From Italy’s pioneer to world ranking event: SUP Race Lignano enters the ICF circuit

What began more than a decade ago as a grassroots race organised by a passionate local crew has grown into one of Europe’s largest SUP gatherings. Now, the SUP Race Lignano is entering a new chapter.

On 12-13 September 2026, Lignano’s long-standing SUP tradition will take another significant step forward as both the Technical Race and Long Race become official stops on the International Canoe Federation (ICF) SUP World Ranking Circuit. The move brings elite international athletes to the Adriatic, all chasing valuable ranking points and a place among the sport’s leading competitors.

But the evolution of Lignano is not about elite racing alone. Alongside the two World Ranking events, the Fun Race and Big SUP Race will open the competition to amateur paddlers, families and SUP enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. It is this combination – high-level international racing alongside accessible, community-focused competition – that has helped define the event from the beginning.

For Romina Mariotto and Alberto Sammarco, Co-Founders of The Wild SUP and the people behind the race, reaching ICF World Ranking status represents both recognition of what has been built and an opportunity to take the event into its next phase.

We caught up with Alberto and Romina to talk about the race, the course, its evolution over the years and what its new status on the ICF SUP World Ranking Circuit means for Lignano – while staying true to the idea that racing can be both competitive and inclusive.

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

Hi Alberto and Romina, welcome back to TotalSUP! The Lignano SUP Race has a long history. What makes Lignano such a special place for SUP, and how did the event first come about?

Alberto:

Lignano was a pioneer in SUP. Many locals who travelled around the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing discovered this emerging sport, fell in love with it and brought it back to an ideal setting.

A wide beach, a mild climate and numerous accommodation facilities were all important factors, while the strong bond of friendship between the founders did the rest. The location itself also played a major role. We should also remember the Lignano SUP Marathon, another very fascinating event that has contributed to the area’s SUP history.

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

What does it mean for Lignano to host an official ICF SUP World Ranking event in 2026, and what are you most excited about for this year’s edition?

Alberto:

For us, it means restoring some of the lustre to a historical event. It will be a good test for athletes to check their preparation ahead of the World Championships.

Lignano’s central location in Europe should also encourage many international athletes to come, especially from Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.

In the Technical Race, we have reduced the length to create even more of a battle in the different heats. In the Long Race, the passage along the beach and near the pier will bring the athletes closer to the spectators, which should create a great atmosphere.

How would you describe the SUP community in Lignano and the surrounding region, and what role has The Wild SUP played in developing paddling here?

Alberto:

There are many schools helping to spread this beautiful sport during the warmer months. In our region, we are fortunate to have an abundance of water, and more and more people are discovering that SUP allows them to explore these places in harmony with nature.

The Wild SUP has always tried to contribute to this development. Over the years, we have introduced innovative formats such as the Crono SUP Sacile and an alpine lake race – the Lake Race in Barcis in 2019 – in addition to the SUP Marathon in Lignano.

The goal has always been to create different ways for people to experience and enjoy paddling.

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

You know the Lignano SUP Race both as an organiser and as an athlete. What do you think makes this race special from the water, and what are you personally most looking forward to when you line up at the start?

Romina: 

Regarding the organization of the Lignano SUP Race, a unique feature is that the course loops around the “Pagoda,” where large crowds gather to watch the race from the water and cheer on the athletes.

The beach section adds a layer of technical difficulty, as transitioning between paddling and running requires a significant shift in pace.
Furthermore, changing sea conditions make the race – which consists of four 3km laps – unpredictable.

From an athlete’s perspective, the start is the most exciting and often the most decisive moment of the race; I have to choose the right line based on the position of the first buoy and the state of the tide.

But that’s not the only factor – the competitors alongside you can also make a difference, especially in those first few meters; strategy often comes into play. Additionally, the beach section demands that athletes be well-trained in quickly dismounting and remounting their boards while on the move.

As a local, the Lignano SUP Race remains one of my favorite events.

How would you describe the race conditions athletes are likely to encounter in Lignano?

Alberto:

I am superstitious, so I don’t want to make any weather forecasts!

What I can say is that Lignano can offer a variety of conditions, and athletes will need to be ready to adapt to whatever the day brings.

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

Having helped shape the event, you know the course and its conditions better than most. As an athlete, what do you think will be the biggest challenge in this year’s race – and where could local knowledge make the difference?

Romina:

Familiarity with the area gives an advantage to athletes who frequent the Adriatic coast – as well as those who have competed in previous editions of the Lignano SUP Race – because they already understand wind and tide patterns, allowing them to devise a race strategy right at the starting line.

Of course, the biggest challenge this year will be beating the top athletes! LOL 😜

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

What advice would you give to someone racing in Lignano for the first time?

Alberto:

Come prepared to enjoy the event and everything that surrounds it. The aim is to celebrate paddling, not just racing.

The course and the atmosphere will give athletes the opportunity to experience Lignano from the water and, with the beach and pier sections, to feel close to the spectators.

Photo by Tiziano Faggiani

How do you hope competitors will remember the 2026 edition?

Alberto:

I hope they remember it as a fun, well-organised event where they felt part of a community.

For us, that is just as important as the competition itself. We want people to leave Lignano having enjoyed the racing, the atmosphere and the experience of being part of the SUP community.

Photo by Luca Alpago

Thank you for your time Alberto and Romina, have an epic event!

The official event bulletin can be found here 

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