The TotalSUP Awards 2023: The Results!

We’re thrilled to present our first-ever TotalSUP Awards, a fantastic way to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and the perfect excuse to revisit some of the absolute best moments from 2023. So, buckle up! The results are coming, and we can’t wait to share the hype, the surprises, and the pure stoke with you! But, hold up – there are a few things you should know:

As a public voting initiative, these initial TotalSUP Awards inherently reflect a popularity contest within the stand-up paddling community. We know it, you know it, let’s embrace it! A big shoutout to the riders, event organizers and brands for playing the buzz game with us throughout December. You guys rocked the vote. We received a total of 154,398 unique votes in the 4 weeks of the voting period! Obviously, those with massive friends and followers networks, marketing resources, and creative PR stunts had a slight advantage over the competition. Overall though, the results are a pretty good reflection of what happened on the world’s SUP scene in 2023.

This inaugural edition did serve as a trial run for us though. After behind-the-scenes deliberations, we’ve acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach if we intend to conduct yearly Awards. It’s apparent that, to uphold TotalSUP’s influence in the stand-up paddling world, we’ve got to step up our game and a more rigorous and inclusive methodology is necessary.

Moving forward, the future TotalSUP Awards will likely involve a jury made of industry peers, a selection of athletes, the TotalSUP staff as well as the public, aiming for a more comprehensive assessment of excellence in the stand-up paddling realm. This is just the beginning of something epic!

with that, the 2023 TotalSUP Awards winners are…

Best Female Rider of the Year

1. Juliette DuHaime – The Global Trailblazer! With an awe-inspiring 17.83% of the votes, totaling an impressive 2,570 supporters, Infinity Speed Freak Juliette DuHaime emerged victorious. Beyond her outstanding dual nationality, Juliette’s globetrotting adventures, infectious personality, and remarkable performances in 2022 and 2023 painted a vivid picture of her dominance. Snatching second place at the ICF SUP World Championships Pattaya in the Sprints and third place in the Tech Race, her double triumph at the Busan SUP Open showcased her prowess. Surprisingly absent from the ISA World Championships, Juliette’s global appeal and dynamic paddling style captured the hearts of the paddleboarding community in 2023.

2. Kim Barnes – Age is Just a Number! A seasoned athlete at 47, Kim Barnes secured a formidable 17.26% of the votes, earning the admiration of 2,489 supporters. Her silver medal at the ICF SUP World Championships Pattaya (long distance) and dominant victories at the Carolina Cup (long distance) and Chattajack 31 (ultra-long distance) highlighted her enduring strength and competitive spirit. As a proud member of Team Flying Fish, Kim’s achievements stand as a testament to the fact that age is indeed just a number in the world of SUP.

3. Fiona Wylde – The Comeback Queen! Returning after over 500 days due to injury, Fiona Wylde clinched 12.98% of the votes, gathering a solid support of 1,871 fans. Her triumphant comeback was punctuated by victories at the ICF SUP World Cup in Sarasota, the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge, and a particularly engaging downwind video that went viral on TotalSUP’s social media pages. Fiona’s resilience and ability to conquer challenges resonated with voters, establishing her as the comeback queen of the paddling world.

Best Male Rider of the Year

1. Donato Freens – Hard work pays off! With 7.1% of the votes, totaling an impressive 2,101 supporters, Donato Freens from the Netherlands, confirmed his young talent, confidence, and determination to seize, one day, his first world title. His victorious start to 2023 at the Gla Gla Race in the Tech Race, followed by many international podiums including 3 Euro Tour wins, culminated with a 3rd place overall on the 2023 Euro Tour. While narrowly missing a junior world title at the ISA World Championships in Les Sables d’Olonne in his last junior year, Donato’s dedication, mindset, and potential set the stage for a promising future in the sport.

