Gerd Weisner on unlocking the potential of the Masters Age Group in SUP racing & push for 60+ inclusion

Peter Weidert’s, German & ICF World SUP Champion and Light Board Corp Team Rider, unprecedented achievement of three gold medals in the Masters 50+ category at the 2024 ICF Worlds has captured widespread attention. This ties into a recurring debate on social media about SUP inclusivity and the greater recognition of this age group.

It has been repeatedly proven that paddlers over 50 excel in endurance SUP formats, bringing a unique combination of experience, refined technique, strategic insight, and mental resilience, enabling them to thrive in the sport.

Their participation and achievements serve as a powerful inspiration to younger athletes, proving that age is no barrier to excellence in stand-up paddleboarding.

TotalSUP caught up with Gerd Weisner, German SUP Champion, lifelong watersports professional, Co-Founder of Light Board Corp, and Race Director of The Lake Rocks Festival, to gain his perspective on the subject.

Photo by Andy Klotz

We’d like to build on an interesting discussion that has recently emerged on social media regarding the current state of SUP and the role of the Master category in it. What’s your view on it?

I’ve always had this view: respect all age groups, Juniors, Open, Masters, Men, Women,…give credit and do not be bullish if you are 19 and in your prime. Imagine you are 55 and what will you put on the table? ICF SUP World Championships in Florida were a great example.

Master 40+ Champions were not so much behind the Open Class in the Long Distance. Just about one minute short with an average of 10,4 km/h . Well Sprint is “no country for old…” but given the racing against your age group very valid.

The beauty of SUP racing is that we can race the same race with three different generations and results are mixed especially in the Long Distance. Maybe we can race in the future with four generations and open the World Championships to 60+ riders . Why not? Stay healthy, keep pushing and you can deliver – see Larry Cain.

In the German National Championships we had more 60+ competitors than in the Open Class. I bet the number of paddlers in the 60+ bracket in the Worlds would be high as well!

Photo by Andy Klotz

When I had a chat with paddle manufacturers and board brands, they all confirm that a big number of racers is the age 50+ and higher group. The most competitive two groups of participants in this year’s ICF World Championships were the Open Class and Masters 50.

You voiced an opinion that we should focus on participation rather than exclusivity. Could you tell us more about it?

OK from my point of view again: who cares if for example eight elite paddlers compete against twelve locals in Asia? Yes, media can create something but at the end of the day it is a lame duck. Compare this to an open event like the ICF World SUP Championships, SUP Alps Trophy, The Lake Rocks Festival or GlaGla with 400-800+ competitors…that’s the real deal. And those who win are the real deal.

ISA has this exclusive start lists with kind of two by nation per age group and competition. The registration fee is high and in some countries like Germany it is not the best who start, as the cost is very high, like around €250 per start and the Federation doesn’t pay. So obviously the best of the best start in the Open World Championships with high participation. We could all see that the ICF Worlds were different to ISA although the conditions have been comparable this year.

You mentioned that thousands of paddlers in the 40-60 age bracket are eager and ready to compete at the highest level. This age group not only brings a wealth of experience to the table but also the buying power!

As mentioned before, take for example the Masters 50+ at the ICF World Championships were the second largest group of competitors. In many countries this is also the largest group of racers in national competitions. Kids are out of school and these are the two decades where you can focus again on yourself when you’re in your 50s and 60s. Why not embrace it? And also check the results – these athletes overtake many of the younger competitors as they have time to do the training properly. Francisco Giusti, Joep van Bakel would have reached a good result in the Open Class in the Long Distance same as the Juniors, especially in sprints. Forget about the age, it’s about you!

From left: Peter Weidert with Gerd Weisner after a finished race at the 2024 ICF World SUP Championships | Photo credit: Planet Canoe

Could you share your insights from the industry point of view and your experience running both a successful SUP brand and one of the most talked-about racing events, The Lake Rocks Festival…

Inclusivity is key! What is better than to race against the world’s best and see how much they are in front at the same start line. I love it! If I get the 40th place – I will not worry if there are 200 good racers competing. This is the real deal! See what the time difference is to a multiple World Champion. How good can it be and compare yourself to your age group and friends. In the final medal ceremony there are awards for age. So why not start inclusive?

Photo by Andy Klotz

We’ve seen time and time again with the Light Board squad alone, that age is no barrier to achieving excellence in stand-up paddleboarding and on numerous occasions surpassing younger athletes.

Our poster boy is Peter Weidert competing in the Master 50+ category, he’s the 2024 three-time ICF World Champion (Master 50+). We still have multiple Master 50 in the top results of the SUP Alps Trophy and many local Long Distance races. It is just against the clock – so welcome young guns – do your best. See what Steve Miller achieves in the USA.

Peter Weidert at the 2024 ICF World SUP Championships | Photo credit: Planet Canoe

What message do you hope to convey to the industry to encourage a greater focus on the Master age category in stand-up paddleboarding?

I love racing against the youth, take Marlon Daskiran for example, he is 16. In the 2024 Long Distance races we were sharing many kilometers together and finally this year he was always a bit ahead. Well done! I like it! But that is the beauty of SUP racing, it is connecting all generations. But I do not give up and will have some beers after the race once beating him again.

Photo by Andy Klotz

Thank you Gerd for your time and insight – We can’t wait to see what the 2025 brings to the table in all age categories!

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