Time to drop the bomb: NSP launches 2026 race boards and Titouan Puyo returns to action at this weekend’s World SUP Festival

One of the standout moments at this weekend’s World SUP Festival in Santa Pola, Spain, is the highly anticipated launch of NSP’s all-new 2026 Race Range, and the official comeback of SUP legend Titouan Puyo.

The multiple-time World and European Champion from New Caledonia is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in the history of stand-up paddle racing. Renowned for his smooth technique, strategic intelligence, and ability to excel across all race conditions, Titouan has been a dominant force on the international scene for over a decade. Now, he’s back on the start line, powered by NSP’s latest innovations and sharing exclusive insights into the boards, and his relentless drive to compete at the highest level.

For 2026, NSP introduces a completely reimagined race range, designed with a singular mission: to win. Developed under the expert eye of Alain Teurquetil and battle-tested in elite competition, the new lineup is the result of years of refinement and close collaboration with world-class paddlers including Christian Andersen, Duna Gordillo, Travis Grant, and of course, Titouan Puyo.

From the flatwater-focused Ninja series, now featuring the all-new Ninja EVO alongside the trusted team favorite, to the all-conditions powerhouse Carolina and its latest evolution, the Carolina EVO, every board is crafted with performance in mind. The explosive acceleration of the Cheetah, the proven versatility of the Puma, and the travel-ready practicality of the inflatable FSL round out a purpose-built range that leaves nothing to chance.

Every element in the 2026 NSP Race Range has been carefully considered. Nothing is added unless it makes the board faster. Every feature has earned its place – and is ready to earn a spot on the podium.

Picture: Jarrason Bitton

Hi Titouan, nice to have you with us. What are you currently up to and where are you based at the moment? Tell us a bit about your life these days – what does a typical day look like, is it all about sports or do you also work, and what matters most to you?

Right now, I’m based in New Caledonia, where I’ve lived most of my life. These days, I split my time between training, spending time with family and friends, and working on local outdoor projects related to nature and sports. I’m fortunate to live in a place where I can stay close to the ocean and the mountains, so even when I’m not training, I’m usually outdoors. A typical day includes paddling sessions, some time on the bike or running, and work on developing trails or natural sports areas.

Picture: ICF

What are your goals for this season? Which races are you planning to compete in?

I’m planning to compete at the World SUP Festival in Spain, then at the event in Barcelona, and at the SUP Race CUP in the south of France. My aim is to stay competitive while keeping the fun and flow. I’ll also take part in an event in Wallis and Futuna in August, which will be more about paddling, foiling, living with the local population, and having fun. In November, I hope to travel to Tahiti for the Hawaiki Nui Va’a with my team from New Caledonia, TEAM ISLV, although we are still looking for the necessary budget to make it happen.

Picture: ICF

What can you tell us about the new NSP 2026 raceboard line, which will be unveiled during the World SUP Festival from May 15–18?

According to NSP, the 2026 race line introduces several exciting updates. The shapes have been refined to improve glide and control across a variety of conditions. Both the Carolina and Ninja models have evolved to offer greater responsiveness, better acceleration, and improved handling. The boards have been optimized for different race formats, including flatwater, bumps, and technical courses. More details will be revealed during the launch event. The development process was led by Alain Teurquetil, incorporating feedback from Christian Andersen and other team riders.

Picture: ISA

What updates can we expect specifically from the Carolina EVO and Ninja EVO models in the 2026 range?

The Carolina EVO now features a narrower nose, providing better grip in downwind and sidewind conditions. It also feels lighter underfoot, allowing for quicker transitions. The Ninja EVO has been further refined for improved flatwater performance, with enhanced glide. These changes are the result of extensive rider feedback and testing over the past year. NSP has announced that the new boards will be available in Santa Pola.

Picture: Jarrason Bitton

You’re a true waterman – which sports do you practice, and how much time do you dedicate to each? Do you still train in a structured way, or do you focus more on what you enjoy?

I still paddle a lot, mainly SUP and outrigger, but I also surf, foil, and mountain bike regularly. I enjoy mixing it up. My training is less rigid than it used to be, although I maintain some structure when preparing for major races. Otherwise, I let the conditions decide, if it’s windy, I’ll go downwinding; if the surf is good, I’ll jump in with a longboard or a shortboard.

Picture: Marine Reveilhac

What are your favorite NSP boards for racing, foiling, SUP surfing, and surfing, and how have you contributed to their development?

For racing, I really enjoy the Carolina, it’s versatile and performs well from light downwind to 25 knots. For regular surfing, I often ride the Pro-9, and I also love the Fish for its speed and fun factor. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate closely with NSP’s R&D department, led by Alain Teurquetil, by testing prototypes, providing feedback, and sharing my experience on the water. It’s rewarding to see the boards evolve over the seasons based on collective input.

Picture: Camille Lincoln

How do you view the evolution of SUP over the years in terms of boards, gear, technique, and race tactics?

SUP has evolved a lot – equipment has become lighter, faster, and much more specialized. Boards are now tailored to specific conditions: flatwater, surf, or open ocean. Paddling technique has become more efficient with a deeper understanding of body mechanics, and race tactics have also developed, with greater emphasis on drafting, positioning, and strategic starts. The overall level of competition keeps rising, which is great for the sport. Personally, I’d love to see more downwind races and technical events in the waves again – like the good old days, as the ‘old man’ in me would say!

If you’d like to test the new EVO models, make sure to visit the NSP tent at the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola this Weekend!

For more information about NSP products, visit their website or Instagram page. You can also follow Titouan Puyo on his Instagram page.