ICF SUP Worlds 2025 – Mariecarmen Rivera’s Triumph and other Standout Performances

After five intense days under the blazing Abu Dhabi sun, the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships came to a close with a mix of sweat, emotion, and history being written on the shimmering waters of Hudayriyat Island. As the event speaker alongside my co-commentator Rob, I had the privilege of living every thrilling moment — from the first explosive sprints to the last epic strokes of the long-distance races — and witnessing over 400 athletes from more than 40 nations giving it their all for world titles. What unfolded over those five days was a showcase of outstanding performances, surprising results, rising talents, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable moments across every discipline.

> For the full podium results go to : ICF SUP Worlds 2025 – Podium Results <

Multi-Medal Performances: The Week’s Biggest Stars

🇵🇷 Mariecarmen Rivera — The Triple Crown Queen
No one shone brighter than Mariecarmen Rivera of Puerto Rico. Riding her Infinity EverReady, powered by a Quickblade paddle and a Black Project fin, Rivera accomplished what no Open competitor had ever done before at the ICF SUP Worlds: winning all three disciplines — Sprint, Technical Race, and Long Distance.

Her performance was nothing short of historic. After the heartbreak of an unfair mishap in last year’s technical race final in Sarasota, she came to Abu Dhabi determined, composed, and completely focused. Already the 2025 EuroTour Champion, Rivera’s total domination was a statement — one of redemption, consistency, and maturity.

Even Candice Appleby herself saluted her on Instagram, recognizing this achievement as a defining moment for women’s SUP. With her triple gold, Rivera didn’t just win races; she turned a page in the sport’s history.

🇩🇪 Peter Weidert — The +50 Champion’s Consistency: 2 Gold 1 Silver
Germany’s Peter Weidert, the Light Board Corp powerhouse, once again proved why he’s one of the sport’s most decorated paddlers. With two golds (Sprint and Technical) and a silver in the Long Distance, he confirmed his mastery in speed and precision. In the endurance battle, however, Hungary’s Gabor Szabo rose to the occasion to claim his first-ever world title. The heat was merciless, and even the great Weidert had to bow to the desert conditions. Still, few athletes embody such consistency and excellence across multiple seasons.

🇨🇦 Edith Turcotte — The Queen of the 50+: 2 Gold 1 Silver
From Montreal, Canada, Edith Turcotte (Light Board Corp) mirrored Weidert’s performance in her own division, taking two golds (Sprint and Technical) and a silver in the Long Distance. A newcomer in the 50+ category, she was already a podium maker last year as a 40+ athlete, and she made her mark immediately among the veterans. Only Penny Tsaoutou — the Greek legend with multiple world titles — managed to stop her perfect run, snatching the Long Distance gold on the final day.

🇯🇵 Tatsuma Nishikawa — The Japanese Prodigy: 2 Gold
Just 16 years old, Tatsuma Nishikawa (Starboard, Japan) became one of the sensations of the championship. After a dramatic Technical Race victory — benefitting from a late fall by fellow Starboard rider João Lourenço Pimenta Viveiros — the young Japanese paddler proved his strength and composure in the Long Distance, taking off early and never looking back. He paddled solo at the front, leaving Zeno Szabo (NSP, Hungary) and Duth paddler Maximus Sirjier (Flying Fish) to fight for the remaining podium spots. The message was clear: the future of men’s SUP may very well speak Japanese.

🇰🇷 Sujeong Lim — From Muay Thai to SUP Dominance: 2 Gold
From the fighting ring to the water, Sujeong Lim of Seoul, South Korea, once again demonstrated her fierce competitive spirit. The Starboard athlete took two gold medals — in the Technical Race and Long Distance — proving that determination and discipline can transcend sports. Her background as a former Muay Thai world champion adds even more weight to her incredible story of transformation.

🇩🇪 Manuel Lauble — German Power in the 40+: 2 Gold
Manuel Lauble, representing Light Board Corp, entered the event as the clear favorite in the 40+ men’s division — and he delivered with authority. He opened his campaign with a dominant gold in the Sprint, confirming his reputation as the man to beat. In the Technical Race, however, drama struck: while chasing the lead at the sixth buoy, Lauble’s paddle snapped, forcing him to watch helplessly as Francisco Giusti — sharp, composed, and already in front — powered his way to victory and claimed a memorable gold medal of his own. Lauble’s response was pure class. On the final day, in the grueling Long Distance, he broke away early, paddled solo, and secured a second gold medal, ending his week as one of the standout masters of Abu Dhabi.

