Girl Boss and Czech SUP Champion Iva Dundova on the key ISA Worlds Qualifier

The countdown to the Czech National SUP Race and ParaSUP Championships is on! Open to international competitors and kicking off on the 12-14 July at the picturesque Bezdrev Lake in South Bohemia, this celebrated event brings together top racers from across the country with the broader SUP community, embodying the spirit of collaboration.

In run up to the event that also serves as a qualifying race for the ISA World SUP Championships in Denmark, TotalSUP caught up with Iva Dundova, “business girl” turned elite SUP athlete, multiple-time Czech National Champion and NSP Team Rider, based in Budweis, Czech Republic.

Photo by: Andy Klotz Photography

Hi Iva, welcome to TotalSUP! How did you discover the sport of stand-up paddleboarding and what made you start competing?

I have been passionate about various water sports since my teenage years. In 2016, when the first inflatable SUPs arrived in the Czech Republic, I had the opportunity to try one out. I was immediately captivated by the movement and the freedom it offered. Discovering that there were already SUP races happening in Europe sparked my competitive spirit. I spent an entire Summer working at a coffee shop to save up for my first hardboard, as I found inflatables too slow for racing.

It wasn’t long before I joined the SUP Alps Trophy races, which were just starting up in Europe. Being a naturally competitive person, there was no way I could enjoy this sport just for fun – I had to race!

Photo by: Andy Klotz Photography

You’re the CEO of Paddelt.De – Could you tell us more about it?

Absolutely, this is my full time job. I run one of the largest shops for inflatable stand-up paddleboards in Europe. I firmly believe in the future of this sport, and it’s incredibly rewarding to make it accessible to everyone. Our team and I are dedicated to spreading the joy of paddleboarding, and we operate shops in several European countries, not just Germany. Not many people know this about me, but sometimes I’m more business girl than the SUP athlete. Balancing both aspects keeps my life really dynamic and exciting.

Photo credit: PADDELT.DE

Could you tell us more about the Czech SUP scene?

The Czech SUP scene has been growing rapidly in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. The increasing number of competitors in the Czech SUP Cup speaks volumes, attracting not only local paddlers but also numerous international participants who keep returning for the races. Each year, we manage to send national teams to international events. While we may not be the dark horses in these competitions yet, we are steadily closing the gap and surprising sometimes with strong performances. I believe we have a few juniors who could become standout athletes in the future, showcasing the potential and dedication within the Czech SUP community.

Photo credit: martinhladik.com

What are the key factors that can help develop SUP as a national discipline? What could be improved?

This is a tough question. We have to recognize that developing a national sport from a small discipline like SUP, which doesn’t have significant state support, is very challenging. There are other sports that have much higher priority. Česká Federace Stand Up Paddle (ČFSUP) – The Czech Federation of Surf and SUP) – is doing an incredible job, and thanks to a few dedicated volunteers who are truly passionate about the sport, they are trying to build something bigger and more attractive for spectators, step by step.

We are establishing clubs all over the Czech Republic, creating communities, and most importantly, nurturing young riders. This grassroots development is the most important factor for the growth of SUP in our country.

How are young and elite SUP athletes supported in your country? Do you train as part of a club?

There is little to no financial support for the sport. However, some promising young athletes receive material support from the Czech distributor of NSP, who also often helps us with logistics and boards for local and international competitions. Even I, as one of the elite athletes in the Czech Republic, if we can say so, have to finance all expenses related to competitions and training myself. Otherwise, yes, I train in one of the clubs, but specifically, I train with Trainingweek right now.

Could you tell us about the upcoming Czech SUP Championships? Could you share your experience of previous events?

The upcoming Czech SUP Championships are shaping up to be an exciting event. Each year, the championships attract a diverse group of paddlers from all over the country and beyond, creating a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. The event will feature various races, including sprints, technical courses, and long-distance races, catering to different age groups.

The location for the event is Lake Bezdrev, just like last year. The Czech SUP Championship is also a great opportunity for young athletes from across Europe to compete together. For the Czech athletes, it also serves as a nomination race for the ISA World Championships in Denmark, so we will absolutely give our best here.

What is your favourite competition format and why?

I still enjoy all three disciplines, but I used to be more of a long-distance racer. Recently, however, I’ve grown to love the shorter formats like sprints and technical races. These shorter races are what really excite me at the moment.

Photo by: Andy Klotz Photography

Could you tell us more about your collab with NSP?

As number one in Czechia, I collaborate with the Czech NSP distributor, which gives me complete material support and also supports me with finding solutions with boards at international competitions.

What’s your SUP gear set up?

The NSP Ninja 14×21 and QB UV 77. For technical race I also like to use the new NSP Cheetah 14×21.

Photo by: Andy Klotz Photography

What are your SUP plans after the Championships? Will you be competing in the ISA Worlds in Copenhagen?

I would love to represent the Czech Team at the World Championships in Denmark. Everything will be decided this week, depending on the results of the qualifying races. Based on that, I will plan the rest of my Summer accordingly.

Thank you for your time Iva – paddle hard and have fun at the championships and we’re looking forward to seeing you in Copenhagen!

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