2. Paolo Marconi – A Decade of Dedication! Gathering 6.88% of the votes, Paolo Marconi, representing Italy, boasts more than a decade of experience in SUP racing. His triumph at Last Paddler Standing in December 2022 and an impressive Top 10 finish at the ICF SUP World Championships in Pattaya displayed his enduring expertise. Paolo’s recent decision to join Team SUNOVA marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

3. Tomas Lacerda – Triumph Amidst Adversity! Securing 6.43% of the votes, totaling 1,900 supporters, Tomas Lacerda, hailing from Madeira, Portugal, faced an emotionally challenging year, losing his father to cancer. In tribute, he embarked on an 80km solo crossing collecting funds for cancer research and triumphed with a spectacular European title at Eurosup in Peniche within his home country, Portugal. Tomas’s resilience and remarkable achievements amidst personal adversity earned him admiration within the SUP community.

Best Female Performance of the Year

1. Seychelle’s Comeback Sprint World Title With a remarkable 34.97% of the votes, totaling 1,196 supporters, Seychelle’s comeback to claim the ICF Sprint World Champion Title stole the spotlight. After dedicating the past three years to being a mom and coaching, SIC Maui figurehead Seychelle defied expectations by returning to her top level in the latter part of 2023. The 2018 APP World Champion’s victory in the sprints at the ICF SUP Worlds in Pattaya showcased her resilience and exceptional talent, earning her the well-deserved title of Best Female Performance.

2. Kim Barnes’s 1st Carolina Cup Win Securing 10.12% of the votes (346 supporters), Kim Barnes’ first-ever victory at the prestigious Carolina Cup in Wrightsville Beach made waves in the SUP Race community at the beginning of the season. Her triumphant performance at this renowned international event caught the attention of voters.

3. Lucia Cosoletto – 2nd Consecutive ISA World Title (SUP Surf) With 7.78% of the votes (266 supporters), Lucia Cosoletto’s achievement of winning her second consecutive ISA World Title in SUP Surf earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium. As a SUP surfer, Lucia’s mastery of the waves and consistent excellence in the ISA World Championships showcased her dominance in the discipline.

It is noteworthy to highlight the incredible accomplishment of former SUP Race world champion and now SUP foiler Olivia Piana, who secured 6% of the votes in 4th place, for her extraordinary personal challenge which involved SUP foil downwinding the entire Portuguese coast, covering an impressive distance of 285km in a remarkable 14 hours and 36 minutes.

Best Male Performance of the Year

1. John Knippers – the Great Alabama 650 Conqueror With an astounding 36.36% of the votes, totaling 1,652 supporters, John Knippers from Langley, OK, USA made history by becoming the first man to complete the Alabama 650 on a SUP. Covering 650 miles in a remarkable 8 days and 8 hours, his achievement underscored the growing strength and fervor within the ultra-long distance (ULD) community, highlighting the rising trend of extreme endurance challenges.

2. Tomas Lacerda – EUROSUP Sprint Champion Securing 10.67% of the votes (485 supporters), Tomas Lacerda’s performance at the EUROSUP 2023 Sprint final left an indelible mark. In an electrifying 200m battle amidst challenging windy conditions, Tomas displayed exceptional skill, surging from 3rd place to 1st in the last 60m, narrowly edging out his NSP teammate Christian Andersen. His remarkable sprint to victory and emotional celebration captured the essence of thrilling competition and sheer determination.

3. Shuri Araki – ISA Tech Race + Long Distance Gold With an impressive 8.58% of the votes (390 supporters), 17-year-old Shuri Araki’s back-to-back gold medals in the ISA Tech Race and Long Distance stood out. His exceptional achievement of securing two ISA world titles back-to-back at such a young age distinguished him as a prodigious talent within the SUP racing community.

