Agios Nikolaos Celebrates Landmark 10th Event

CRETE, Greece - The heart of international SUP beat once again in Crete - more specifically, in Agios Nikolaos - which proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP (May 3–4), the premier Greek stand-up paddling event and one of only five stops of the ICF World Ranking Series 2025 that will determine the overall winner at the ICF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This year’s event marked not only a top-level competition, but also a symbolic milestone for the sport in Greece. Since 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has grown into one of the key forces driving the development of SUP nationwide, attracting world-class athletes to Crete every year and elevating the town’s status as a major destination for international SUP racing.

The visionary and driving force behind the event is Mikhalis Farsaris, who served as President of the Municipal Development Corporation of Agios Nikolaos (DAEAN) from 2015 to 2023. He currently holds the positions of President of the Nautical Sports Club of Agios Nikolaos (NASAN) and SUP Representative of the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP & Surf Federation since 2024.

DAEAN, under the leadership of its current President Giorgos Astroulakis, its dedicated staff - and in particular Maria Datseri, who has played a pivotal role in the event’s organization - as well as the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and Deputy Mayor for Sports Giorgos Xenos, the Region of Crete, the TOURIX – Digital Tourism Marketing team, and the broader local community, have all consistently recognized the importance of Agios Nikolaos on SUP and supported it meaningfully throughout the years. The creation of the Agios Nikolaos Nautical Athletic Association (NASAN) was an outgrowth of this developmental course, meeting the growing need for sporting activity in SUP in the region.

With this joint support, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has managed to evolve into a model event that unites sport with tourism extroversion, establishing Agios Nikolaos as an authentic and quality sports tourism destination at an international level.

Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Agios Nikolaos on SUP has mirrored the dynamic evolution of stand-up paddling in Greece. A clear testament to its growth? More than 200 athletes from 23 countries competed this year in Agios Nikolaos and nearby Sitia, with a combined prize pool of €18,000 - delivering four days filled with intensity, high-level competition, and unforgettable moments for both athletes and spectators alike.

Technical Men's Race. | Photo: August Studios

Day 1 – Technical Race: Power, Precision & Spectacle in Almyros

The first day of competition at Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 kicked off with energy and intensity, as the Technical Race unfolded at Almyros Beach under striking weather conditions: a sunny sky, strong crosswinds, and friendly waves that raised the level of difficulty while providing an exciting visual experience for the spectators.

The race course was demanding - 1.5 kilometers, two laps, 16 buoy turns, and two beach sprints on the sand. This unique format offered a truly authentic “Beach Race” experience - complete with waves, wind, sprinting transitions, and sharp buoy turns, showcasing not only paddling strength and technique but also essential wave-reading and ocean-handling skills.

The mix of natural elements made the race both unpredictable and visually stunning - a true challenge requiring full focus and resilience from the athletes. This type of race stands out as one of the most enjoyable and engaging formats in the sport, both for paddlers and fans alike.

In the Open Men’s division, Japan’s Shuri Araki proved his strength and consistency, claiming victory ahead of top-level contenders like Donato Freens (Netherlands), Eri Tenorio (Brazil), Blue Ewer (United Kingdom), and Paolo Marconi (Italy) who secured a solid 5th place.

In the Open Women’s division, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico topped the podium after a tight and action-packed race. Csillag Kocsis from Hungary followed in second place, while local talent Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece) fought hard to take third. Susak Molinero (Italy) finished fourth, and Katniss Paris (USA) - world sprint champion - rounded out the top five in a race marked by intense buoy battles and relentless pace changes.

As the sun set over Almyros, the day concluded with a warm and celebratory awards ceremony on the beach, where medals and prize money were presented - embracing the true spirit of the sport. A sport with salt and sand in its DNA, this was beach racing at its very best: challenging, fun, and unforgettable.

Technical Races top men and women. | Photos: August Studios

DAY 2 – LONG DISTANCE: Endurance, Tactics & Heart at the Finish Line

The 10th anniversary edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2025 came to a close in the best possible way - with the Long Distance Race, a highlight event that counted both for the ICF World Ranking Series and the Greek National Championship. A demanding test of physical endurance, strategic thinking, and mental strength, the race honored the ten-year legacy of the event and once again showcased the spirit of international stand-up paddling at its finest.

The classic 13.5-kilometer course, stretching along the coastal route with a start line opposite the emblematic island of Spinalonga, offered once again a unique set of challenges and conditions - always intense, always different.

With men starting at 10:00 and women at 13:00, the changing weather conditions gave each race a distinct character. The men faced light headwinds for the majority of the route, followed by a calmer stretch leading to the finish line. On the other hand, the women encountered a constantly shifting course - downwind conditions for much of the first half, followed by headwinds and some particularly demanding crosswind segments. It was a tough and challenging race - both physically and mentally.

Notably, 8 out of the last 10 editions of this race have offered favorable downwind conditions - with the exception of the last two years! We hope this impressive streak continues in future editions!

Long Distance Race. | Photo: August Studios

In the men’s race, Japan’s Shuri Araki continued his undefeated streak, crossing the finish line first and confirming his world-class status. He was followed by the ever-consistent Donato Freens from the Netherlands and the talented Greek athlete Anastasios Tsouris, who secured third place with an impressive performance. Eri Tenorio of Brazil finished fourth, while Italian Paolo Marconi claimed fifth place after a fierce battle with his national teammate Filippo Mercuriali.

In the women’s race, Mariecarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico once again dominated, showcasing her consistency and experience in long-distance racing. Susak Molinero of Spain delivered a strong performance to take second place, while the young and promising Greek athlete Kyriaki Logotheti completed the podium in third. Natalia Novitskaia placed fourth, with Germany’s Skadi Langbein rounding out the top five, confirming her rising potential on the international scene.

The day concluded with emotion and celebration, as athletes, coaches, and volunteers were cheered on during the awards ceremony in front of the iconic lake of Agios Nikolaos. The celebrations peaked with a joyful greek dance that brought together top athletes from around the world, followed by a lively concert by Vaggelio Fasoulaki and her band.

The heart of SUP beats strongly on the island of Crete, a destination that meets all the criteria for hosting top-level events - showcasing both the sport and Greece on the global stage. The participation of elite athletes and the warm hospitality of the local community create an ideal environment for even greater events in the future. It’s also worth highlighting the high participation levels in the Junior categories - especially from Greek U18 athletes - whose strong performances demonstrated that the sport is evolving rapidly and that its future belongs to the next generation.

Long Distance Race. | Photos: August Studios

Always Part of Our Story

As this special edition of Agios Nikolaos on SUP comes to a close, our thoughts turn to Amandine Chazot - a beloved figure of our SUP family. A world-class athlete, but above all, a gracious and generous soul, Amandine embraced this event and this place with rare warmth. Though she is no longer with us, her light, her smile, and her unwavering love for Agios Nikolaos remain woven into the fabric of our story. She will always have a place in our hearts - and on our starting line.

To view a full list of results, click here. 

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