From Training to Triumph – Alexia Soto`s Rise with NSP

At just 18 years old, Alexia Soto is proving to be one of the most exciting young talents in SUP racing. As an NSP team rider, she has spent years refining her skills with Club Deportivo Parres, training on some of the best race boards in the sport. In 2024, she delivered standout performances at the ISA World Championships in Denmark, securing second place in the Technical Race, before finishing in the top five in both the Long Distance and Technical Race at the ICF World Championships in Sarasota. With NSP’s cutting-edge designs giving her the speed, stability, and control needed to perform at the highest level, Alexia continues to push her limits and chase new goals.

Picture: ISA

Hi Alexia, great to have you with us! You had an outstanding year at the ISA and ICF World Championships. What do you think was the key factor that contributed to your success at these major international events?

Thanks for having me! Being part of the Spanish national team and representing my country at the World Championships was an incredible honor. Ever since I started competing, it had been my dream to race at this level. When I saw the opportunity last year, I focused entirely on achieving it, training hard to improve my weak points. Thanks to the support of my coaches, my family, and my team, I arrived at these events highly motivated, and that was reflected in my results, which I am very proud of.

Picture: ISA

As a team rider for NSP, what is the most important feature of an NSP raceboard that helps you achieve your best performance during competitions?

NSP boards offer an amazing combination of power and agility. The way they glide through the water and respond during technical maneuvers makes them ideal for high-level racing. Their balance of speed and stability allows me to stay focused on my performance without worrying about losing control.

Which NSP race board is your absolute favorite for competitions, and why did you choose this particular model?

While I love all NSP boards, my favorites are the Ninja and the Carolina. The Ninja is perfect for flatwater races, as it allows me to maintain high speeds and a steady pace over long distances. The Carolina, on the other hand, is ideal for open water, downwind conditions, and shorter races, providing excellent stability and wave control.

Do you train with the same NSP board that you use in competitions, or do you adjust your board choice depending on conditions like waves, currents, or wind?

I always choose my board based on the conditions. Since I train at Los Arenales del Sol Beach, I get to experience a wide range of conditions throughout the year. This helps me adapt and make the best board choice for both training and competitions.

Picture: Algara

This May 2025, you are competing at the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca with Team Parres on home waters. What makes the team so special for you, and how do your training together and the support from NSP contribute to your performance at this event?

For me, Club Deportivo Parres is more than just a training center – it’s my second family. I’ve grown up with my teammates and coaches, and I continue to learn from them both in sports and in life. The World SUP Festival is an amazing event because it allows us to race at home, and the support from sponsors like NSP makes it even more special. This year, the event will take place in May 2025, and I’m looking forward to competing alongside my team in front of a home crowd. Having a brand that believes in us and provides top-level equipment helps us push our limits and grow as athletes.

Mental preparation plays a huge role in competitive sports. How do you mentally prepare for races, especially at major events like the ISA and ICF World Championships? Are there specific rituals or routines that help you stay focused?

Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. I’ve been working on my mental strength for years with my coaches, my mental coach, and my father, who always supports me in this aspect. One of the key techniques I use is visualization – I mentally go through my races before they happen, which helps me stay focused and perform at my best when the time comes.

Picture: ICF

What are your long-term goals in SUP racing?

I’m really excited to see how this sport continues to grow, and I love that more and more women are getting involved in SUP. My goal is to keep representing Spain at major international events, and if SUP ever becomes an Olympic sport, it would be a dream come true to compete at the Olympics.

Thank you to everyone who follows my journey and enjoys this amazing sport – always with a smile, because that’s the most important thing!

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