International Female Rookie of the Year

1. Claudia Postiglione – A Junior Sensation! Gathering a remarkable 15.86% of the votes, totaling 2,309 supporters, Claudia Postiglione from Italy emerged as the International Female Rookie of the Year. At only 15 years old, Claudia embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2023, winning 2 Junior World Titles at the ICF SUP Worlds against a stacked field, including pre-event favorite Cecilia Pampinella. Claudia’s rapid rise to success is a testament to her talent and the support she receives from her club and coach Mario in Taranto in the South of Italy.

2. Csillag Kocsis – Swimming to SUP Success! Securing 15.53% of the votes (2,261 supporters), Csillag Kocsis from Hungary, a former national junior swimming champion, seamlessly transitioned to SUP Racing. In a short time, she showcased her prowess by earning a silver and a bronze medal at the ICF SUP Worlds in the Junior division. Additionally, Csillag claimed a first victory in an open race at the Adria SUP Challenge in Slovenia, part of the SUP Alps Trophy circuit, highlighting once again her fast-growing skills.

3. Alma Coletta – Making Waves! With 13.75% of the votes (2,002 supporters), 20-year-old Alma Coletta from Argentina made a distinctive mark, securing an impressive 8th place in Les Sables d’Olonne. Her notable performance in a competitive field underscores her potential and adds another talented Argentinean to the TotalSUP Awards spotlight.

International Male Rookie of the Year

1. Mikolaj Majdan – A Rising Star! With a resounding 18.51% of the votes, totaling 713 supporters, Mikolaj Majdan from Poland emerged as the International Male Rookie of the Year. This exciting new face in the SUP world concluded 2023 with a bang, securing various podiums and wins at events like Planet Baltic in Poland, Skrea Strand Paddle Race in Sweden, and in the Czech Republic. Mikolaj’s stellar performances mark him as a rising star with tremendous potential.

2. Santino Basaldella – ISA Standout! Gathering 12.8% of the votes (493 supporters), Santino Basaldella from Argentina seize his opportunity to showcase his prowess on the international stage. With two top-ten results in Long Distance and Technical at the ISA SUP World Championships in France and a remarkable 3rd place finish at the Pan Am Games, Santino demonstrated exceptional skill and competitiveness early in his SUP career.

3. Sergio Cantoral – Junior Excellence! Earning 12.15% of the votes (468 supporters), Sergio Cantoral from Spain made a remarkable impression in 2023 as a junior paddler. Hailing from the Parres Watersports club in Alicante, Spain, Sergio clinched his 3rd ICF Junior World Title in 2023, securing his second title in technical racing. His presence on the rookie podium highlights the enormous pool of young talents in Spain right now.

Best event of the Year

1. Yaka Paddle Festival – Grassroots Charity Extravaganza!

A staggering 91.5% of the votes (37,732 supporters) affirmed the Yaka Paddle Festival’s position as the Best Event of the Year. Nestled in Lorient, in the heart of French Brittany, this grassroots charity Stand Up Paddle event gathered 502 paddlers and, for the 2nd year in a row, combined SUP racing with live music, creating a unique and vibrant experience. The overwhelming support can be attributed to the event’s regional engagement and a clever publicity stunt through the local press with the help of a famous French band. With ambitions to gather 1001 paddlers in the upcoming year, the Yaka Paddle Festival truly captured the hearts and votes of the community.

2. ICF SUP World Championship Thailand – Global Showdown!

Securing 1.33% of the votes (550 supporters), the ICF SUP World Championship in Pattaya, Thailand, stood as a monumental global event. With more than 900 SUP racers representing over 50 countries, the championship brought together the best of the best in the sport in four different age groups. The international scale and competitive fervor earned it a well-deserved spot on the podium.

3. Adria SUP Challenge – Inaugural Triumph!

Gathering 0.96% of the votes (395 supporters), the inaugural Adria SUP Challenge in Koper, Slovenia, marked a successful introduction to the SUP community. The event also served as the initial step for Slovenia in the popular SUP Alps Trophy, a series that spans Germany, Austria, and now Slovenia.

