Lignano SUP Race Results: Italy’s Junior Paddlers Push the Level Higher

The Lignano SUP Race has long been one of Italy’s most iconic events, a gathering that combines competition, community, and the beauty of the Adriatic coast. After years of absence, the race has been revived with the ambition of bringing it back to its former glory and this year it welcomed some of the country’s most talented paddlers. Among them was Claudia Postiglione, a rising star of Italian SUP. At just 16 years old, Claudia was already a two-time Junior World Champion (2023) and a proud NSP team rider, known for her explosive style in technical racing. Despite facing illness during the event, she still managed to secure a podium, showing once again her determination and competitive spirit. We caught up with Claudia to talk about her summer, her experience at Lignano, and her goals for the season ahead.

Hi Claudia, could you introduce yourself and tell us how you discovered stand up paddling?

I started stand up paddling at 13 years old, during the summer of 2021. Very quickly, I realized how much I loved the sport, and by 2022 I was already competing in both national and international races. In 2023, at just 15 years old, I achieved one of the highlights of my young career: winning two junior ICF World Titles in Pattaya, Thailand, in both the Long Distance and Technical Races. In 2024, I stepped up into the open category for some races, where I managed to reach several podiums and also won a bronze medal in the junior sprint at the ICF World Championships in the USA. It has been an intense journey in just a few years, but each race motivates me to keep progressing and setting higher goals.

Very impressive, how was your summer, and what did this break during the season mean for you?

Summer for me is always a very special time, because I live just a few meters from the sea, right next to the spot where I train every day. It gives me the chance to spend countless hours on the water, working on every aspect of my paddling, from technique and speed to endurance and race strategies. I can truly live SUP at 360 degrees: training, recovering on the beach, and enjoying the ocean environment that inspires me so much. Having this constant contact with the sea not only allows me to refine my skills but also helps me recharge mentally and get prepared th following races.

Between the Technical Race and the Long Distance, which discipline do you prefer, and how did you feel competing in those races and finishing in your positions?

My favorite discipline is definitely the Technical Race. I love the intensity, the constant turns, and the need to stay focused and explosive from start to finish. At the Lignano race, though, things were not ideal for me. I was sick with a fever, a bad cold, and a cough. Despite not being in top form, I still pushed through the Technical Race and managed to finish in third place, which I consider a good result given the circumstances. Unfortunately, my fever kept me from taking part in the Long Distance, but the experience only reinforced my determination to come back stronger in the next races.

What were your overall impressions of the Lignano SUP Race, and how did it feel to compete against some of the top Italian racers?

The Lignano SUP Race left me with a very positive impression. Everything was well organized, and the atmosphere felt like a true celebration of SUP. For me, racing in Italy is always special, especially because the level here is so high. We have some incredibly strong junior girls, who are already performing at a world-class level. Competing against them pushes me to raise my own standards every single time. It’s both challenging and motivating. I believe that racing against strong competitors is what helps us grow and improve as athletes.

What were the race conditions like on the Adriatic, and how did you adapt to them during your races? Could you also tell us about the equipment you used and how it influenced your performance?

The weather and sea conditions at Lignano were excellent, with calm waters that made the racing very fair and competitive. Personally, I feel very comfortable in the sea because it is my natural environment. I actually prefer rough water compared to rivers and lakes, as it gives me a chance to use my balance and adaptability. For equipment, I rely on NSP boards, specifically the Ninja 14×20 and the Ninja EVO 14×20, which give me great speed and control. I also use Quickblade UV and T2 paddles, which suit my paddling style perfectly. Having equipment I trust allows me to focus fully on the race and push my limits with confidence.

Second part of the season is started now, Where will we see you competing, and what are your goals for the upcoming races?

In the second part of the season, I’ll be competing in some of the Italian Championship races, and the big goal is the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. My mindset going into every race is the same: I always compete to win. Of course, I know that every race brings new challenges, but I’m motivated to test myself against the best and to keep progressing step by step. Each competition is another opportunity to learn, improve, and get closer to my long-term goals in SUP.

Result:

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