Francisco Giusti: Racing, Community Building and Boosting Argentina’s SUP Scene

Francisco Giusti, Argentine National Champion and 2x ICF World Vice SUP Champion (Long Distance and Tech Race), has turned his winning streak and determination into remarkable opportunities – securing the dream location for his SUP school, Sup Paraná, and claiming a world championship title. His story is one of balance, conviction, and the essence of what makes our sport so special: a personal story of passion, perseverance, and giving back to the community.

What was truly noteworthy was him jumping on the ultra-hyped Light Board Corp PARADOXA board in Sarasota and crushing it for the win. The connection with the board was instant, he says – seizing the chance and going all in – something he clearly lives by.

We caught up with Francisco as he pays tribute to Argentine surf legend and SUP pioneer, Carlos Di Pace, staying true to his roots and honouring the legacy that has helped shape his path.

Photo by Diego Colugnati

Hi Francisco, welcome to TotalSUP! Can you tell us about your journey into stand-up paddleboarding? What initially drew you to the sport?

My journey in SUP started in October 2014. The previous year, I had been on vacation in Brazil, where I took a surf lesson. Back then, you didn’t really see people doing SUP.

When I got back to my hometown (Paraná, Entre Ríos province), I felt like I was missing that connection I had experienced with the ocean. That’s when I told a friend I wanted a big surfboard to paddle on the river. He replied, “That’s actually a sport called stand-up paddle.” And that’s how I got my first board and started paddling.

How do you see Argentina’s SUP scene developing in comparison to other parts of the world?

SUP in Argentina is growing fast, just like everywhere else in the world. Both the recreational and competitive sides of the sport are expanding rapidly, with more and more races and meetups happening. That’s bringing more people into the sport. I feel like Paraná is the SUP capital of Argentina when it comes to growth.

Argentine National Team in Puerto Rico

What inspired you to start SUP Paraná, and how has the community evolved since its inception?

The first day I tried a board on the Paraná River, I knew this was going to be a hit for everyone. At first, it was just me paddling alone. But soon, I bought a second board and invited a different friend every day to try SUP. Then came the third board, then the fourth, and our group kept growing.

Things really took off when I discovered SUP racing – it was a game-changer. I felt the need to start a school and have a place to train. Little by little, I turned that dream into reality, setting up my own school on a city beach.

As a competitive athlete, how do you balance running SUP Paraná while also pushing your own training and racing goals?

This is the biggest question and the hardest answer. A few months into my paddleboarding experience, I discovered there were SUP races, and that’s when I started focusing all my energy on competing. I’m extremely competitive – I love giving my all in for what I want. And I knew that achieving success in the sport would help me a lot in founding a school on Paraná’s public beach.

At first, I didn’t have a physical space. But after returning from my first ISA World Championship in 2016, I started visualizing the school in a small corner of the beach – right where it stands today. It wasn’t easy, but the following year, in 2017, the municipality officially granted me the spot by decree. By then, I had already won my first National Championship, and the second one was on the horizon.

Since then, the school has been set up on the beach, and everything I had envisioned became a reality in the best possible way. Competing at a high level while saving energy for something else isn’t easy, but to this day, leading SUP Paraná has been the best decision I have ever made.

Photo by Digan Whisky

What are some of the most memorable competitions you’ve participated in, and what did you take away from them?

One of the most important races I’ve ever done were the two national-level competitions in Mar del Plata, in the ocean – the famous Copa Freeriding, organized by the icon of Argentine surfing, Carlos Di Pace. May he rest in peace.

He was a great surfer, athlete and the pioneer of SUP in Argentina. He ran the best race on the national circuit – the 4 km technical course from one beach to another and a 16 km long-distance race, with the course set depending on the wind direction.

Carlos Di Pace and Francisco Giusti

I consider these races the most important because at my first one in 2016, I came out of the water struggling, finishing among the last. At that moment, I made myself a promise – I was going to train to win it. And the following year, I did, with an unforgettable 3-minute lead over all the other riders. It wasn’t common to see a river paddler win that ocean race.

I also can’t leave out the two races at the 2024 ICF World SUP Championships in Sarasota, Florida – internationally, that’s the highest level I’ve reached.

Another key race was in 2019, a South American-level competition where I made a mistake at a buoy and had to turn back. I had to fight my way back through the field, pushing hard to reach the bronze medal. The lesson that always stays with me: never give up and fight until the very end.

2024 ICF World SUP Championships, Sarasota, Florida

Can you tell us about your connection with Light Board Corp? What makes their boards a a fit for your racing style, and what’s your go-to board setup for different race conditions?

My connection with the brand started at the last ICF World Championship in Sarasota. Due to some issues, I couldn’t travel with my board and had to find one to race with. After testing a few options from different brands, my team mate Santino Basaldella introduced me to Gerd Weisner. Without hesitation, they offered me any of their boards to compete with.

That’s when I tested the Paradoxa 21″, 22″, and 23″ that the team had. All three felt great – haha – I got comfortable right away and didn’t want to keep searching for another board. The races started the next day, so there was no time to waste. The connection with the board was instant, even though I barely had time to get used to it, but it delivered great results.

They were happy with my races and helped me bring one to Argentina so I could train properly for the next Abu Dhabi event. I don’t stick to one specific board model, but I always make sure it has enough volume to glide powerfully with my 83 kg.

Photo by Diego Colugnati

If you could give one piece of advice to young paddlers looking to break into the competitive SUP scene, what would it be?

The best advice for young paddlers is to take the first step – Just go for it. Work on improving both in and out of the water. Be patient, stay consistent and stay disciplined to reach your goals.

There’s nothing more rewarding than practicing a sport, taking care of your health, building friendships, travelling and competing. Everything falls into place in time.

Thank you so much Francisco for your insights – Wishing you an epic SUP season ahead!

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

Follow Light Board Corp on Facebook and Instagram  

Follow Francisco Giusti on Instagram 

*Images courtesy of Francisco Giusti