Duna Gordillo, Shuri Araki and Christian Andersen Conquer the Busan SUP Open

The 2024 Busan SUP Open delivered thrilling racing across two action-packed days, with standout performances from some of the world’s top paddlers. On Day 1, NSP rider Christian Andersen dominated the surf sprints, powering through a tough field that included four-time ISA World Champion Shuri Araki and Starboard’s Aaron Sanchez. His victory in the sprint set the stage for an exciting showdown in the distance race.

On Day 2, 4 x world champions Shuri Araki who skipped the 2024 ISA World CHampionships last month, was eager to prove that he is still one of the world’s best and made a powerful comeback, clinching the overall win with a dominant performance in the 9km distance race. His victory, combined with his strong finish on Day 1, secured his place as the overall event champion, further establishing him as a top contender heading into 2025.

Fresh from securing her 2nd ISA World title in Copenhagen, NSP rider Duna Gordillo lived up to her status by dominating the women’s division, winning both the sprint and distance races to claim the overall victory and solidify her #1 seed for the next season. Despite strong challenges from Japan’s rising talents Natsumi Baba and 13-year-old Otono Hirata, local favorite Su Jeong Lim, former world champion Laura Quetglas or American racer Katniss Paris, Duna remained in control, leaving no doubt of her supremacy.

NSP Duo Dominates Day 1 at Busan SUP Open

In the Men’s Christian Andersen dominates the sprints to win Day 1 of the Busan SUP Open

NSP rider Christian Andersen put on a commanding performance in the Day 1 surf sprints of the Busan SUP Open. Despite forecasts of challenging weather, the day turned out beautifully, providing great surf conditions for athletes. Andersen, cool and confident from the start, navigated the M-course with ease, eventually storming to victory in a stacked final.

Facing off against tough competition, including four-time ISA World Champion Shuri Araki, Starboard rider Aaron Sanchez, and fellow Spaniard Antonio Morillo, Christian took the lead early and never looked back. Shuri secured 2nd place, with Morillo in 3rd and Sanchez finishing 4th.

Duna Gordillo extends her winning streak in Day 1 Sprints

NSP rider Duna Gordillo continued her APP World Tour dominance by winning the sprints on Day 1 of the Busan SUP Open. Despite strong challenges from fellow Spaniard Laura Quetglas and Japan’s 13 year old phenomenon Otono Hirata and Baba Natsumi, Duna held her composure and crossed the finish line in 1st place.

Hirata came in 2nd, while Baba secured 3rd, making it clear that Japan’s rising SUP talents are ones to watch. Local favorite Su Jeong Lim finished 4th, rounding out a thrilling day of racing.

With both Christian Andersen and Duna Gordillo winning their respective sprints, the stage was set for an exciting final day of distance racing in Busan.

Shuri Araki and Duna Gordillo Sweep Day 2 at Busan SUP Open

Shuri Araki storms to overall victory at the Busan SUP Open with a dominant performance in the Distance

Four-time ISA World Champion and Flying Fish rider, Shuri ‘Shrimpy’ Araki, delivered a stunning display on Day 2 of the Busan SUP Open. After finishing a strong 2nd place in the sprints on Saturday, the 18-year-old phenom from Okinawa knew what needed to be done in the distance race—just win. And that’s exactly what he did.

Blasting off the line with nearly double the stroke rate of his competitors, Shuri immediately pulled ahead, steadily increasing his lead throughout the 9km course. By the time he crossed the finish line, he had built an impressive one-and-a-half-minute lead over the rest of the pack. Danish NSP rider Christian Andersen finished 2nd, followed by Starboard rider Aaron Sanchez from Mallorca in 3rd.

With Shuri and Christian tied in points after both days, the tie-breaker was decided by the distance race, securing Shuri the overall event win. Christian Andersen further validated his status as one of the most versatile paddlers in the world, taking 2nd overall.

This win at the 2024 season’s flagship event locks in Shuri’s #1 seed heading into 2025.

Duna Gordillo sweeps to victory at the Busan SUP Open with distance and overall wins

NSP rider Duna Gordillo lived up to expectations by claiming both the distance race and overall titles at the Busan SUP Open. Leading from the start, she held off a determined Natsumi Baba from Japan, who was competing in her first-ever APP World Tour event and took 2nd place. Rounding out the top three was another rising Japanese star, Hirata Otono, completing a strong showing for Japan in Busan.

Like Shuri, Duna’s dominant performance secured her #1 seed going into the 2025 season, with a target on her back for the top female paddlers.

The unique 9km course, framed by the stunning Gwangalli Beach, provided a scenic backdrop and intense racing, with 6 laps of 1.5km each. Among the men, the battle for 2nd through 6th places was fierce, featuring NSP rider Christian Andersen, Starboard riders Aaron Sanchez and Fernando Serra, Infinity rider Arthur Arutkin from France, and Antonio Morillo, with constant position changes throughout the race.