Santa Pola to host international SUP festival with 200 athletes

Santa Pola is gearing up to welcome the sixth edition of the World SUP Festival, a major international event that features Stand Up Paddle and will unite athletes from more than 20 countries. The event marks the first part of the European SUP League and will bring together some of the most outstanding athletes in the sport, consolidating the town’s position as a sports destination on the Costa Blanca.

More than 200 athletes to gather in Santa Pola for fun maritime event

The highly-anticipated sporting event will take place on Santa Pola’s Varadero beach from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, and will boast a total distribution of 17,000 euros in prizes, making it one of the most competitive events of the start of the season. So far, more than 200 athletes have been registered for the event, despite difficulties regarding long-distance air travel this year.

The World SUP Festival will feature several competitive disciplines for the more advanced athletes, including SUP Sprint, SUP Technique, SUP Long Distance, and SUP Foil Downwind. It will also feature competitions for those who want to participate in this type of event with a simpler format of 1 or 3 kilometres.

A fun-filled weekend of activities for everyone to participate in

The World SUP Festival will not only feature these high-level competitions, but also free classes for amateur paddlers, dragon boat races, inclusive activities for those with disabilities, and the possibility of participating in a “sustainable mile” where organisers provide all the materials to help volunteers care for the shoreline by cleaning.

This forms part of a larger commitment to sustainability that takes centre stage at the event. Electric boats and water fountains to avoid the usage of plastic water bottles are important additions that make the event more eco-friendly, particularly to protect Santa Pola’s beaches.

Other activities being carried out during the weekend of the event will include live music, games for children, a photocall, a bar and, as a new addition this year, a special workshop for children from 4 to 12 years old.

In addition, the event will include a marine fair and a flag parade, featuring flags from all participating countries of the athletes.

The event is organised by the Parres Sports Club, in collaboration with the Santa Pola Town Council and the Santa Pola Merchants Association.

Santa Pola, a major sporting destination on the Costa Blanca

Santa Pola, with its participation in this major sporting spectacle, reaffirms its position as one of the top destinations for Stand Up Paddle not only on the Costa Blanca, but in the whole of Spain. Additionally, the event will boost visibility for the charming coastal town, attracting countless visitors and sports tourists to the hub.