The 2024 TotalSUP Awards – The Results!

TotalSUP Awards 2024 – The People’s Choice!

First and foremost, we (I) want to thank you for your patience in awaiting the results of the TotalSUP Awards 2024. The 2024 season was long and intense, running all the way to mid-December, and after covering more than 20 events around the world, I needed a short but much-needed break. While the first major international event of 2025 has already taken place at BOOTS, we are still two months away from the official start of the new season—one that promises to be just as intense, if not more, with major events and exciting announcements on the horizon.

For the second year in a row, these awards have not only recognized standout athletes, brands, and events but have also highlighted the power of community engagement. Given the open voting format, the results are largely shaped by the ability to rally supporters—a skill that some brands, athletes, and event organizers have mastered better than others.

While the final rankings may not always reflect every aspect of what we’ve witnessed firsthand throughout the season, they still offer valuable insights into where the heart of the SUP scene is beating the strongest. They showcase the territories and communities currently shaping the sport’s evolution and expansion.

Regardless of the outcome, every nominee has played a crucial role in advancing the sport, and we celebrate their dedication. Now, let’s dive into the results and recognize the key figures driving SUP forward in 2024!

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Female Athlete of the Year – TotalSUP Awards 2024

This year’s Female Athlete of the Year category perfectly illustrates the evolving landscape of SUP racing, with three young and talented athletes from emerging powerhouse nations in the sport—Poland, Argentina, and Greece—securing the top spots. Their results highlight not only their personal achievements but also the growing strength of their respective SUP communities on the international stage.

🥇 Marta Apanasewicz (Poland) – 20.53% (1,056 votes)
For the second year in a row, Poland’s rising star Marta Apanasewicz stood out with another strong season, building on her breakthrough year in 2023. Competing primarily on an NSP board, Marta excelled in sprint and technical racing, once again claiming victory at the Planet Baltic SUP Race, Poland’s premier international event. Her season highlight, however was her bronze medal at the first ECA European Championships in Szeged. With a strong following in Poland, her consistency and determination have solidified her as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport.

🥈 Alma Coletta Spada (Argentina) – 13.03% (670 votes)
With an incredibly strong Argentine and South American following, Alma Coletta Spada has made waves in her second international season. Specializing in technical racing, she secured an impressive 4th place at the Pan Am Surfing Games and maintained her spot among the world’s elite with another top-10 finish at the ISA World Championships. Her results reflect the growing rise of SUP racing in Argentina and Latin America.

🥉 Rea Logotheti (Greece) – 12.89% (663 votes)
The reigning Junior Sprint World Champion from 2023, Rea Logotheti, had a phenomenal first season in the Open category. Her transition to the elite level was seamless, as she consistently landed on podiums throughout the year, culminating in three ECA European Championship medals: bronze, silver, and the gold in the technical race. Greece’s young star is proving she’s ready to take on the world’s best.

Notably, the athlete widely regarded as the #1 female paddler in the world right now—Spain’s Esperanza Barreras—finished 4th in the voting, despite securing two new ISA and ICF world titles along with two silver medals in 2024. This serves as a reminder that, with the current voting format, the TotalSUP Awards reflect not only performance but also the strength of an athlete’s fan base and ability to rally support.

BEST MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

The Best Male Athlete of the Year category once again showcases the incredible diversity of talent emerging from around the globe. From the power and strategy of Greece to the technical mastery of Japan and the relentless drive of a former world champion from the canoeing world, this year’s top male athletes exemplify the competitive spirit and dedication that are pushing the sport of SUP racing to new heights.

🥇 Phaedon Doukas (Greece) – 19.35% (1,439 votes)
Greece’s Phaedon Doukas had a standout season in 2024, dominating races with his raw power and sharp strategic approach. His season highlights included a silver medal at the ECA European Championship, along with three podium finishes at the Agios Nikolaos event. Phaedon’s consistency and skill on the water have earned him a well-deserved spot at the top of this year’s rankings.

🥈 Shuri Araki (Japan) – 18.41% (1,369 votes)
At just a young age, Japan’s Shuri Araki proved he’s a force to be reckoned with on the international SUP racing scene. Shuri achieved his main objective of the season by winning his first ICF title, after an impressive victory in the Euro Tour winning every single race. He went on to claim the overall title of the Busan SUP Open, making him the official APP World Champion. His victory marked a unique accomplishment as he won all four major league and federation titles in the past 3 years: ICF, ISA, Euro Tour, and APP. Although he wasn’t present at the ISA World Championships in Denmark where fans were eager to see him challenge the current 2 x 2024 World Champion, Rai Taguchi, in what could have been an exciting Japanese rivalry. Shuri is also deeply involved in the sport’s growth at home, co-organizing the Okinawa to Yoron (O2Y) race, a 30km downwind event with his father Taku.

