8th La Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race: Rubén Cantoral returns to the event that builds the next generation of paddling talent

Sometimes, witnessing a moment like the one at the opening stop of the European SUP League (ESL) – the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola – makes you realise that the SUP world needs more of them. Two Spanish SUP stars, brothers Sergio and Rubén Cantoral, battling it out on the water, only to embrace at the finish line. It also needs events that demonstrate what grassroots sporting communities can achieve: developing young athletes, bringing generations together and building a stronger future for the sport.

“It’s not just about the fastest athletes; it’s about bringing everyone together and enjoying the sport. It’s amazing to see how the younger paddlers develop, how everyone keeps improving and how much fun we can all have competing against each other,” says Rubén.

His own progression is a testament to that sporting environment. In 2026, he secured three Spanish national titles, winning gold in Sprint, Technical Race and Long Distance in the U18 category. He has also made an impression on the European SUP League circuit, finishing second in the Elite Men’s Sprint at the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola. At the fourth stop of the European SUP League in Poland, he claimed two U18 victories, taking first place in both the Technical Race and the 200m Sprint.

Making his fifth appearance at the event, Rubén brings more than an impressive list of results. He represents the spirit of an event that goes beyond competition: one that celebrates participation, encourages emerging talent, connects generations and helps shape the future of paddle sport.

Photo by Christian Stadler

Hi Ruben, welcome to TotalSUP and massive congratulations on an amazing season! You’ve earned a reputation as one of the exciting talents in SUP racing. What continues to motivate you to push your limits?

Thank you very much! I think what motivates me most is knowing that I can keep improving. I really enjoy training, competing and seeing the progress I make. There’s always something new to learn, and I like challenging myself and seeing what I can achieve.

Of course, good results are always nice, but for me, it’s also about enjoying the process, having fun on the water and sharing all these experiences with the people around me.

Image source: European SUP League

Looking back at the season so far, has there been a particular race this year that challenged you more than expected or taught you something new about yourself as a paddler?

The World SUP Festival in Santa Pola was definitely a very special race for me. The level of competition was really high, and finishing second in the international sprint was a great experience. I was happy with the result, but I also learned a lot from racing against such strong paddlers.

I think every race gives you something, whether it’s experience, confidence or things you can work on for next time. That’s what makes the sport so interesting for me.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki x Wydry z Przylesia

What has been your go-to NSP board setup for racing and why does it work so well for your racing style and the conditions you typically compete in?

My go-to board is the NSP Carolina EVO 20’5. I feel comfortable racing on it, and having confidence in your equipment is really important. When you’re on the start line, you want to be able to focus on the race, your paddling and the other competitors rather than worrying about your equipment.

For me, it’s about finding a setup that suits me and allows me to enjoy racing and give my best.

Photo by Christian Stadler

We have to ask 🙂 At the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola, you finished second in the international sprint behind your older brother, Sergio. What was it like sharing the podium with him and how do you approach competing against each other while balancing the rivalry of racing together with the support of being brothers?

It was a really special moment for me. I remember seeing Sergio shouting and cheering for me, and honestly, that made me so happy. Even though we were competing against each other, seeing him there supporting me made me feel almost as if I had won. I remember it with a big smile because it was such a lovely moment, and definitely one I won’t forget.

Image source: European SUP League

He’s my older brother, and sharing these experiences with him means a lot to me. We both enjoy racing, but having your brother there to support you makes it even more special. Of course, we both want to do well, but moments like that remind me that it’s about much more than the result.

Image source: European SUP League

You’ve participated in four editions of the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race. What keeps bringing you back?

There are lots of reasons, but the people are a big part of it. The race is organised the club where I belong, Club Deportivo Parres and it takes place in the area where I paddle every week, so it feels very close to home.

One of the things I enjoy most is seeing all my teammates and friends coming back year after year and watching how everyone improves and grows in the sport. It’s a real privilege to see that, from the youngest kids to the oldest paddlers. And it’s also super fun to compete with them! We train together, race together and share a lot of good moments, which makes this event very special for me.

How has the event changed since your first participation, whether in terms of the organisation, the competition or the atmosphere?

I think one of the nicest things is seeing how everyone progresses over the years. Since my first participation, I’ve also gained more experience, and it’s great to look around and see how my teammates and other paddlers keep improving.

Because the event is organised by my own club, it feels particularly special to me. I get to see the work that goes into organising it, and then enjoy the race together with everyone. The atmosphere is great, and I love seeing so many different ages and levels of paddlers taking part. It’s not just about the fastest athletes; it’s about bringing everyone together and enjoying the sport.

Image source: La Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race

What makes the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo stand out on the international SUP racing calendar, and why should athletes make it a must-attend event on their calendar?

For me, it’s the atmosphere, the location and, above all, the people. It’s a great opportunity to compete, but also to spend time with other paddlers and enjoy being part of the SUP community.

I especially love seeing everyone racing together, from the youngest participants to the more experienced athletes. It’s amazing to see how the younger paddlers develop, how everyone keeps improving and how much fun we can all have competing against each other. I think that’s what makes events like this so important. You come to race, but you also leave with great memories and even more motivation to keep paddling.

Image source: La Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race

The Mediterranean can offer very different conditions from one year to the next. How do you approach the course and adapt your race strategy to the conditions on the day?

The first thing is to look at the conditions and understand what the wind and water are doing. You can have a plan before the race, but you always need to be ready to adapt.

I try to stay focused, choose my lines carefully and manage my effort throughout the course. Sometimes you need to be patient, and other times you have to push a little harder. I’m still learning with every race, and I think that’s part of the fun: every day and every course can be different, so there’s always something new to figure out.

Photo by Bartek Ciechacki x Wydry z Przylesia

Having raced here multiple times, do you feel a special connection to this event, and does that familiarity give you an advantage?

Yes, definitely! This event is special to me because it takes place where I train every week and is organised by my own club. It’s a place I know well, and it’s always nice to race somewhere that feels so familiar.

But what makes it really special is the people. I love seeing my teammates and friends, and watching everyone grow and improve from one year to the next. It’s also really fun to compete with them because we know each other from training, and it makes the race even more enjoyable. Knowing the area is nice, but every race is different, so you still have to be ready for anything.

What are your plans for the remainder of 2026 and looking ahead to 2027? Are there any key races, goals or milestones you’re particularly focused on as you continue to progress in the sport?

My focus is on continuing to improve, gaining experience and enjoying the races ahead. The ESL circuit and the ICF Championship are important targets for me, and I want to keep challenging myself against strong paddlers and see how much I can progress.

I know there’s still a lot to learn, but that’s what motivates me. I want to keep training, become a more consistent paddler and work towards my goals step by step. Of course, I hope to achieve good results, but I also want to enjoy the journey, have fun with my teammates and keep doing what I love. For me, that’s a big part of why I enjoy this sport so much.

Photo by Christian Stadler

To find out more about the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race and REGISTER, visit mediterraneosuprace.com

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