Manuel Simoncelli is the coach of the Spanish SUP team, the reigning World and European and co-owner of Mar Balear SUP, a pioneering school based in Port Adriano, Mallorca. Known for its groundbreaking work in training young SUP racers for over 10 years, the club has produced several world champions, including Laura Quetglas, Duna Gordillo, and Aarón Sánchez. From March 13 to 16, 2025, Mar Balear will be hosting the Port Adriano Training Camp, an intensive SUP training experience designed for paddlers of all levels.
Hola Manuel, where will the Port Adriano Training Camp 2025 take place, and what makes this location ideal for SUP training?
Hola Mathieu! The camp will be held from March 13 to 16, featuring a total of seven training sessions. We will adjust the sessions to the sea conditions to ensure we cover all planned aspects of training. Most sessions will take place in the Port Adriano area, but we will also move to different locations to work on specific disciplines like beach race and downwind.
Can you give us an overview of the training camp’s structure? What types of sessions or activities can participants expect?
We will conduct two sessions per day, for a total of seven sessions over the four-day camp.
Morning sessions will focus on technical work, refining paddling technique, turns, and race strategies.
Afternoon sessions will be more physically demanding, emphasizing endurance and strength, in collaboration with the Port Adriano training team.
Who are the coaches and experts leading the camp? What are their backgrounds in SUP?
The camp will be led by:
– Laura Quetglas
– Manuel Simoncelli
Additionally, Duna Gordillo and Aarón Sánchez will be collaborating in select sessions, sharing their expertise as elite athletes.
Is there a specific focus or theme for the camp (e.g., technique, endurance, race preparation)? How will training be adapted for different skill levels?
We will divide participants into different skill groups, with one coach assigned to each group. Since all groups will be training in the same area, there will still be opportunities for everyone to interact and learn from each other.
Each session will have a specific focus, covering topics such as:
However, throughout all sessions, we will integrate key aspects of SUP performance to ensure a well-rounded approach.
Can you tell us about the history of Mar Balear and its role in developing SUP in Mallorca and Spain?
The Port Adriano team was founded in 2012. From the very beginning, we focused on training a group of young paddlers, sharing with them the experience of structured training and competitive racing.
I believe we were among the first to approach SUP as a club sport rather than just an individual activity. At that time, most people would just load their board onto their car and paddle alone. Now, SUP clubs are common, but back then, it was a new concept.
This club-based approach has played a key role in SUP’s growth in Spain. It has helped keep athletes engaged in the sport over the long term, allowing them to reach higher performance levels. In contrast, in places where people train alone, SUP participation has been declining, especially among younger paddlers.
What are the accommodation options for participants? Are there any group activities or social events included?
We offer an official accommodation option at a discounted rate, along with transfer services. However, since it’s March, there are plenty of other accommodation choices available in the area.
Are there any additional perks or unique features of the training camp ?
Yes! Our coaches use cameras to record training sessions, allowing for instant feedback and correction.
Additionally, we have a variety of SUP boards in different models and sizes, so participants can test different equipment during the training sessions.
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