From May 2 to 4, Stand-Up Paddle Returns to Melilla for Top-Level Competition in a Stunning Setting
Following the successful kickoff in Benalmádena, the European SUP League (ESL) continues its debut season with its second stop in Melilla, hosted as part of the 4th edition of the Triple S Festival, from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4.
Supported by the Spanish Surfing Federation and the European Surfing Federation, this major event will welcome top athletes from across Europe to compete in ESL point-scoring races in the technical and sprint disciplines. In parallel, it will also host the Spanish SUP Race Championships, featuring sprint and long-distance formats.
Melilla: A Growing Hub for SUP in Europe
Melilla is rapidly establishing itself as a key destination for the development of Stand-Up Paddle in both Spain and Europe. With its ideal coastal setting, the city provides the perfect backdrop for a competition that combines elite sport with sports tourism, environmental consciousness, and social inclusion.
A Milestone for National and International SUP
The 2025 Triple ESE Surf Festival will feature four official competitions:
May 2: ESL Technical Race May 3: Spanish Sprint Championships + ESL Sprint May 4: Spanish Long Distance Championships
The ESL competitions promise a high level of international participation and attractive prize money. These events are open to athletes of all nationalities.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Championships will bring together the best paddlers in the country. Open exclusively to athletes holding a national federation license, these races will award medals and titles across multiple categories — from Under-10 to Elite.
Watch the Full Multi-Cam Livestream on TotalSUP
All the action from Melilla will be covered with a professional multi-camera livestream on the TotalSUP Facebook page, featuring dynamic drone footage, beach cams, and on-the-water coverage. Whether you’re following your favorite athlete or enjoying the spectacle from afar, this is the best way to experience the event as if you were on site.
More Than Just a Competition: A Vision for the Future
The Triple ESE Festival goes beyond racing. It aims to be a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion — all key values of the European SUP League.
In addition to the competitions, the festival will include:
Educational and outreach activities
Eco-friendly infrastructure, such as recycled race jerseys and sustainable waste management, in line with ESL’s environmental policy
Inclusion programs, continuing the work started in Benalmádena, including participation by visually impaired athletes through a partnership with the ONCE Foundation.
Official Schedule
Thursday, May 1: Athlete Registration & Briefing Friday, May 2: ESL Technical Race (Qualifiers, Semifinals, Finals) Saturday, May 3: Spanish Sprint Championships + ESL Sprint Sunday, May 4: Spanish Long Distance Championships
Please note: Race formats and scheduling may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the number of participants. Sprint and long-distance races may be swapped if necessary.
With this exciting new stop, the European SUP League continues to gather momentum in its first season — staying true to its mission of connecting Europe’s SUP community, from grassroots to elite.
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