WORLD SUP FESTIVAL 2026
EUROPE’S LEADING SUP EVENT
Since 2018, the World SUP Festival has evolved to become one of the leading Stand Up Paddle references in Europe.
Held in Santa Pola, opposite Tabarca Island, the event combines international competition, activities for the public, and environmental commitment in a unique Mediterranean setting. Over its five editions, it has strengthened its organisational structure, expanded disciplines, and boosted its international profile.
INAUGURAL VENUE OF THE EUROPEAN SUP LEAGUE
The World SUP Festival is the inaugural and permanent venue of the European SUP League, the circuit driving the future of SUP in Europe.
After being part of the first edition of the European League, the championship is now established as the flagship event on the European calendar, marking the start of the season and positioning Santa Pola as a strategic hub for SUP in Europe.
INTERNATIONAL REACH
An event with global impact and real visibility.
+ 33
Countries Represented
+ 6
Continents Represented
€2,000,000+
Economic Impact
TABARCA ISLAND – SANTA POLA RACE
“The event’s most iconic race”
The experience begins with the athletes travelling together to the island, followed by a spectacular start from Tabarca and a finish opposite Playa del Varadero, on a course that combines sporting challenge with the unique natural setting of Tabarca Island, Spain’s first Marine Reserve.
This is the Long Distance race day. There are 2 competitive distances from the island, 5.5 km and 13.5 km, and meanwhile on Santa Pola beach, the long-distance race will be held for the children’s categories.
OTHER EVENT DISCIPLINES
Over the 4 days of the event, competitions take place across several water sports disciplines:
SUP Sprint, SUP Technical, SUP Long Distance, SUP Downwind Foil, Paddleboard and Friendship Paddle
WORLD SUP FESTIVAL 2026 PROGRAMME
Sports Village
16:00 – 20:00 Official opening of the Sports Area
16:00 – 20:00 Competitor check-in
18:30 – 19:00 General briefing SUP Downwind Foil
19:00 – 19:30 SUP Long Distance briefing
19:30 – 20:00 Prone briefing
Leisure Village
16:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
16:00 – 18:00 Free beginner SUP classes
16:00 Sports networking activities
Sports Village
08:00 – 09:00 SUP Sprint competitor check-in
09:00 – 09:30 SUP Sprint briefing
10:00 – 13:30 SUP Sprint competition (all categories)
15:30 – 18:00 SUP Sprint finals
18:00 – 19:00 Dragon Boat Sprint competition
19:30 – 20:30 Sprint awards ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
10:00 – 20:00 Sea Fair
16:00 Sports networking activities
11:00 Children’s workshops
19:00 Opening ceremony & Parade of Nations
19:30 Concert
Sports Village
07:30 – 08:30 Athletes boarding for Tabarca Island
09:00 SUP Long Distance start 5.5 km · 13.5 km
09:15 SUP Long Distance start
09:30 U8/U10/U12/U14 categories (Playa Varadero course)
12:00 – 13:30 Prone Long Distance competition
18:30 Long Distance awards ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
10:00 – 20:00 Sea Fair
16:00 – 18:00 Beginner SUP classes
11:00 Children’s workshops
16:00 Sports networking activities
19:30 Concert
Sports Village
08:30 – 09:00 SUP Technical briefing
09:30 – 13:30 SUP Technical competition (all categories)
15:30 – 17:00 SUP Technical finals
17:00 – 18:00 Team relays
18:30 Final awards ceremony
19:00 Official event closing
Leisure Village
10:00 – 19:00 Leisure & Expo Area
10:00 – 19:00 Sea Fair
11:00 Children’s workshops
Times may be adjusted depending on weather and event operations.
Updates will be communicated via the official website and the daily briefings.
ACTIVITIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For four days, Playa del Varadero comes alive with activities open to the public, designed to share the sea as a community.
Free beginner and adaptive SUP classes, sunrise SUP Yoga, Dragon Boat outings, and children’s workshops blend with the Sea Fair and the sports expo area, open throughout the event.
To take part in the free parallel activities, you need to register in advance using the following form:
