ICF SUP Committee activities Q1 2025

Host Organising Committee meetings

Over the past three months, the ICF Stand Up Paddling Committee has conducted bi-weekly online meetings with the Host Organising Committee for the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi. These meetings focused on key logistical arrangements, course planning, and promotion strategies. Collaborative discussions emphasised ensuring a successful event that aligns with the ICF's standards and expectations.

Committee meeting 

On January 27, the Committee convened for a comprehensive online meeting to address several critical agenda items, including: 

• The 2025 World Championships 
• Schedule: Detailed discussions were held regarding the event schedule, competition formats, and athlete participation. 
• ITO list: The Committee reviewed and confirmed the International Technical Officials (ITO) list to ensure qualified officials are appointed for the World Championships. 
• Course map: A preliminary course map for each distance was presented and discussed, considering safety, spectator engagement, and logistical support. 
• 2025 Events: Future events and competitions were outlined, with an emphasis on expanding the reach and popularity of stand-up paddling globally. 
• One-design project: The Committee engaged in extensive discussions regarding the introduction of the one-design category for juniors, focusing on ensuring fairness for athletes and exploring the potential benefits for athletes, clubs, and federations. 
• Committee tasks: Responsibilities were assigned to Committee members to facilitate effective planning and execution of the upcoming events. 

Paddle Summit

In February, members and advisors of the SUP Committee participated in the first-ever ICF Paddle Summit held in China. This event brought together representatives from all the ICF disciplines to discuss best practices, share innovations, and promote collaborative efforts across paddle sports. The Committee engaged in fruitful discussions around the growth of SUP, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in future events. 

Site visit to Constanta, Romania 

In March, SUP Committee Chair Noémi Horváth conducted a site visit to Constanta, Romania, where local organisers are planning to bid for hosting an ICF SUP World Cup event. The Committee representative evaluated the potential venue, local infrastructure, and community support. The visit highlighted Constanta's suitability for hosting international competitions, and the Committee representative provided constructive feedback to the Local Organising Committee on how to enhance their bid. 

Conclusion and next steps

The SUP Committee is making significant strides in preparing for the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi and exploring future opportunities for expansion within the sport. Continued collaboration with Host Organising Committees and engagement in international dialogue through events like the Paddle Summit will be crucial for the growth and development of SUP worldwide.

Next Steps 

• Finalize and publish the course map and board logistic options for the 2025 World Championships. 
• Continue discussions with event organizers of 2025 and 2026 to support their preparation. 
• Prepare for the next ICF SUP Committee meeting scheduled for April 2025, where we will review progress and outline further actions. 

By Noémi Horváth, Chair of the ICF Stand Up Paddling Committee