Abu Dhabi is hosting more than 460 athletes from 54 countries for the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Championships, taking place from 29 October to 2 November 2025. The five-day competition features sprint, technical, and long-distance events as paddlers from around the world battle for top honors in the United Arab Emirates capital.
The championship, organized by the International Canoe Federation, marks the first time Abu Dhabi has hosted the SUP World Championships. The event underscores the city’s growing reputation as a global sports hub, attracting elite athletes despite the heat and challenging desert conditions. Full event details are available on the ICF website at canoeicf.com.
Global Talent Battles the Heat
In the men’s sprint category, reigning world champion Andrii Kraitor of Bulgaria launched his title defense by winning both his heat and quarter-final in times of 25.69 and 26.00 seconds. Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov recorded the fastest quarter-final time of 25.68 seconds, while South Africa’s Cameron Tripney improved his earlier performance to finish in 25.82 seconds and secure a semi-final place.
Racing conditions were tough, with temperatures topping 30°C on the opening days. Yet, the top contenders delivered consistent performances, setting the stage for competitive semi-finals and finals in the sprint category.
In the women’s division, the contest was equally close. The 2023 world champion Sey Chelle from the United States edged out her compatriot and defending title holder Katniss Paris in a tightly fought quarter-final. Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera led her heat in 32.77 seconds, while Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey — bronze medallist in 2024 — advanced comfortably with 33.04 seconds.
Abu Dhabi Expands Its Sports Tourism Profile
The UAE capital’s hosting of the 2025 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships is part of its wider plan to attract high-profile international events. Abu Dhabi has already staged global competitions in sailing, triathlon, and motorsport, and now adds one of the fastest-growing water sports to its calendar.
The ICF reports record participation for the 2025 event, highlighting the rapid rise of stand up paddling across the world. Once a niche leisure activity, the sport now includes more than 70 national federations and professional athletes from every continent. The Abu Dhabi edition marks a new milestone for SUP, as the sport continues to expand across the Middle East and Asia.
The championship includes three disciplines:
- Sprint – 200-meter races focused on speed and acceleration.
- Technical – short courses demanding precise turns and balance.
- Long Distance – endurance events over several kilometers testing stamina and navigation.
According to the International Canoe Federation, the decision to bring the SUP World Championships to Abu Dhabi reflects its commitment to promoting access and awareness of paddle sports in new regions. The emirate’s calm coastal waters and advanced infrastructure make it a natural fit for hosting world-class competitions.
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As the competition continues through the weekend, the spotlight remains on whether defending champions can maintain their dominance amid an increasingly competitive field. The sprint finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the long-distance events concluding the championships on Sunday.
The 2025 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships not only showcase elite athletic performance but also reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a destination for international water sports. With participation from 54 countries and thousands of visitors, the event is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s tourism and sports economy while inspiring new fans of paddleboarding worldwide.