🇪🇸 Aaron Sánchez — The Mallorca Masterstroke – 1 Gold 1 Silver
Aaron Sánchez (Starboard, Port Adriano, Mallorca, Spain) produced one of the most spectacular race moments of the entire championship. The former Junior World Champion (2021) stunned everyone in the Technical Race Final, where Shuri Araki had built what seemed an unassailable lead. With perfect timing, Sánchez slowly reeled him in, closing the gap buoy after buoy, and launched his decisive surge between the last two marks — an audacious move that turned the tables and proved that even Shuri could be beaten on the water. It was a performance that blended tactical genius with raw speed. The following day, in the Long Distance, the two swapped roles — Shuri reclaiming the top spot, Aaron taking second — confirming Sánchez as one of the sport’s confirmed global stars.

🇯🇵 Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki — The Okinawan Defends His Crown – 1 Gold 1 Silver
Back in action as the defending Long Distance World Champion, Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki showed once again why he is considered one of the finest paddlers of his generation. Although he missed gold in the Technical Race, his composure never wavered. Armed with his Quickblade paddle and his custom “Shrimpy” board, the Okinawan phenomenon dominated the Long Distance, leading from start to finish in a display of power, control, and pure endurance. Against the world’s best, Shuri reaffirmed his statement: when it comes to distance racing, there is still no equal.

🇮🇹 Sveva Sabato — The Future of Italian SUP: 1 Gold 1 Silver
From SUP Academy Taranto, coached by Mario Tagarelli, Sveva Sabato confirmed her potential with a gold and a silver in the Junior Women’s division. At just 16, she stood as Italy’s brightest young hope, training alongside names like Claudia Postiglione and Velia Pisanelli. Her smooth technique and calm maturity marked her as one to watch for the next decade.

🇬🇷 Penny Tsaoutou — The Greek Legend Returns: 1 Gold 1 Silver
After a complicated year marked by two knee surgeries, Penny Tsaoutou (NSP) returned to the stage like only legends do — with medals. Gold and silver in the 50+ category, she once again proved that experience and heart can overcome adversity.

🇮🇹 Claudia Postiglione — The Comeback Trail: 1 Gold 1 Bronze
The 2023 double world champion, Claudia Postiglione, made a solid return to form after an injury-plagued 2024 worlds. Though she missed the Tech Race podium, she grabbed gold and bronze, showing flashes of the brilliance that made her a household name in SUP. Knowing what she went through last year — competing just days after a hospital visit — made this comeback even more impressive. With her two gold medals in Technical Racing and Long Distance from 2023, she is now a world champion in all 3 disciplines!

🇭🇺 Gabor Szabo — Long Distance Triumph : 1 Gold 1 Bronze
Gabor Szabo (Starboard, Hungary) delivered a spectacular performance in the Long Distance, taking the win ahead of Peter Weidert, the three-time 2024 world champion. Just two days earlier, Szabo had earned bronze in the Sprints, proving his versatility across disciplines. A regular fixture on the ICF World Championship podium, Szabo combined experience, strategy, and power to dominate the 10km course. Adding a personal note of pride, he is the father of Zeno Szabo, who also claimed two podiums in the Junior Men’s division, making the Szabo family one of the most remarkable in SUP racing.

🇪🇸 Duna Gordillo — Double Silver for the Mallorcan Champion
Duna Gordillo (NSP), the defending Technical Race World Champion from Port Adriano, Mallorca, returned to Abu Dhabi with calm confidence and the weight of expectation. Despite losing her tech race crown to the unstoppable Mariecarmen Rivera, she delivered two world-class performances, earning silver medals in both the Technical Race and the Long Distance. Her consistency, composure, and elegant paddling style confirmed once again that she remains one of the most technically complete athletes in the world — and a permanent threat to the very top of the podium.

🇯🇵 Ryohei Yoshida — Okinawan Strength and Style: 2 Silver
A double world champion in 2024, Ryohei Yoshida (SIC Maui, Japan) came back to Abu Dhabi with quiet determination. Competing in the fiercely contested 40+ men’s division, he delivered two superb performances, earning double silver medals in the Sprint and Technical Race. Yoshida’s calm paddling style and explosive speed are the marks of a seasoned competitor who knows how to perform when it counts. Despite missing gold this time, his grace and professionalism — both on and off the water — made him one of the most respected athletes of the event. The SIC Maui rider from Okinawa remains a pillar of the Asian SUP scene and a model of longevity in elite competition.

