Agios Nikolaos, Crete to Hosts Exciting ICF SUP World Cup 2023
July 7-9 — Agios Nikolaos, Crete, was the epicentre of stand-up paddleboarding excitement as it hosted one of Greece’s most highly anticipated events, the Agios Nikolaos On Sup and the only ICF SUP World Cup event to take place in Europe in 2023.
Kicking off from July 7th to 9th, the ICF SUP World Cup 2023 boasts an impressive total prize of EUR 9,000, distributed across the enthralling Sprint, Technical, and Long Distance disciplines. Athletes from around the world will be gathered to showcase their skills, determination, and passion for SUP, competing for both prestigious titles and substantial rewards.
From beginners to seasoned professionals, the event welcomes participants of all skill levels, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of SUP. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Agios Nikolaos’ coastal beauty, this remarkable event is destined to create lasting memories for both competitors and spectators alike.
“The ICF SUP World Cup 2023 is a testament to the growing popularity of stand-up paddleboarding as a thrilling and accessible sport,” said Linus Karlsson, Starboard Dream Team Rider. “I am thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary event in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, and race against the best”
Full event report from Linus ~
Friday – Technical Racing:
We started the weekend with technical where we did two races Semi and A-final.
In my semifinal did I a poor start and started from last but made a good race out of it and came back to 4th and advanced straight to the final.
Going into the final I felt really good and motivated! Got away well in the start but collided with Claudio when he crossed my line halfway so had to back off a little to secure to not fall.. still got around that first buoy inside the top 5 and had all the opportunities to make a really good final! Out of nothing where I felt like I was in a good position made I a fall and then had to catch up again. Finished p.10
Top three: Christian Anderson – Paolo Marconi – Davide Alpino
Saturday – 200m Sprint
This time three heats quarterfinals- semifinals- final.
In my first heat could I easily secure a spot for the semifinal but felt unstable so decided to switch up to 23” before the semi. Where I ended up in 5th right after Davide & Filippo and missed the final.. nothing to blame just too slow that day!
Top three final- Andrey Kraytor – Filippo Mercuriali – Christian Anderson
Sunday – Long Distance
13,5km of downwind (3,5km sidewind).
Going into this race was my only goal and mindset to get out and catch much bumps as possible and have a lot of fun to end the weekend good!
I managed a good start and had such a nice downwind where I stayed in 5-6th position for the first 7km then where we turned around a cliff (super choppy) did I a few fall and lost down to 15th. Got back up to 10th in the next upwind leg where I stayed until the finish. Overall happy about the race because I felt improvements at the downwind stretches. Afterwards should I used a wider board to keep the stability even where it gets messy but I take the positive and keep building towards the future!
Top three; Christian Anderson, Anastasios Tsouris, Davide Alpino
See full results for 2023 Agios on SUP – visit the event website >
Starboard Equipment featured:
All Star 21’75” (rented from Union Paddlers)
Lima XL for sprint & Lima L for distance
Flash Fin
