The European SUP League made its debut in Isla Cristina, Huelva, with three days of high-level Stand Up Paddle competition as the fifth stop of the 2026 season.
From 4–6 September, nearly 150 athletes gathered at Playa Central for a weekend featuring Sprint and Technical Race competition, with several of Europe's leading riders battling for valuable points during the decisive final stage of the season.
Fernando Pérez Serra and Duna Gordillo take the Sprint victories
Saturday's 200-metre Sprint delivered an intense display of speed, with Spain's Fernando Pérez Serra taking victory in the men's race.
In the women's category, Duna Gordillo Rodríguez claimed the win, adding another strong result to her 2026 season.
Aarón Sánchez and Alba Alonso Frey win the Technical Race
Sunday's Technical Race brought another demanding challenge, with Atlantic conditions and technical sections testing the riders' speed, positioning and ability to read the course.
In the men's race, reigning world champion Aarón Sánchez Quetglas took the victory after a closely contested battle at the front.
In the women's category, Alba Alonso Frey continued her outstanding 2026 season by claiming the win and further strengthening her position at the top of the European SUP League.
The event also provided valuable points towards the European SUP League Overall Open ranking, where Technical Race contributes 40% of the overall score, while Sprint and Long Distance each account for 30%.
A key weekend in the 2026 season
With only the final event of the season remaining, every result in Isla Cristina carried additional importance as the leading riders continued their battle for the 2026 European SUP League titles.
The European SUP League's first visit to Isla Cristina provided three days of competitive racing, bringing together established champions and the next generation of European SUP talent on the Atlantic coast.
With the season entering its final stage, the focus now turns to Sesimbra, Portugal, where the 2026 European SUP League champions will be crowned.