The season of racing has swung into action, next up on the calendar is the Taiwan Paddle Games. Starboard rider Daniel Hasulyo signed up to take part in the event, the next big name is recent Carolina Cup winner Sonni Honschield. The Taiwan Paddle Games will be held on the 4th and 5th May, with a long distance race that involves going around outer islands of Taiwan.
The Taiwan Paddle Games has fast become the perfect warm up for elite athletes heading to Zamami for the Kerama Cup, Japan. TotalSUP talks to Sonni about her enthusiasm in going to the Taiwan Paddle Games (TPG).
Hi Sonni, Can you introduce how you felt your season went last year, and the goals for this season?
How do you feel going into the new season? Last year was a real challenge, I was preparing my 3rd art exhibition and doing the tour. My goal was to win the title by August (start of my exhibition) and I was happy to achieve it! I feel good and I am really looking forward to seeing and travelling to some new places this year, especially like Taiwan.
When did you hear about the TPG? What made you interested in going there? What is your knowledge of Taiwan?
I heard about it last year and saw pictures of it.The games really got my attention and I’m happy to have the chance to go this year. I noticed that people are really open and nice in Taiwan. Even just organising my trip, Starboard Taiwan has been super helpful, everybody is really excited about stand up paddling. During the games Starboard Taiwan and myself are planning to do some clinics and get-togethers!
What conditions are you expecting?
I haven’t even thought about that part so far. I will let myself be surprised and I am prepared for everything.
Will you be going to the Kerama Cup the week after?
Yes, its very close and easy to get there from Taiwan. Zamami its such a special place, I can’t miss that!
The Starboard rider from Port Adriano, Mallorca, has been moving steadily up the international ranks since his 2021 junior world title, and  broke through at the highest senior level in 2025, winning the Open Men’s technical world title at the ICF Worlds in Abu Dhabi and taking silver in long distance. In a Spanish team […]
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