🇵🇪 Giannissa Vecco — The Pride of Peru: 2 Silver
Representing Peru with her signature smile and determination, the Infinity Speed Freak Giannissa Vecco  once again showed why she’s one of the fastest women in the world over short and mid-distance formats. After winning the Sprint gold in 2024, she came back stronger, claiming two silver medals in Sprints and Technical Race in the 40+ division. Despite the absence of fellow countryman Itzel Delgado, Giannissa represents a growing South American presence in international SUP, proving that the Peruvian paddling scene is vibrant, competitive, and ready to challenge the world’s best.

🇪🇸 Alba Alonso Frey — Triple Podium, Triple Threat : 1 Silver 2 Bronze
There was no gold this time for Alba Alonso Frey, but the Starboard athlete from Fuerteventura made sure her name stayed in the headlines with three podium finishes — one silver and two bronze medals across the sprint, technical, and long-distance races. Her versatility and racing instinct stood out all week under the Abu Dhabi sun. Beyond SUP racing, Alba has also emerged as a figure in the growing SUP foil scene, having won the Triple Molokabra Downwind event in Brazil last August. Her season proves that she’s not only among the best racers in the world but also one of the most complete waterwomen on the international circuit.

🇭🇺 Zeno Szabo — The End of a Junior Era: 1 Silver 1 Bronze
For Zeno Szabo (NSP, Hungary), Abu Dhabi marked the end of an era — his final appearance as a junior. And he made it count. The young paddler, son of long-distance world champion Gabor Szabo, delivered two podiums: bronze in the Sprint and silver in the Long Distance. Zeno’s maturity, technical precision, and mental composure have been impressive for such a young athlete. He’s grown year after year under the watchful eye of his family, and in Abu Dhabi, he showed that he’s ready to step into the open ranks. With both parents deeply involved in the sport, his journey feels like a continuation of the Szabo legacy — and a promising sign for Hungarian SUP’s future.

🇯🇵 Rai Taguchi — The Silent Samurai Returns: 2 Bronze
After a quiet season spent training and racing primarily in Japan, there was a big question mark surrounding Rai Taguchi’s form heading into Abu Dhabi. But the young Japanese paddler quickly silenced any doubts. In the Technical Race Final, he held third place from start to finish behind Aaron Sánchez and Shuri Araki, showing the same precision and efficiency that once made him a junior world sensation. Then, in the 10km Long Distance, he repeated the feat with another bronze medal, once again behind the same two rivals. Two medals, two rock-solid performances — proof that Taguchi remains one of Japan’s most dependable and talented competitors.

Other single-podium outstanding performances

🇪🇸 Sergio Cantoral — The Dark Horse from Alicante
One of the biggest surprises of the week came from Sergio Cantoral, the young paddler from Alicante representing Parres Watersports. Known until now for his back-to-back Junior Technical Race World Titles in 2022 and 2023, few expected him to make such an impact in the 100m Sprint against the world’s fastest specialists. But under the guidance of French coach Vincent Guillaume, Cantoral stunned the field with his explosive speed, fearless mindset, and flawless board control. A true dark horse turned headline act, his breakout performance in Abu Dhabi was one of the defining highlights of the Sprint final day — and a clear signal that Spain’s new generation is ready to take on the world.

🇬🇷 Andreas Voulgaris — The Greek Junior Sprint Champion
Among the new generation of athletes, Andreas Voulgaris stood out as one of the most exciting revelations of the championships. Racing on a Starboard, the young Greek paddler delivered a flawless performance to claim the title of Junior Sprint World Champion. In doing so, he managed to defeat none other than Matei Barbu of Romania, the powerful defending champion and one of Europe’s most feared sprinters. Voulgaris’s victory was both a tactical and technical masterpiece — proving that Greece’s next wave of talent is coming fast and strong.

🇭🇺 Csillag Kocsis — Junior Long Distance Dominance
Csillag Kocsis, the Infinity and Black Project rider from Hungary, defended her Junior Long Distance World Title with remarkable authority. Launching a huge sprint at the start of the 10km race, she broke away early and spent most of the race paddling solo at the front, leaving her competitors far behind. Her performance was so commanding that it left everyone wondering how she might have fared racing against the Open Women.

