SUP 11 Islands Adventure 2026: Dates announced as paddlers reflect

Photo by Edwin Westra

New dates have been announced and registrations are now open for SUP11 Islands (SUP11 X) – Koh Chang, Thailand, taking place from 30 November to 7 December 2026. Inspired by the iconic SUP 11-City Tour in the Netherlands, SUP11 X was created by Ritske Merkus and Marije Elgersma with a clear mission: to make multi-day SUP racing and adventure accessible, immersive, and community-driven.

Photo by Nynke Bakker / Studio Opgemerkt

Blending endurance paddling with travel and connection, SUP11 Islands offers a unique open-sea experience – averaging around 25 kilometres per day – set among Thailand’s stunning island landscapes. From crossing Koh Chang on day one to island hopping over the days that follow, the event challenges both body and mind while staying true to its ethos: “come as a person, leave as a family”.

Photo by Edwin Westra

We caught up with paddlers who experienced the adventure last December to hear what made SUP11 Islands such a memorable journey – and why 2026 is the year to join.

Per Vallbo, Founder of Yster SUP and a long-distance paddler from Sweden, who shared his experience directly from the water during his first SUP 11 x in December said:

“What stood out most was the whole experience rather than any single moment: paddling in a tropical climate, island hopping day after day, sharing the water with an incredible crowd and finishing each stage with great food.  

Per Valbo on Yster SUP 17’3 Unlimited board | Photo by Edwin Westra

“This is a unique event that offers far more than a race. It is an adventure and an unforgettable experience all in one. With a limited number of spots available, I would say do not wait. If you are even thinking about it, register now.”

Tineke Merkus | Photo by Edwin Westra

Tineke Merkus, entrepreneur and SUP coach at SUP Skool Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, who has joined the challenge three times (2019, 2024, and 2025), said:

“SUP 11 X has been my best SUP adventure ever! Paddling between the islands of Koh Chang is like paddling in paradise. Light-blue, warm water, beaches with palm trees on the horizon, and a coconut waiting every day at the finish give me the ultimate happy feeling on my SUP.

Of course, there are waves and windy conditions, but when you are fit and well prepared, that is no problem. And if it’s too hot during the tour, we simply take a break and swim to cool down — not too bad!

The beautiful nature, sunny weather, the best food Thailand has to offer, and the Ohana family feeling during this five-day event (the same atmosphere as the SUP 11 City Tour) make it truly special.

Photo by Edwin Westra

The organisation is super. Volunteers arrange everything for the athletes – from luggage transport (every day to a new lovely resort) to safety on the water with support boats. From breakfast and dinners on the beach to a massage after every stage – it’s all included. A fantastic event at a great price, even with board rental arranged.

Important advice for every SUP athlete who wants to sign up: Go out paddling on big lakes and on the sea or ocean to practice in windy and wavy conditions.”

Tineke with Per Vallbo | Photo by Edwin Westra

Professor Thomas Gale said from United Kingdom said:

“The main thing which stood out was how well supported you were throughout the six days. The organisers and volunteers were brilliant, going above and beyond to make sure you had everything you needed for the paddle and then the extra finishing touches like welcoming you at the end of each day with cold coconuts and arranging a massage for you on the beach.

Photo by Edwin Westra

Everyone was so friendly and there was amazing camaraderie between the paddlers who had only met for the first time on the trip. It was definitely more of a challenge than a race and boat support was always on hand to provide encouragement or assistance when required. Some of the stronger paddlers often held back to paddle in the middle or back of the pack and it was very much a team challenge to get everyone over each ocean crossing to a new island.

Thomas Gale | Photo by Edwin Westra

The main challenge for me was dealing with the heat and sun. I am used to ocean paddling and was fairly happy with the chop and at times windy conditions but found it harder when there was no wind as it was easy to overheat. So I took it easy during those spells and jumped in the water every few kilometres to cool off. Sharing the workload by drafting with other paddlers also really helped in the hot flat conditions, and a great way to meet some new friends!

Thomas Gale cooling off | Photo by Edwin Westra

I would highly recommend this paddle to anyone considering it. I was really excited about exploring the remote islands around Koh Chang and the challenge of completing the long distances but the experience far exceeded my expectations. The beaches where we stayed were like paradise and we were able to do other activities along the way such as yoga, snorkelling, ocean swimming. Meals were excellent and a very nice time to catch up with new friends from all over the globe. It was a real adventure in a fairly remote part of Thailand and a very special experience, exploring the coastline of all the islands we visited.”

Photo by Edwin Westra

Bobbi McQuown from the United States said:

“The challenge for me certainly was the conditions. I paddle mostly in lakes with little ocean time. The conditions were different every day and sometimes hour by hour or turn by turn. Sometimes it was the heat, sometimes it was wind, sometimes it was water movement. We had it all thrown at us. I felt so much stronger at the end of just 5 days in adapting to the conditions and navigating my assigned board.

Bobbi McQuown | Photo by Edwin Westra

This event was full of unexpected surprises and exceeded any expectations I had. The expectations included beautiful scenery, amazing food, and a bit of Thai hospitality and the trip checked all those boxes. The unexpected surprises included a team of volunteers that shepherded a group of strangers across challenges with a smile and full support, a group of strangers from 6 continents that remain in contact today and hopefully will for years to come, and lastly the opportunity to be amongst 30+ different paddlers of different skills learning from each other how to be better at a sport we love.”

Photo by Edwin Westra

Find out more about SUP11 X and follow the challenge on Facebook and Instagram.

Register for SUP11 X here.

*Images by Edwin Westra | Courtesy of SUP11 X