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, Technical SUP, Long Distance SUP, SUP Downwind Foil, Paddleboard, Foil Drive, 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
Leisure Village
16:00 – 18:00 Free beginner SUP classes
Sports Village
08:00 – 09:00 SUP Sprint competitor check-in
09:00 – 09:30 SUP Sprint briefing
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM SUP Sprint Competition (all categories)
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Competitor Check-in
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Board loading for Tabarca
7:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Parade of Nations. SUP Sprint Awards Ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
10:00 AM – 8:45 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Introductory SUP Classes / Inclusive SUP
11:00 AM & 5:30 PM Children’s workshops
19:30 Concert
Sports Village
07:30 – 08:30 Athletes boarding for Tabarca Island
10:30 AM 5.5 km SUP Long Distance Start
11:30 AM 13.5 km SUP Long Distance Start
10:30 AM Long Distance Paddleboard Competition
-Foil Drive Competition (schedule pending)
3:00 PM U8/U10/U12/U14/Inflatable/Popular Categories (Playa Varadero course)
18:30 Long Distance awards ceremony
Leisure Village
10:00 – 20:00 Leisure & Expo Area
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM & 5:00 PM Children’s workshops
4:00 PM SUP Talk
19:30 Concert
Sports Village
08:30 – 09:00 SUP Technical briefing
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Friendship paddle
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Technical SUP Competition (all categories)
4:30 PM Team Relays
5:30 PM Final awards ceremony AND Official event closing
Leisure Village
10:00 – 19:00 Leisure & Expo Area
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Marine Fair
11:00 AM & 5:00 PM 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.
If any competitor in the Tabarca Island Long Distance race is unable to drop off their board for loading before 6:00 PM on Friday, please contact the organizers at comunicacion@parreswatersports.com
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 access the free parallel activities, you must register in advance using the following form (Available from March 16)
