World SUP Festival 2025: Daniel Parres and the Rise of the European SUP League

Daniel Parres is a key figure in the Spanish SUP scene, renowned for his work as both a coach and athlete at Parres Watersports. He’s also the mastermind behind the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca, which returns in 2025 after a year’s hiatus. Parres is also one of the driving forces behind the newly launched European SUP League (ESL), a new circuit under the European Surfing Federation, aimed at providing a recognized federal structure and creating more opportunities for European SUP athletes through top-tier events and progressive initiatives. As we are less 1 month of the Wwe dive into his vision for the future of the sport in Europe, from the exciting return of the World SUP Festival to the birth of the ESL, a groundbreaking circuit that promises to shape the future of SUP on the continent.

The World SUP Festival is back on the calendar this year after a one-year break. Can you tell us why there was a hiatus in 2024 and what motivated the comeback in 2025?

The truth is, we had no intention of pausing in 2024. After the great success of 2023, we wanted to keep the momentum going. But the institutional support we had relied on — our main source of funding — was drastically reduced, making it unfeasible to organize the event without putting the club at financial risk. On top of that, we were still awaiting delayed payments from an event held in Alicante, which weren’t resolved until the end of 2024.

Despite all this, our passion for the event and the SUP community never disappeared. Sonia and I, who are the main driving forces behind the festival, feel a strong sense of responsibility. We've received incredibly positive feedback from athletes and fans who see this festival as one of the most special events on the circuit — for the setting, and for everything it brings together.

So, even though organizing it requires a huge effort, we truly believe it’s worth it. It’s an event that gives visibility to the sport and offers national athletes the chance to compete at home in a top-tier international event.

What’s new in this 2025 edition of the World SUP Festival — especially in
terms of added disciplines or race formats?

This year, the festival is part of both the EuroTour and the new European SUP League, further boosting its international character. We’re keeping the main disciplines — long distance, technical race, and youth categories — while expanding formats and introducing new additions.

SUP Foil, which has been part of the event since 2019, continues with two exhibition races: a sprint and a pump foil race. We’re also strengthening the Paddleboard category, which this year will include both a 7 km long distance and a technical race, with board options of up to 12’ or 10’6”.

We’re bringing back the Sea Kayak race that couldn’t be held in 2023 due to a conflict with another international event. This year it returns as part of the regional circuit and is open to everyone. We’re also adding Polynesian Canoe to this open-water discipline, which we hope to grow in future editions.

There will also be inclusive SUP activities, and for the first time, Dragon Boat races with our two 22-paddler boats over 200-meter sprints.

Another exciting new feature is La Milla Azul, a solidarity paddle for a good cause. We want sport to be a platform for our values and environmental commitment.

Off the water, we’re organizing a maritime fair celebrating Santa Pola’s fishing tradition, with kids’ activities, music, environmental workshops, and — new this year — a childcare service to make the event more accessible for families.

We’re also introducing special awards for mixed pairs and families of three participating together in the long-distance race. We want to make the sport something to share and experience as a community.

Parres Watersports has long been seen as a model club, particularly in terms of youth development. What are some of the latest projects or achievements at the club you’d like to highlight this year?

Across Spain and worldwide, there are many clubs doing fantastic work, and that’s great for the sport’s growth. We continue to put in the effort to maintain a strong base and generate new opportunities for young people and for anyone who wants to enjoy the sea through SUP.

Over the past year, we’ve upgraded our gym and added new training tools like Polynesian Canoe and Dragon SUP. These disciplines are excellent for developing physical and technical skills and provide variety to keep motivation high all year round.

In addition to the World SUP Festival, we’re also organizing two top-level national events this season, which are incredibly valuable for both our athletes and our community. Step by step, we continue to promote a development model based on enjoyment, values, and commitment.

Full interview of Daniel Parres on YouTube 

You’re also one of the driving forces behind the new European SUP League. When and how did the idea come together, and who else is involved in shaping it?

The idea had been on my mind for years, but it was in October 2024 that we started working to make it a reality. As a coach and organizer, I saw many athletes reaching a certain level without a solid structure to continue growing across Europe.

There are great competitions in various countries, but the lack of official recognition prevents many athletes from accessing public funding or sponsorships, which limits their progress. I realized that if we could build a recognized structure, we wouldn’t just help my own athletes, but also fill a wider gap across Europe.

Since then, with the support of the European Surfing Federation, we’ve built a team of people from several countries who share the same vision: to create a solid, well-organized league with a sustainable future for SUP in Europe.

But let’s get to the heart of it — why launch the European SUP League now? What gap is it trying to fill in the current SUP landscape?

Because the gap is there, and we can’t ignore it any longer. We’re not here to replace anything — we’re here to add value. There’s a real need for a structure that gives continuity, visibility, and opportunities to European athletes.

We want to offer a recognizable circuit with well-organized events that allow athletes to plan their season, access public support, gain visibility with sponsors, and build a professional career.

This won’t happen overnight — we know there will be challenges — but we believe the time has come to take that first step. The path is made by walking it.

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What is the common framework that every ESL event will follow in terms of race categories, formats, prize money, TV production, board rentals, and so on? What makes an ESL event, an ESL event?

2025 is what we’re calling an ‘express’ year — our first step to test formats and lay the foundation. Still, we’ve already established some principles that define what an ESL event should be.

For example, all events will award the same points. We don’t want athletes choosing events just based on ranking weight, but based on connection, convenience, or personal interest. Another key element is athlete visibility. We want participants to gain media exposure that helps them build their personal brand and career — something essential for long-term
development.

When it comes to logistics — rentals, prizes, hospitality — we’re working with local organizers and international partners to deliver a common standard that’s practical, functional, and appealing to all.

We know about the three Spanish stops on the ESL — but can you confirm
the upcoming dates and locations in France and Italy exclusively for TotalSUP? And what does the long-term vision look like for a truly European circuit beyond 2025?

The three Spanish stops are confirmed and well established. Regarding international events, we’re still finalizing details, but we’re working on two key stops: one in Portugal in September and the final in Italy in October. As soon as we lock in the dates, you’ll be the first to know.

The long-term vision is clear: to build a true European circuit with a unique identity that connects clubs, athletes, and fans. A league with a seasonal champion, and events that deliver a high-level experience to athletes from across the continent. We’re laying the groundwork now, and we believe SUP has tremendous

Thank you Daniel!

To register for the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca and find out more about the European SUP League, go to:
www.worldsupfestival.com
www.europeansupleague.com