🥉 Andrey Kraytor (Bulgaria) – 14.46% (1,075 votes)
Former sprint canoe world champion Andrey Kraytor’s transition to SUP racing has been nothing short of spectacular in the last few years. Leveraging his extensive experience in sprint canoeing, Andrey dominated the SUP sprint scene in 2024 after finishing 3rd at the ICF Worlds in Thailand in 2023. He won every sprint event he entered, including the ECA European Championship and his main SUP career goal to date: the ICF World Championship in Sarasota, Florida. Known for his coaching and leadership as the head coach of the Indonesian SUP team and the manager of Union Paddlers SUP race gear rental service, Andrey has proven to be not just an athlete, but a major influence on the international SUP community.

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

🥇 Shuri Araki’s 1st ICF World title (Japan) – 10.14% (265 votes)
At just 18 years old and as described above, Shuri Araki made a huge splash once again on the global SUP scene in 2024. The Japanese prodigy captured his long-coveted ICF Long Distance World Title in Sarasota and earned a silver medal in the Technical Race.

🥈 John Knippers’s Texas Water Safari record (USA) – 9.91% (259 votes)
John Knippers, hailing from Oklahoma, set a new record in the legendary Texas Water Safari, one of the toughest and longest SUP races, completing the 260-mile course 9 hours faster than the previous record. His tenacity and endurance in this grueling event cemented his reputation as one of the top ultra-long-distance paddlers in the world. John’s record-breaking performance made 2024 a year to remember for the endurance racing community.

🥉 John Batson at Last Paddler Standing (USA) – 9.03% (236 votes)
John Batson showed incredible perseverance during the 2024 event, becoming the last paddler standing after an astounding 50 hours of racing. The Flying Fish rider demonstrated unmatched endurance and determination in one of the most demanding SUP challenges as the ultimate survivor of the event.

JUNIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

🥇 Hanna Kaminska (Poland) – 19.47% (1,371 votes)
From the RTW Raciborskie Towarzystwo Wioślarskie in Raciborz, Poland, one of Europe’s most active youth SUP racing clubs. Hanna had a standout season, securing a silver medal in sprints at the ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida. She is coached by the dedicated Mariusz Miczek, who has played a key role in her impressive results.

🥈 Cecilia Pampinella (Italy) – 15.27% (1,075 votes)
Cecilia Pampinella, the powerhouse from Italy and a member of the Starboard Dream Team, had an impressive year once again in both junior and open categories. She clinched the silver medal in the Sprints at the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen in the Open Category while still being a junior and the Junior World Title in Sprint at the ICF SUP Worlds in Sarasota, while also securing two silver medals in Technical Race and Long Distance. Her consistency across multiple disciplines and her ability to perform in both the junior and open divisions truly set her apart in 2024.

🥉 Csillag Kocsis (Hungary) – 9.15% (644 votes)
2024 marked a major leap forward for Csillag Kocsis, following her breakthrough year in 2023. A former swimming champion from Hungary, Csillag dominated the female junior category this year. She claimed the ISA Junior World Title in Denmark and secured two ICF Junior World Titles in Technical Race and Long Distance, solidifying her status as one of the brightest junior stars in the SUP world.

JUNIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

🥇1. Matei Barbu (30.82% – 1,314 votes) – A remarkable 16-year-old from Constanța, Romania, Matei Barbu made history at the ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida. After just two years of practicing the sport, he clinched the gold medal in the Junior Sprint category, a performance that not only highlights his immense talent but also the dedication and hard work behind his success. “This title represents years of work, those two years where I trained day and night for this medal,” says Matei.

🥈2. Ivan Esteve (12.8% – 546 votes) – Ivan Esteve is one of the rising stars in the junior category, making significant strides this year. He’s increasingly becoming a strong contender in Spain, even getting close to podium finishes in the open category at some races. Ivan competed with Team Spain as the Sub-ICF World Champion and secured top 15 finishes across all three disciplines at the ICF World Championships in Sarasota.

🥉3. Zeno Szabo (11.7% – 499 votes) – Zeno Szabo from Hungary is another young talent on the rise. Supported by his family, with his father being a regular on the ICF World Champs podium in the 50+ category, Zeno started the year strong with two top 10 finishes at the Gla Gla Race. He also made his mark on the international race circuit with podium finishes in Austria and Slovenia, including a 5th place finish in the Open technical race at the ECA European Championships.

