SUP Alps Trophy 2024: Mega kick-off at Lake Faak with fantastic photos

The Lake Rocks SUP Festival 2024 came to an end last Sunday at Lake Faak in Austria with a brilliant finale and left a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike. With over 500 athletes from 24 nations competing against each other in six exciting competitions, the festival consolidated its position as not just a largest paddling festival in the Alps-Adriatic regionbut already with the third edition also as one of the largest and most popular flatwater events in the world. In the SUP World Ranking, the event achieved the top score of 5 stars, putting it at the top of the largest and best-attended international racing events of the year.

Kraytor and Fischer won the City Race to kick off the festival

Kraytor, who already won the City Race last year, once again showed his strength on the short but demanding course on Thursday (9 May). The 31-year-old Bulgarian won all his heats with aplomb and deservedly crowned himself the winner once again. Ukraine's Damodara Mokhniuk came second, followed by Peter Weidert from Germany. Sabine Fischer caused a surprise in the women's race. The 38-year-old Swiss woman, who was competing at The Lake Rocks SUP Festival for the first time, came out on top in an exciting race against strong competition. The German Sarah Arnold came second, followed by her compatriot Annika Klingberg.

Barreras and Kraytor crowned "Fastest Paddlers"

In the speed competition, which was held for the first time as part of the festival on Friday (10 May), the reigning world champion Esperanza Barreras and the winner of the opening competition on the Drau, Andrey Kraytor, proved their exceptional status. Barreras dominated the women's race in the international field of 155 athletes, while Kraytor dominated the men's race. He was followed by Cameron Tripney (RSA) and Damodara Mokhniuk (UKR) in the men's competition and Claudia Postiglione (ITA) and Tarryn King (RSA) in the women's competition.

Italian team wins team race

In the subsequent team race, in which professionals and amateurs competed on XXL boards, the Italian SUP League came out on top this year. They defeated the SUP Monkeys from the Netherlands in an exciting final.

Barreras and Freens took the long-distance titles

In the eagerly awaited KELAG Long Distance PRO Race on Saturday (11 May), all eyes were on last year's number two Donato Freens (NED) and SUP legend Michael Booth (AUS). And the two did not disappoint, demonstrating their dominance and Freens ultimately took victory over the 12 kilometres in a new record time. Two-time world champion Michael Booth (USA) took second place, closely followed by up-and-coming star Garioud Vaic (FRA). Following her victory in the speed race, world champion Esperanza Barreras (ESP) continued her winning streak in the SUP supreme discipline over the long distance. Barreras showed exceptional strength and endurance and reached the finish line with a remarkable lead of over four minutes ahead of Juliette DuHaime (ARG) and last year's winner Cecilia Pampinella (ITA). A total of 250 women and men crossed the finish line, setting a new record for participation at Lake Faak. German starters Ole Schwarz (9th) and Manuel Lauble (10th) made it into the top ten in the men's race, while Skadi Langbein just missed out on 11th place in the women's race.

FUN Race as racing fun for young and old

Traditionally, the Sport Falle FUN Race once again offered young paddlers and beginners of all ages a platform to shine. Domagoj Paukovic (CRO) and Linda Syrovátková (CZE) took the top places in the fun and accessible race for all experience levels. They were followed by Arnd Dünzinger (GER) and Boas Mistelbauer-Obernberger (AUT) in the men's race and Maja Baurek (POL) and Andrea Kämmerer (GER) in the women's race.

DuHaime and Mercuriali as best technicians at the festival finale

At the TECH Race on Sunday (12.5.), world number one Filippo Mercuriali (ITA) lived up to his role as favourite. With exceptional skill and agility, he mastered the 600 metre long technical course with 9 tack turns at Panorama Beach Droboallach and secured victory ahead of Santino Basaldella (ARG) and Michael Booth (AUS). Juliette Duhaime (ARG) demonstrated her exceptional skills in the women's TECH Race and showed impressive technical mastery and endurance on her way to first place. Claudia Postiglione (ITA) and Tarryn King (RSA) followed closely behind in second and third place.

Good testimonial for teamwork and organisation

The success of The Lake Rocks SUP Festival is testament to the dedication and hard work of the organisers, volunteers and supporters. Their efforts have created a truly remarkable event that has captivated the SUP community and the general public. The start of the season at Lake Faak in Carinthia has become a fixture for SUP fans, whether professionals, hobby paddlers or simply beginners interested in stand-up paddling. Located in the middle of the border triangle of Austria, Italy and Slovenia, the paddling town of Villach continues to make a name for itself as the centre for water sports enthusiasts in the Alps-Adriatic region and an exceptional destination for holidays with SUP, kayak or canoe.

All results

Under the following link you will find the Results of the individual races in full length.

Preparations for 2025 already underway

There is already great anticipation for the next edition of The Lake Rocks SUP Festival, which will take place from 29 May to 1 June 2025.

Further information about the festival and the programme can be found at https://www.paddelstadt.at/festival/.