In 2025, the ICF will start with new regulations that offer participants the opportunity to paddle their way up the seeding list for the World Championships. This means that important "grains" can be saved for the World Championships in Abu Dhabi if you are placed higher up in the seeding list due to good performances during the season. You can find the complete ICF calendar below.
Kick-off at Lago delle Nazioni
As in previous years, the ICF SUP World Ranking Series 2025 begins in Italy. The Spring SUP Race will take place at Lago delle Nazioni from 3 to 6 April. The event includes competitions in the sprint, technical race and long-distance disciplines. As the opening event in the series, the race offers athletes the first opportunity to collect important ranking points for the world championship.
Double event on Crete
In May, the focus of the series shifts to Greece. Two consecutive events will take place on the island of Crete. From 1 to 2 May, Sitia will host an ICF World Cup in the Technical Race and Sprint disciplines. This will be immediately followed by an ICF World Ranking Event in Agios Nikolaos from 3 to 4 May with competitions in the Technical Race and the Long Distance. The double event on Crete will allow the athletes to compete in all competition formats within a few days and improve their position in the world rankings.
Final preparation in Austria
The last stop of the World Ranking Series before the World Championships takes the SUP elite to Austria. The SUP Alps Trophy THE LAKE ROCKS will take place in Villach from 29 May to 1 June. Competitions in the technical race and the long distance will be held on Lake Faak. As a final test before the World Championships, the event offers athletes the opportunity to check their form and collect the last ranking points.
World Championship as the highlight in Abu Dhabi
The highlight of the season is the ICF SUP World Championship from 29 October to 2 November in Abu Dhabi. For the first time, the World Championships will be held in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to the world championship titles in the individual disciplines of sprint, technical race and long distance, the overall winners of the ICF SUP World Ranking Series will also be crowned in Abu Dhabi. The ranking points collected over the course of the season are decisive for the athletes' seeding in the sprint and technical races of the World Championship.
Registration and outlook
Registration for all five events of the ICF SUP World Ranking Series 2025 including the World Championship is already open. Noemi Horvath, Chair of the ICF SUP Committee, is optimistic about the upcoming season: "This year's ICF World Ranking Series promises to be very special as the World Championship will be held in the United Arab Emirates for the first time." She emphasises the importance of the events in Italy, Greece and Austria as important stops on the way to the World Championships and as an opportunity for the athletes to measure themselves against the best on the scene.
Seasonal calendar
ICF SUP World Ranking Event:
- Date: 3-6 April
- Place: Lago delle Nazioni, Italy
- Disciplines: Sprint, Technical Race, Long Distance
ICF SUP World Cup:
- Date: 1 - 2 May
- Location: Sitia, Crete, Greece
- Disciplines: Sprint, Technical Race
ICF SUP World Ranking Event:
- Date: 3-4 May
- Location: Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
- Disciplines: Technical Race, long distance
ICF SUP World Ranking Event:
- Date: 29 May - 1 June
- Location: Villach, Austria
- Disciplines: Technical Race, long distance
ICF SUP World Championship:
- Date: 29 October - 2 November
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Disciplines: Sprint, Technical Race, Long Distance
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