BEST COACH OF THE YEAR

🥇1. Anton Sans + Pablo Pérez – SUP MERA (21.28% – 830 votes) – Anton Sans and Pablo Pérez, from SUP MERA, located in Playa Mera on the northern coast of Spain, have been key figures in the development of elite athletes in the sport. Their coaching focuses on refining technical skills and race strategy, helping athletes consistently reach top international rankings. Their methods have led to the success of numerous paddlers on the world stage.

🥈2. Roberto Mandoloni – Italian SUP League (16.44% – 641 votes) – Roberto Mandoloni of the ISL club has made a significant impact on the growth of the Italian SUP League, nurturing the next generation of paddling stars. With a squad of young athletes aged 12 to 18, Mandoloni has guided them toward professional-level performances. His work in Bellaria on the Adriatic coast continues to produce talented athletes who are now making their mark internationally.

🥉3. Mario Tagarelli – SUP Academy Taranto (8.95% – 349 votes) – Mario Tagarelli’s work with SUP Academy Taranto in southern Italy has played a crucial role in cultivating new talent, with a special focus on technique and endurance training. His efforts have resulted in impressive performances, including the 2023 Junior World Champion titles for Claudia Postiglione, proving that his coaching methods are shaping the future of SUP racing.

BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

The top three events this year are a bit of a surprise, as none of them are part of any international circuit. Additionally, some interesting voting numbers have emerged, with the SUP Cup Kemer in Turkey receiving more than 10,000 votes—a remarkable figure that shows the strong support these events have garnered within their communities.

🥇1. SUP Cup Kemer (Turkey) – (66.65% – 10,054 votes) – The second edition of the SUP Cup Kemer, held in late October, saw over 300 participants competing in an idyllic location at Moolight Bay, Kemer, a popular holiday destination on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The event was a big hit, and the large number of votes can likely be attributed to the active support from the Turkish SUP community, including the event organizer, who is also the admin of a well-followed Turkish SUP Facebook group. Notable supporters like Andrey Kraytor and Union Paddlers also helped elevate the event’s profile.

🥈2. Lake Ohrid SUP Crossing (North Macedonia) – (13.28% – 2,003 votes) – The Lake Ohrid SUP Crossing once again captured the imagination of the SUP community with its stunning backdrop and challenging conditions. Known for its demanding natural elements, this event continues to draw athletes looking for an adventure and a true test of endurance. Organized by Damjan and his wife, the event is a testament to their passion and dedication to growing the sport in the region.

🥉3. Zavidovo SUP Challenge (Russia) – (2.45% – 369 votes) – The Zavidovo SUP Challenge, remains one of the most celebrated events in Russia. Despite the complex geopolitical situation, the event attracted more than 500 paddlers, showcasing the strength and dedication of the SUP community.  It was a surprising outcome for this year’s awards, nevertheless, with strong local support and a rich history, this event stood out in 2024, ranking #3. In these challenging times, we hope that it serves as a reminder of the universal love for the sport, and celebrating paddling culture wherever it thrives. We also hope that future editions will be held in a time of peace, welcoming international participation and further uniting the global paddling community.

SUP RACE BRAND OF THE YEAR

🥇1. Compact Surfboards (23.46% – 651 votes)
 A remarkable achievement for a Brazilian brand with limited international visibility, Compact Surfboards continues to build a strong following in Brazil, particularly within the SUP community. The result highlights the brand’s growing popularity in its home country, where it enjoys a dedicated fan base. International athletes like Jessica Matos, Rebeka Klotz, Guilherme dos Reis, and Lucia Clembosky are helping to elevate the brand’s presence beyond Brazilian borders. Based in São Paulo, Compact Surfboards is synonymous with high-performance and quality within the Brazilian SUP scene.

🥈2. Starboard (19.6% – 544 votes)
Starboard remains a dominant force in the global SUP market, known for its versatile, durable boards and innovative technologies. With a significant presence worldwide, Starboard’s extensive roster of top international athletes continues to push the boundaries of the sport, while their commitment to sustainability makes them a key player in shaping the future of SUP.

🥉3. Flying Fish (10.2% – 283 votes)
Flying Fish had a stellar year, strengthening its presence in Florida, its home state, and making strides in international markets. A major highlight of 2024 was the partnership with Japanese superstar Shuri Araki, marking a significant step in their international expansion. With the ICF SUP Worlds just hours away from their base, Flying Fish secured 17 medals, including three world titles, while lending boards to numerous international riders. The brand’s commitment to performance and community is helping propel it into the global SUP spotlight.

iSUP / LEISURE BRAND OF THE YEAR

1. Hana Outdoors (28.85% – 620 votes) – A French brand based in Pornichet, founded by Mathieu Loustau and Pierre Guiho, Hana Outdoors has quickly gained recognition in France and Europe for its high-quality inflatable SUP boards. The brand focuses on providing both recreational paddlers and adventure seekers with reliable and durable boards. With a strong following and commitment to innovation, Hana Outdoors has become a popular choice among paddlers.