🇦🇷 Francisco Giusti — From Podium Collector to World Champion
Last year in Sarasota, Francisco Giusti (Argentina) made waves by winning three medals — two silvers and one bronze — after receiving his Light Board Corp Paradoxa only on the first day of competition. Twelve months later, fully adapted to his equipment and with another year of experience under his belt, Giusti came back to Abu Dhabi more confident than ever. This time, he left with just one medal — but it was the most precious one. In the 40+ Technical Race Final, he seized the opportunity and powered his way to an emotional gold medal, his first world title. It was a moment of poetic justice and perseverance for one of South America’s most consistent paddlers.

The Sprint Canoe Invasion

A fascinating trend was reinforced in Abu Dhabi this year — the arrival of a new breed of athletes coming from the world of sprint canoeing. It seems that Andrey Kraytor, the former sprint canoe world champion and reigning 2024 ICF SUP Sprint World Champion, has inspired an entire wave of flatwater specialists to cross over into SUP. Their results speak for themselves:

– Anastasia Ganina, another sprint canoe convert, claimed the +40 Sprint World Title, showing textbook power and balance from start to finish.
– Vadim Korobov stormed into the Open Men’s Sprint Final, taking silver, a result that confirmed that explosive canoe starts translate perfectly to SUP.
– Ivan Shirshov rounded out the trend with a bronze medal in the 40+ Sprints, reinforcing that the crossover between canoe and SUP sprinting is no longer an experiment — it’s a revolution in motion.

Spotlight on other Podium Performances

– Seychelle — The SIC Maui elite paddler and 2023 Sprint World Champion, three months pregnant, showed remarkable courage and skill by claiming bronze in the Sprints. Her performance was an inspiration for everyone, proving that elite talent and determination transcend circumstances.
– Velia Pisanelli — Often overshadowed by her good friends Sveva Sabato and Claudia Postiglione, Velia’s bronze medal was one of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting moments. She proved many, including herself, that she can step out of the shadows and compete at the highest level.
– Hermann Huslein — Former Olympic sprint canoeist representing Thailand (though based in Germany) and a loyal Light Board Corp ambassador, took bronze in the 40+ Men’s Tech Race — almost to his own surprise. A teammate of Manuel Lauble, Hermann encouraged Manuel to make a final surge after his paddle incidenr, but when Lauble ran out of gas, Hermann seized the moment and powered through to the podium.
– Sabine Fisher — The NSP newcomer in the +40 Women’s division had high expectations. After narrowly missing the top spots in the Sprints and Tech Race, she tactically stayed behind Petronella Van Malsen in the Long Distance, respecting the Dutch athlete’s hard work, and finally claimed bronze on the last day.
– Tommy Buday — Canadian SIC Maui team manager and first ever 40+ Men’s champion in 2019, hindered by a lower-back injury, surprised everyone with a bronze medal despite having pulled out of his favorite Tech Race. His perseverance and ability to perform under physical strain were truly remarkable.
– Claudia Luccheta — Training in Fuerteventura with Alba Alonso Frey, Claudia’s bronze medal in the 40+ Women’s Tech Race rewarded two years of dedication, consistent training, and strategic racing. And it’s still just the beginning.
– Joep Van Bakel — Last year’s Long Distance champion from the Netherlands, participated only in the Long Distance this year. He faced stiff competition from Manuel Lauble, highlighting the rising level of 40+ competitors in this discipline but managed to grab a well-deserved silver medal.
– Petronella Van Malsen — The 2× world champion from 2024 in the +40 Women’s division returned to claim silver in the long distance, paddling her Flying Fish board, the brand she now distributes in Europe with her companion Ricardo Haverschmidt.
– Maximus Sirjier — Also riding a Flying Fish, the dedicated junior from the Netherlands — once the youngest paddler ever to complete the 220 km SUP 11 City Tour — earned a well-deserved bronze medal in the long distance.
– Santi Canto — New to the 50+ Men’s podium, taking bronze in the Technical Race, Santi, owner of Republica SUP on Spain’s Costa Blanca, marked his arrival on a podium as a serious contender in masters SUP racing.