Let’s add an honorable mention for The Lake Rocks Festival which almost made it to the podium with 0.84% of the votes (348 supporters). The Lake Rocks Festival in Faaker See, part of the SUP Alps Trophy, distinguished itself as one of the largest SUP race gatherings of the year, both in terms of attendance, performances and fun, with 250 participants.

Best SUP Race brand of the Year

1. Starboard – The Clear Fan Favorite!

Starboard dominated with an overwhelming 78.98% of the votes, amassing an impressive 7,813 supporters. The brand’s significant engagement from fans and followers is reflected not only in this category but across various brand categories. Starboard’s exceptional year included notable performances and groundbreaking product designs which started with the 1st hollow board of their range, the Sprint, followed by the launch of the Gen-R. The pinnacle was the ICF SUP World Championships, where Starboard athletes clinched 29 out of 78 medals. A year of triumphs illustrated by Connor Baxter, Esperanza Barreras, Michael Booth, Vaic Garioud and Clément Colmas solidified Starboard’s position as the Best SUP Race Brand.

2. Light Board Corp – German Excellence!

Light Board Corp, a German-based company, secured a notable 4.67% of the votes (462 supporters), earning the second spot. The brand’s CEO, Gerd Weisner’s active involvement in the sport provided significant visibility. Gerd organizes the popular SUP Alps Trophy circuit, attracting hundreds of paddlers to events in Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. With a strong team of SUP racers, including rising star Donato Freens, and influential riders like Normen Weber, Peter Weidert, and Hermann Husslein, Light Board Corp’s presence in the SUP community is unmistakable and growing outside of Germany.

3. NSP – New Year, New Heights!

NSP secured 4.28% of the votes (423 supporters), landing on the podium as expected. The brand’s prominence in 2023 was fueled by the release of the new Ninja in January and the addition of four international riders: Duna Gordillo, Christian Andersen, Blue Ewer and Bodie Von Allmen.  NSP’s strategic moves set the stage for an exceptional year, putting them in a neck-and-neck battle with other leading brands in the industry.

Best Leisure / iSUP Brand of the Year

1. Starboard – Inflatable Dominance!

Starboard once again claimed the top spot with an astonishing 85.12% of the votes, totaling 6,548 supporters. Starboard’s dominance in the iSUP and leisure category was highlighted by their comprehensive range of inflatable boards catering to all disciplines and skill levels. From beginner-friendly boards to those suited for seasoned athletes in various paddling activities such as fun paddles, touring, surfing, and racing, Starboard’s versatility and quality set them apart.

2. Light Board Corp – Hollow Tech Expertise in iSUP!

Light Board Corp secured 4.28% of the votes (329 supporters), earning another second position. Renowned for their hollow board technology, Light Board Corp’s prowess extends to the iSUP market with a catalog boasting 74 different models. Covering everything from freeriding to SUP racing, Light Board Corp’s commitment to innovation and variety in the iSUP segment contributed to their recognition.

3. Red Paddle Co – A Solid Household Name!

Red Paddle Co secured 2.08% of the votes (160 supporters), maintaining its status as a solid household name in the iSUP scene. The UK-based iSUP pioneer continued to make its mark despite the influx of new iSUP brands globally. While diversifying its offerings with a full range of clothing and accessories under the brand Red Equipment, Red Paddle Co remains a recognized and respected player in the inflatable SUP market.

Best SUP Surf Brand of the Year

1. Starboard – Riding the SUP Surfing Wave!

Starboard achieved an extraordinary victory, securing an overwhelming 92.93% of the votes, with a staggering 12,191 supporters. This resounding triumph reflected Starboard’s undisputed dominance in the SUP surfing scene, especially during a year marked by key events like the ISA SUP Worlds, EuroSUP, and the APP World Tour. Starboard’s figurehead in SUP surfing, Benoit Carpentier, played a pivotal role, clinching his 2nd European title and podium finishes in other significant events as well as Zane Schweitzer’s victory at the Pan Am Games in Chile.

