BARK and NSP Reign Big at the 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship
Copenhagen, Denmark – September 16-19, 2024
The 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship kicked off in style with a vibrant Opening Ceremony in Copenhagen on September 16. Athletes from 41 nations, including eight first-time participants, paraded through the city’s scenic harbor, showcasing a rich tapestry of international talent.
Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony
Over 180 competitors proudly represented their countries, highlighted by the debut of Latvia, Lebanon, Norway, Scotland, Senegal, Slovakia, South Korea, and Thailand. The ceremony culminated at the Royal Public Library with the touching Sands of the World Ceremony, symbolizing unity through surfing. Music filled the air as 'The SUP Drummers' entertained the crowd, turning SUP boards into rhythmic instruments.
ISA Executive Director Robert Fasulo and ISA President Fernando Aguerre addressed the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the event and the ongoing push for SUP’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.
Photo Cred: Sean Evans
Technical Racing Highlights
The competition officially began the following day at Amager Strandpark, where the Technical Races unfolded under ideal conditions. Spain emerged as a powerhouse, dominating the day with seven medals, including Golds for Judit Verges and Duna Gordillo in the Paddleboard events. France and Japan followed closely in the team rankings.
Junior Champions and Emotional Victories
Among the exciting moments, Hungary’s Csillag-Virag Kocsis secured her first ISA Gold in the Junior Girls' race, while Japan's Kotaro Miyahira triumphed in the Junior Boys' category. The men’s and women’s Paddleboard Technical Races saw Andrew Byatt (ENG) and Judit Verges (ESP) take Golds, with Verges marking her third consecutive win.
Notably, Rai Taguchi (JPN) and Duna Gordillo (ESP) clinched their first Golds in the SUP Technical Races, thrilling fans with dramatic finishes.
Team Relay Drama
On September 19, Japan claimed its first-ever Team Relay Gold in a thrilling race that showcased teamwork and strategy. The event, featuring 15 nations, concluded with Rai Taguchi sprinting to victory, finishing eight seconds ahead of Spain. This triumph propelled Japan into second place in the overall team rankings, narrowing the gap with Spain.
The day was also bittersweet for Danish hero Casper Steinfath, who competed in his final race, receiving heartfelt cheers as he concluded a remarkable 15-year career on home waters.
Bark and NSP
A notable presence of Bark boards and NSP SUPs were present on the podium. These brands are renowned for their innovation and design, providing paddlers with the agility and stability needed to navigate the technical courses effectively. As competitors tackled challenging buoy turns and maintained their speed on the flat water, the choice of equipment played a crucial role in their performances, with several medalists attributing their success to the reliable handling and efficiency of their boards. This synergy between athlete and equipment highlighted the importance of quality gear in achieving championship results.
Credit: ISA
