September 2026: A Month of Excitement in the SUP World
Welcome to our exciting roundup of the Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) world for September 2026! This month was packed with thrilling events and stories that captured the hearts of paddlers and water sport enthusiasts alike. From endurance races to community-driven championships, September’s highlights were nothing short of spectacular.
SUP 11 City Tour: Endurance Challenged
The much-anticipated SUP 11-City Tour took place this month, luring athletes into the scenic waterways of Friesland, Netherlands. Participants faced a grueling challenge of approximately 220 kilometers spread over five days or attempted to conquer it in a single non-stop race. Young talent Marin Hoeboer impressed everyone by becoming the youngest female winner in the five-day race format, finishing ahead of seasoned paddlers like Emmanuelle Marcon and Marliz Medendorp. Meanwhile, Joep van Bakel celebrated a family victory in the men's category, edging out his son Mylo, with Peter Mulhauser taking the third spot.
Team Al + Al, comprised of Scotland's Alison Rennie and Alistair Swinsco, notched a remarkable win in the five-day tandem category, showcasing collaboration at its best. In the exhilarating Non-Stop challenge, Marek Splichal clocked an incredible time of 29 hours and 17 minutes for the men's solo category, while Froukje Wichgers-Marien claimed victory for the women, completing the course in 33 hours and 58 minutes. Team Friends stood out as the fastest mixed team, recording a remarkable overall time of 27 hours and 16 minutes.
Surfing Titles: A Showcase of Community Spirit
On 5 September, the English SUP and Longboard National Championships were held at the breathtaking Watergate Bay. Conditions were challenging with substantial surf and a pushing tide, making the competition even more exhilarating. Marcio Franca Dias successfully defended his Men’s Open SUP Surf title, outpacing noteworthy competitors like Sean Facey and William Fairey. The Women’s Open SUP Surf title saw Christina Margaret Alecha Doviak retain her championship title as well, encouraging more female participation in this thrilling sport.
The event highlighted the family and community spirit inherent in SUP surfing, as pairs like Rebecca and Alexi Stott, along with Matthew and Emily Earp, shared the waves together, proving that SUP is as much about relationships as it is about competition. Doviak’s call for increased women's participation not only uplifted competitors but also resonated with many who aspire to break barriers in water sports.
Brendon Prince’s Audacious SUP500 Challenge
In a notable venture, endurance paddler and water-safety advocate Brendon Prince embarked on the ambitious SUP500 challenge, aiming to paddle 500 km without making landfall. He attempted to remain self-sufficient, carrying everything he needed. Although an unfortunate shoulder injury led to a premature end after 192 km, his endeavor was filled with important learning experiences about pacing, environmental awareness, and optimizing rest during long hauls. This adventure not only brought attention to water safety—Prince’s primary goal was to support his charity, Above Water, which promotes essential water-safety education for children across the UK.
ISA Championship Canceled: The 2026 World Championship Setback
In a disappointing turn of events, the International Surfing Association announced that the World SUP and Paddleboard Championship scheduled for 2026 would not take place. Athletes were informed via their Instagram about the decision made during the Association’s Annual General Meeting on September 1st, which stipulated that such events require a minimum notice period of six months. This unexpected cancellation leaves many athletes craving competition and recognition this season, but the ISA has committed to securing a venue for a future event in 2027.
Conclusion: Join the Community!
The developments in the SUP community during September 2026 reflect a dynamic blend of competition, community spirit, and a growing commitment to safety. Ready to dive deeper into the world of SUP? Stay connected with our upcoming articles, events, and tips that will inspire and motivate you on your water adventures!
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