Taranto and your involvement in the upcoming European SUP League (ESL) stop?

I am one of SUP Academy Taranto’s founding members, and I currently play the role of advisor. For the upcoming competition in Taranto, my teammate Roberto Ventriglia and I are handling the communication side – planning, programming, designing social media posts, and much more.

How special is it to have the ESL event on “your SUP turf” with the international paddling community arriving in Taranto?

Having an ESL stop in my home spot is really exciting, especially thinking back to when we used to host regional competitions here or just gather as amateurs… and now we are here! It’s safe to say it’s something really special for me, considering how much the ESL circuit is growing and improving.

Everyone who does this sport and paddles here in Lido Gandoli easily falls in love with the place. It will be a great exchange – having international paddlers bring their presence and energy here, and hopefully giving them a truly positive experience in return.

What can athletes expect from the conditions and course at Lido Gandoli?

Lido Gandoli is a bay, so we generally have good conditions unless there is strong wind from the south-west. We are also positioned very far south, which allows for mild temperatures.

For the competition courses, we designed them together with Daniel Parres to ensure consistency within the circuit. However, in the case of unexpected extreme weather conditions, we reserve the right to make adjustments if necessary.

What are your personal goals heading into this home event?

It’s clear that I want to do my best and enjoy myself in the competition, and I want others to do the same. But it’s only natural that I also want to achieve the best result possible.

Who should we be watching from the local scene during this stop of the European SUP League?

The youngsters are the stars of the show! We have world champions Sveva Sabato and Claudia Postiglione, as well as the amazing 2025 bronze medallist Velia Pisanelli, who will debut in the Open division this year. We also have another rising star in the team: Preziosa Chiarelli, only 15 years old, but getting stronger fast.

The boys are not to be underestimated either, with Serse Sabato and Matteo Pernisco ready to show their worth!

And don’t forget the masters! They are also ones to watch, with 2023 Long Distance 50+ silver medallist Anna Occhiogrosso, along with many other men in the 40, 50 & 60+ divisions who train hard every day and are eager to show it.

What makes this event a must-attend for athletes, in your view?

This is the first ESL event in Italy and the second stop of the international circuit. The spot, due to its natural shape and layout, really enhances the competition experience for both athletes and spectators, ensuring a unique atmosphere.

The natural setting is truly breathtaking and definitely worth visiting. We also tried to think of everything possible in terms of welcoming athletes, so we hope everyone has fun and is eager to come back to us!

Registrations close on 26 April! 

To find out more about European SUP League (ESL), visit europeansupleague.com

Follow ESL on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Follow Maria Laura Metta and SUP Academy Taranto on Instagram

European SUP Tour Calendar 2026:

• Spain – Santa Pola | April 24–26
• Italy – Taranto | May 1–3
• Switzerland – Zurich | June 19–21
• Poland – Racibórz | June 26–28
• Spain – Huelva | September 5–6
• Portugal – Sesimbra | September 11–13

*Images courtesy of Maria Laura Metta and SUP Academy Taranto