2. Starboard (21.5% – 462 votes) – Starboard remains strong on the iSUP market, known for producing some of the most durable and versatile inflatable paddle boards on the market. This year, they continue to be recognized for their innovative welded rail technology, which uses a heat-welding process to bond the top and bottom layers of the board, enhancing the durability and longevity of their boards. Starboard’s continued success is supported by their wide range of boards, catering to both recreational and competitive paddlers worldwide.

3. Gladiator Paddleboards (7.91% – 170 votes) – Focusing on the European market, Gladiator Paddleboards offers a wide range of inflatable SUP boards that cater to all skill levels and types of paddling. Known for their solid construction and reliability, Gladiator boards are designed for those seeking high-quality performance at an accessible price point. The brand has made a significant impact across Europe with its diverse selection of boards for recreational paddlers, racers, and adventurers alike.

SUP FOIL BRAND OF THE YEAR

The world of SUP foiling has seen tremendous advancements in 2024, with brands pushing the limits of design and performance. These three brands emerged as the top contenders for SUP Foil Brand of the Year, showcasing their groundbreaking innovations and contributions to the sport:

🥇 Starboard (45.23% – 1,124 votes)
Starboard continues to lead the way with a strong commitment to innovation. This year, they unveiled the Ace Foil Lightning, a lightweight, high-performance downwind foilboard, and the Ace Air Foil, an inflatable foil offering excellent performance and portability. The Foil Blade Paddle rounds off their impressive 2024 collection, reinforcing Starboard’s position as a trailblazer in the SUP foil world. With durability and cutting-edge design at the forefront, Starboard’s contributions have earned them the top spot in 2024.

🥈 SIC Maui (27.87% – 691 votes)
SIC Maui remains a close contender, securing second place with their remarkable innovations. The RS Air-Glide, a high-performance inflatable foilboard, offers foilers a versatile option for a variety of conditions, while the X-Flight Series foils provide a significant boost in glide and efficiency. Known for their precision in design and versatility, SIC Maui continues to meet the needs of foiling enthusiasts, proving to be a dominant force in the SUP foil market.

🥉 NSP (17.43% – 430 votes)
NSP secures third place with their focus on providing high-quality, durable foiling equipment. The Carve Foilboard, designed for both SUP and prone foiling, offers riders exceptional versatility, while the Hydrofoil 2.0 delivers superior aerodynamics for better efficiency and control. NSP’s dedication to versatility and performance has made them a favorite among foilers looking to take their skills to the next level.

SUP SURF BRAND OF THE YEAR

Paddle Brand of the Year

🥇 Black Project (38.7% – 678 votes) – Founded by Chris Freeman, a UK native, and based in Maui, Black Project is renowned for its ultra-lightweight, high-performance paddles. Their 2024 innovation, the Hydro SynergyX paddle, incorporates Advanced Flow Technology (AFT) and Power Scoop Technology (PST), resulting in a three-dimensional design that enhances paddling efficiency, increases board speed, and reduces fatigue. This paddle has been instrumental in the success of international team riders like Sey Chelle, Arthur Arutkin, Donato Freens and many more!

🥈 QuickBlade Paddles (22.66% – 397 votes) – Established in 1989 by four-time US Olympic Canoeist Jim Terrell, QuickBlade Paddles has been a cornerstone in the SUP community, known for speed-optimized paddles. Their commitment to performance is evident in their latest innovation, the Stingray paddle, designed to provide a quick catch and clean exit, enhancing overall paddling efficiency. Jim’s extensive competitive racing experience has been pivotal in the evolution of paddle performance, making QuickBlade a trusted name among paddlers.

🥉 Starboard (15.58% – 273 votes) – Starboard offers a comprehensive range of paddles tailored to various paddling styles. In 2024, they introduced refinements to their paddle lineup, focusing on enhancing performance and durability. While specific details of the 2024 paddle innovations are limited, Starboard’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to make them a preferred choice among paddlers worldwide.

The TotalSUP Awards 2024 once again highlighted the talents and brands driving the growth of stand-up paddleboarding. Congratulations to all winners and participants for an exceptional year in SUP!