SUP4Life 2024 Countdown: Inside the Belgian SUP Tour x WWSV Collaboration for Sports Development

When grassroots rider passion sparks a thriving SUP community, backed by watersport organisations with a shared vision for growth, good things can happen. As we approach the annual charity-driven, SUP4Life event (12km canal race) and the Belgian SUP racing season finale, held on 15 December in Ghent, TotalSUP sat down with Vincent Claeskens, Founder and Organiser of the Belgian SUP Tour (BST), competitive athlete and sport promoter.

Joining the conversation is Olivier De Meyer, Communications Manager of the WWSV (Wind & Watersport Vlaanderen), for an exclusive look at their successful partnership as they prepares to close out the season with a bang!

Hi Vincent, as you’re gearing up for the season finale, the SUP4Life event, could you tell us more about the collaboration between BST and WWSV (Wind & Watersport Vlaanderen) for this event?

Thank you for your interest in our little organisation, which is growing into a big one. The WWSV (Wind & Watersport Vlaanderen) is the Federation for the Flemish region, which is responsible for all sailing and wave sports. This federation is a member of ISA Surf, as wave surfing is also part of their scope.

Vincent Claeskens | Race briefing

As a federation, the WWSV organises an annual event as part of a national philanthropic initiative: SUP4Life. The BST has joined forces with this organisation. So we’re joining forces: Belgian SUP Tour (BST) for the competition side, WWSV for the touring side.

From left: Joep van Bakel (The Netherlands), Donato Freens (The Netherlands) and Kjell De Bruyn (Belgium)

The profits from our mutual actions go entirely to the King Beaudouin Foundation, which manages and redistributes donations from all over Belgium.

Each year, SUP4Life attracts more participants from various countries. What do you think makes this event so special and appealing to international paddlers?

Above all, the fact that it’s a race that has become a classic. I think this is the 6th or 7th year running? The date is also an important factor. It’s a period when there’s little competition in terms of events… and last but not least: the fact that it’s the last race on the Belgian SUP Tour (BST)and BeNeSUP Tour calendar. It’s money time for the final annual rankings!

Asger Smidt (Denmark)

This year’s theme is the Fight Against Isolation. Could you tell us more about it?

Each year, the national charity proposes a different social theme. This year, it’s the fight against isolation… a major social problem. We’re delighted to be doing our bit to help!

How does the SUP community help build connections, and what role do events like SUP4Life play in addressing social issues?

Personally, I think SUP is a modern sport that is open to ecological and social issues, etc. This SUP4Life action is a start and we are happy to be taking part, but we don’t intend to limit ourselves to one action per year… the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) must be able to convey these values, which are so present in the sport.

In the afternoon, there’s a festive 6 km open paddle for All. How important do you think it is to have non-competitive elements in events like this, and how does it help engage a wider range of participants?

It’s one of the moments when amateurs see what a SUP competition is all about. Every year, we get new amateurs who want to try their hand at competition.

The event combines competition with community spirit. How do you see this balance between a high-performance race and a charity-driven, festive atmosphere influencing the growth of SUP in the region and beyond it?

I’m convinced that there’s no reason not to combine the two! It’s a trend for every modern sport! Take, for example, the Paralympics, the initiatives in different disciplines where we offer formats adapted to participants with mental or physical disabilities… I’m convinced, however, that we can bring (read: mix) the genders closer together! That’s what integration is all about!

Hi Olivier, what is the WWSV’s mission in promoting the sport of stand-up paddleboarding?

WWSV’s mission in promoting stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is to increase accessibility and participation in the sport across Flanders by supporting a diverse range of SUP activities, from recreational paddling to competitive events. The federation focuses on creating inclusive and sustainable SUP opportunities that attract people of all ages and skill levels, encouraging both newcomers and experienced paddlers to enjoy the sport.

WWSV aims to foster a strong SUP community through partnerships, such as with the Belgian SUP Tour (BST), and by providing resources, training, and platforms like Ikwatersport.be to help clubs organize and grow SUP initiatives. Through these efforts, WWSV strives to elevate SUP as a recognized and accessible watersport in the region.

Belgian SUP Tour Regular – Dirk de Beuf

How does the federation envision the sport’s growth?

SUP has been on the rise since the COVID crisis. We see a growing number of people who are members of one of our affiliated clubs. SUP yoga, tours, and races are attracting more and more people, resulting in an increase in both recreational and competitive events. As the federation, we try to support our clubs in the organization of these activities with platforms like Ikwatersport.be and additional equipment such as support boats or SUPs.

Could you tell us more about your collaboration with the Belgian SUP Tour (BST)?

WWSV has supported the organization since the beginning of the BST. From facilitating events within our clubs to providing personnel or broadcasting information, these are just a selection of the offerings we have provided over the years. In return, BST has grown and is attracting more and more people, helping the sport to grow.

What channels and strategies will WWSV be using to attract both competitive athletes and leisure paddlers to SUP events and activities?

WWSV will use a mix of digital and community-focused channels to attract both competitive athletes and leisure paddlers to SUP events and activities. Key platforms like Ikwatersport.be play a central role, offering a comprehensive overview of SUP events, training opportunities, and affiliated clubs across Flanders.

Social media and targeted email campaigns help reach a broader audience, while partnerships with local clubs and the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) provide visibility and engagement at the grassroots level. Additionally, WWSV supports clubs with practical resources, such as SUP equipment and support boats, to encourage accessible event organization. Through these channels and partnerships, WWSV aims to strengthen the SUP community and inspire a growing number of participants in both recreational and competitive paddling.

Thank you both for your time and insight and we’re wishing you an epic event!

Register for SUP4Life here

To find out more about the Belgian SUP Tour, visit belgiansuptour.be 

Join the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) group on Facebook and follow BST on Instagram 

Find out more about WWSV 

*Images by Vincent Claeskens and Peter Pruydt