For the first time in history, the 2024 ICF SUP World Championships were held in the United States, with Sarasota, Florida, serving as the host city
Over 500 athletes from around the globe gathered at Nathan Benderson Park for a week of thrilling competition, all striving for the prestigious ICF SUP World Champion title. Departing from Florida’s typically hot and humid weather, cooler temperatures and 15-20 knot winds set the stage for an exciting and challenging event.
Competition Format and Divisions
Athletes competed in 5 days of competition in sprint, technical, and distance racing, with entries divided into categories:
Open and age-specific brackets—40-plus, 50-plus, and Juniors. Heats determined the final race lineups, with the top performers advancing to Final A, the group vying for the world champion title. Teams also compete by country with medals totaled at the end of the competition.
Sprint Racing Highlights
Sprint heats kicked off the week with the ICF introducing a new 100-meter sprint format. This format left no room for error, particularly at the start line. Bad weather delayed the sprints on Wednesday, compressing the heats and finals into Thursday and Friday, which added pressure on the athletes.
In the open category, reigning sprint champions U.S. athlete Seychelle, and Brazilian athlete David Leo were ready to take the gold again. Seychelle strong performances in her heats signaled she was ready.
In a close photo finish in her final heat, she slipped back to take the SILVER medal, missing gold by 0.38 seconds. No doubt Seychelle will be back next year to win back the gold.
Brazilian athlete David Leao, the 2024 ISA Sprint World Champion, faced difficulties early on in his heats, drawing lane 6, which was directly exposed to the wind. A poor start ended his chances, knocking him out of the competition.
In the 40-plus category, Japanese athlete Ryohei Yoshida delivered an outstanding performance, taking GOLD with a commanding lead. Ryohei medaled with a bronze in sprints at the 2023 ICF world championships, proving he is only getting better with time. Anne Little of Great Britain claimed GOLD in the women’s 50-plus age bracket while racing on an RS board.
SPRINT WOMEN’S OPEN
USA Seychelle – SILVER
SPRINT WOMEN’S MASTER 50+
GBR Anne Little – GOLD
SPRINT MEN’S MASTERS 40+
JPN Ryohei Yoshida – GOLD
SPRINT JUNIOR BOYS
MEX Trace Ostrowski – 6º
Technical Racing Drama
Technical racing in the Open divisions lived up to its reputation of “rubbing is racing,” with tight buoy turns testing balance and causing collisions. Seychelle performed well in her heats and was a strong contender for gold. However, at the first buoy turn, her board went through a competitor’s legs after she was hit from behind while bracing for a collision. She was ultimately disqualified.
In a similar incident, Rika was knocked to her knees by another competitor’s board. That competitor was disqualified, allowing Rika to move up and claim the BRONZE medal.
In the Junior Girls division, 16-year-old U.S. athlete Soryn Preston impressed many with her first-ever performance at ICF, earning a BRONZE medal. Soryn competed against seasoned juniors who will soon move up to the Open division, leaving the field wide open for the young athlete next year.
In the 40+ category, Japan’s Ryohei Yoshida continued his dominance, quickly winning gold in Technical. He confidently crossed the finish line with a smile, knowing the victory was his. The chatter among racers then turned to, could Ryohei sweep the 40+ division?
TEC MEN’S OPEN
FRA Ethan Bry – 6º
TEC MEN’S MASTER 40+
JPN Ryhoei Yoshida – GOLD
ESP Robert Canedo – 6º
TEC JUNIOR BOYS
JPN Kotaro Miyahira – 5º
TEC WOMEN’S OPEN
JPN Rika Okuaki – BRONZE
USA Seychelle – 7º
TEC WOMEN’S MASTERS 50+
ITL Sara Oddera – 5
TEC JUNIOR GIRLS
USA Soryn Preston – BRONZE
JPN Kanae Shibahara – 8º
Distance Racing Highlights
The distance races on the final day brought plenty of excitement. French athlete Ethan Bry and Japanese athlete Kotaro stole the spotlight in their respective categories. Ethan led much of the men’s distance race, battling fiercely for the lead. However, in a dramatic sprint finish, he lost his position in the final 100 meters and finished fourth.
In the Junior Boys division, Kotaro put on a masterful performance. He stayed with the front of the pack throughout the race and launched an explosive sprint attack in the final 100 meters, pulling away to secure a spectacular GOLD medal victory.
DISTANCE WOMEN’S OPEN
JPN Rika Okuaki – 4º
USA Seychelles – 5
HUN Reka Slekta – 19ª
DISTANCE WOMEN’S MASTER 50+
ITA Sara Oddera – 8
GBR Anna Little – 9
USA Michelle Currier – 19
DISTANCE JUNIOR WOMEN’S
USA Soryn Preston – BRONZE
JPN Kanae Shibahara – 7ª
DISTANCE MEN’S OPEN
FRA Ethan Bry – 4º
FRA Ludovic Teulade – 11º
HUN Marton KAROLY – 36º
DISTANCE MEN’S MASTER 40+
JPN Ryhoei Yoshida – 5º
FRA Pierre-Alain De Bois – 8º
ESP Roberto Canedo – 10
ARG Nahuel Giovinazzo – 16º
CAN Simon Mayer – 23
DISTANCE JUNIOR MEN
JPN Kotaro Miyahira – GOLD
FRA Eliot Bry – 20º
What truly stood out at the 2024 ICF, beyond any individual victory, was the undeniable spirit of the SIC Ohana. This unique energy happens when a team comes together with a shared passion and purpose. The SIC Ohana spirit goes beyond camaraderie; it reflects a commitment to growing the sport, supporting paddlers, and helping them reach new heights. By building a strong foundation, the team inspires athletes to push their limits and leaves a lasting impact on the future of paddling.
