Mastering Greece, Eyeing the World: Nikolaos Malekakis’ Road to National & Championship SUP Titles

As the SUP world prepares for an electrifying season kickoff, all eyes will soon be on Agios Nikolaos on SUP (3-4 May), stop #3 on the ICF World Ranking circuit and the Greek National Championships. Amid the excitement, we caught up with Greece’s top young talent and the 2024 ICF Vice World Sprint Champion, 19-year-old Crete-born Nikolaos Malekakis.

Unfazed by a highly stacked elite field – and making the leap from the Junior to the Open Men’s division – Nikos, the Infinity SUP Rider, remains steadfast in his mantra: Although the Championship title “is a difficult goal, but as an athlete, the higher I aim, the harder I push myself to succeed.”

Photo source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

Hi Nikolas, welcome to TotalSUP! First of all, massive congrats on your amazing 2024 season! Could you tell us about yourself and your pro SUP journey that led you to the ICF World SUP Championship title last year?

It is my honour being here. I am 19 years old and I live in Crete, Chania. I am in my last year of secondary education and I am planning to go to university next year. I started stand-up paddleboarding in 2018 and I got into competitive side of the sport in 2021. The reason I decided to start training more seriously was because I really loved the sport and enjoyed training in the sea.

I’ve always been dreaming of getting a medal at the World Championships. In 2022 despite being disqualified in the quarter finals, I continued. In 2023 I finished 8th and finally in 2024 I was ranked 2nd in the Sprints. Now things will change for me as I’ve moved up to the men’s category and the journey continues for me as I want to achieve more.

Nikos charging at the 2024 ICF World SUP Championships in Sarasota, Florida | Image source: Planet Canoe

What is the local SUP scene like in your area? Are you part of a SUP club, and do you have many fellow athletes to train with?

SUP is pretty popular in my area , and there are a few clubs that practice regularly. I’m part of Chania Surf Club, which has a lot of members and a great community vibe. When it comes to training, I work with my sister –  we push each other to improve every day, and that friendly competition helps us both get better and stay motivated.

The Agios Nikolaos on SUP race is one of the key events on the ICF SUP World Ranking circuit – Have you competed in this event before? If so, what were your key takeaways from past?

Yes, I’ve competed in the Agios Nikolaos on SUP race almost every year. It’s an incredible event, not just because of the high level of competition, but also because of the stunning views along the long distance course. What makes it even more special for me is that it’s the biggest SUP event in Greece, bringing together athletes from all around the world.

Photo source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

How does this event compare to other major SUP competitions you’ve participated in?

As I mentioned earlier, Agios Nikolaos on SUP is a high-level event. The competition is intense every year, and I believe it’s one of the most challenging and exciting races I take part in.

Photo source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

Are there any particular aspects of the Agios Nikolaos course that make this race unique or challenging?

Agios Nikolaos is a special place on its own. The most beautiful part of the race is the long distance course. The views of nature is beautiful and the experience paddling through it is unique .

What are your expectations for this year’s race?

My expectations for this year race is to do my best. More specific this races will also be the Greek Championships so my goal is to become Greek Champion this year. It is a difficult goal but I believe as an athlete, the higher as I aim the harder I push myself to succeed.

What are your favourite SUP racing formats (Sprint, Tech, Long Distance) and why?

Each format is unique in its own way, but if I have to choose one it would be the technical. Technical racing is more than just a race where the strongest always wins. To be more specific, it’s about strategy and playing with the minds of your opponent.

The favourite part about technical racing is that it is so unpredictable, no matter how well your plan is anything can happen. At any point in the race something can happen and you can even end up from the 1st position, on the 8th or even the opposite. That makes it both thrilling and challenging.

Could you tell us more about your gear set up and riding the Infinity boards?

I’m currently using the Infinity EVERREADY board, which I really like. It’s a hard board to master, but it’s incredibly fast, especially in ocean conditions.

For my paddle, I’m using the Black Project Hydro SynergyX. It’s a fantastic paddle that helps me gain speed efficiently. I’m also excited to be part of the Black Project team this year.

Photo source: Agios Nikolaos on SUP

What are your SUP goals for 2025?

My primary goal for 2025 is to establish myself as the top SUP athlete in Greece. On the international stage, I want to see how I perform and give my best in every race. I’m committed to working hard every single day because my ultimate dream is to become the World Champion.

Thank you for your time, Nikos! Wishing you the best of luck in reaching your goals!

Find out more and register for Agios Nikolaos on SUP (3 & 4 May) and Sitia SUP Race (1 & 2 May) 

Follow Nikolaos Malekakis on Instagram 

Find out more about the Infinity SUP EVERREADY board 

*Images courtesy of Agios Nikolaos on SUP