– Olga Merkulova — The 2023 +40 Sprint World Champion returned to her age category after challenging herself in the Open women’s division last year, and captured bronze, demonstrating that she remains a formidable force in the sprint division.
– Marc Foraster — Back on the podium in the 50+ Men’s Tech Race with bronze, maintaining the consistency he’s shown in 2022 and 2023. The Starboard racer from Barcelona is still to win a gold medal under the ICF.
– Sara Oddera — The SIC Maui rider from Northern Italy, finished 3rd in the Long Distance, proving her endurance and competitive maturity on the international stage.
– Diva Hatami — The 2021 World Champion, returned to the podium with silver in the Technical Race, showing that experience and tactical acumen are still unmatched.
– Chris Stringer — Canadian Lightboard Corp racer, sporting his infamous hairband, earned silver in the +50 Sprints, putting the Paradoxa on the podium again.
– Tomas Varnas — Lithuania, 3rd in the +50 Men’s Sprints, combining smooth technique with steady pacing to secure his podium spot.
– Polona Pusljar – the SUNOVA rider from Ljubljana, delivered an impressive showing in the Sprint Final. Pushing hard through the second half of the 100m, she powered her way onto the podium with a bronze medal.
– Benyam Bossack (Lightboard Corp, Netherlands/Germany) — Bronze in the Open Men’s Technical Race, building on a breakout season with multiple open podiums.
– Erasmia Malekaki (Infinity) — Silver in the Junior Women’s Technical Race
– Matei Barbu — The Romanian junior who dominated last year with no real challenger found stronger competition this time and brings home a silver medal. With two more years left in the Junior division, there’s no doubt we’ll see him back on the golden track soon — possibly as early as next year.

+50 Sprint Podium: Edith Turcotte, Penny Tsaoutou and Polona Pusljar

Former Juniors and New Contenders in the Open Men

Abu Dhabi showcased a wave of young talent moving from junior categories into the Open Men’s division, immediately making their presence felt against the world’s best.

– Nikos Malekakis (Greece, Infinity Speed Freak) — The Greek powerhouse impressed with his tactical awareness and powerful strokes, signaling a bright future in elite SUP racing.
– Nariakira Shimazu (Japan, Kokua Team) — A technically gifted paddler, Shimazu made an immediate impact in the open field with smooth, efficient race execution.
– Kotaro Miyahira (Japan, SIC Maui Global Team) — Known for his explosive starts and strong endurance, Miyahira showed he can compete at the very top level.
– Lluis Perotti (Mallorca, Spain) — The young Mallorcan demonstrated impressive board control and composure, stepping up to the Open Men with confidence and poise.

We Expected a Bit More (But Still Impressive)

– Manuel Hoyuela — In excellent form all year, with two podiums in 2024, Manuel was expected to challenge for gold in the Sprint and Tech Race. While he didn’t quite reach those heights in Abu Dhabi, his consistency and strong finishes keep him among the favorites for the next season.
– Rika Okuaki — One podium in 2023 and two medals in 2024 had set high expectations. Though she returned without medals this year, she delivered strong performances and remains a top athlete to watch.
– Alexia Soto — Took home a silver medal, but her remarkable season suggested she could have claimed multiple podiums and a title in her final junior year. Her resilience and competitiveness still made her one of the week’s standout young athletes in a very competitive field.
– Hannah Kaminska — After silver last year, she earned bronze this year. Despite slightly below expectations, her technical skill and racing intelligence are evident.

The Big Upsets

– Cameron Tripney — One of the favorites for the Open Men’s Sprints, fell at the very start of his semi-final when his hand slipped on his paddle shaft due to sunscreen, illustrating how even small mishaps can change the course of a championship.
– João Lourenco Pimenta Viveiros — Lost a potential technical race junior men’s world title just 30m from the finish line, when he lost his balance and fell in in a sprint finish against Tatsuma Nishikawa, a heartbreaker that highlighted once again the intensity and unpredictability of world-class racing.
– Csillag Kocsis — In the Junior Women’s Tech Race, she fell after 50 meters and couldn’t defend her title from last year, showing that even champions face vulnerability under pressure.
– Donato Freens — The Infinity rider, announced as Europe’s #1, fell in his Tech Race semi-final while leading into the first buoy, missing out on the final. He bounced back with an impressive 4th place in the Long Distance, showing great resilience. Many expected this to be the year of his first Open Men’s medal — and it feels closer than ever.
– Natsumi Baba — The Japanese underdog moved to the front in a tight Long Distance pack less than 1 km from the finish, but mistakenly passed a buoy on the wrong side. Upon realizing her error, she turned around and was unable to catch up, a painful lesson in focus and split-second decisions.

ICF SUP Worlds 2026 / The Road to Taormina

All eyes are now turning toward the 2026 ICF SUP World Championships in Taormina, Sicily, Italy, where the next chapter will unfold. The road to Sicily will include four ICF World Cups already confirmed — in Italy, Austria, the UK, and Greece — promising another thrilling international season ahead… to follow with TotalSUP!