2. Infinity – Surf DNA and Family Legacy!

Infinity, the Californian family brand with a rich +50-year history in the surf world, secured 2.08% of the votes (273 supporters), earning a well-deserved spot on the podium. The Dana Point-based brand’s connection to surf culture and the charismatic leadership of CEO Dave Boehne contributed to its recognition. Infinity’s influence in SUP surfing is evident, making it a standout choice for many voters.

3. NSP – Surf Roots and SUP Excellence!

NSP, with 1.21% of the votes (159 supporters), showcased its surf roots in the SUP world. Originating as a surf brand 23 years ago, NSP has seamlessly incorporated its surfing heritage into its SUP offerings. The brand’s commitment to both surf and SUP resonated with voters, earning NSP a place on the podium.

Thailand-based SUNOVA secured 1.08% of the votes (142 supporters), not far behind in the rankings. Founded by a surfer, SUNOVA a brand that only develops hard boards in its own factory in Khao Lak, Thailand boasts a significant SUP surf offering, showcasing its commitment to riding the surf wave from the unique perspective of its Thai roots.

Best SUP Foil Brand of the Year

1. Starboard – Foiling to Great Heights!

Starboard secured a remarkable victory with an overwhelming 88.72% of the votes, totaling 5,388 supporters. The brand’s success in the SUP and wing foiling scene was attributed to the increased interest in foiling among top athletes. Starboard’s promotion window was well-utilized, especially with the launch in September of the ACE FOIL BOARD adaptation version, derived from the iconic SUP Downwind Ace. Noteworthy foiling innovations, including a diverse range of foil boards like the Take-Off and AirFoil, further solidified Starboard’s position as the leading SUP Foil Board Brand for the voters.

2. NSP – Versatile Foiling Excellence!

NSP secured a place on the podium with 1.91% of the votes (116 supporters). NSP’s foiling expertise was evident in its versatile foil board range, featuring multi-discipline boards that cater to a diverse foiling audience.

3. SIC Maui – Choice of Champions in SUP Foiling!

SIC Maui claimed the third spot with 1.71% of the votes (104 supporters). Known as the board choice for athletes like Ethan Bry and Ludo Teulade in SUP foiling, SIC Maui showcased a broad selection of board models, including the Marlin and Mako, appealing to a wide range of SUP foilers. SIC Maui’s dedication to high-performance boards and their acceptance among elite athletes contributed to their recognition.

Best Paddle Brand of the Year

1. Starboard – Paddling to Perfection!

Starboard secured an impressive victory with a commanding 75.91% of the votes (4,496 supporters), marking the fifth crown for the Bangkok-based brand. The Lima paddle, introduced in 2019, continued to shine as a top choice for many SUP racers within the TotalSUP audience. Starboard’s consistent excellence in paddle design and performance resonated strongly, solidifying its position as the leading paddle brand.

2. Black Project – Precision in Paddle Mastery!

Black Project claimed the second spot with 9.91% of the votes (587 supporters). As a Maui-based pure player specialized in paddles and fins, Black Project demonstrated its expertise with arguably the widest choice of paddles for all levels and disciplines. The brand’s growing market share was tangible, especially at events where paddlers experienced the precision and mastery offered by Black Project paddles.

3. QuickBlade Paddles – California Craftsmanship!

QuickBlade Paddles secured 6.21% of the votes (368 supporters), earning a well-deserved spot on the podium. The California-based and globally recognized brand, led by Jim Terrel, continued to impress with innovative designs. The revolutionary Stingray shape, alongside favorites like the Trifecta and V Drive, showcased QuickBlade Paddles’ commitment to craftsmanship and remained popular among SUP racers.

That is it for the 2023 TotalSUP Awards. Full results available on the voting page.

Now let’s rock’n roll 2024!