A BST season consists of 12 races including official selection races (Belgian Championships Long Distance; Technical Race and Sprint) for participation in the ISA World Championships.
There is an end-of-year ranking that takes into account the gender and the different age categories.
Participants from abroad are welcome and participate in the end-of-year rankings.
The 2026 season is almost completely fixed:
Competition Calendar 2026
Mark your calendars for the following events (Reserved dates to be confirmed):
- Paddle of the Kempen – Zilvermeer (Mol)
Saturday 25 April 2026 – Sprint & Technical Race
Sunday 26 April 2026 – Long Distance
BST Races 1 – 2 – 3
Pre-selection ICF European Championships - Belgian Championship Technical Race – Windekind (Oostduinkerke)
Sunday 28 June 2026
BST Race 4
Pre-selection ICF European Championships - The Longest Day – Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure (Plate Taille)
Saturday 22 August 2026
Ultra Long Distance
BST Race 5
Double 10 Challenge - Belgian Championship Sprint + Technical Race – Hazewinkel (Willebroek)
Saturday 5 September 2026
BST Races 6 – 7
Pre-selection ICF European Championships - Antwerp on Water – Kattendijkdok
Saturday 12 September – Sunday 13 September 2026
Long Distance + Technical Race
BST Races 8 – 9
Pre-selection ICF European Championships - L’Enfer des canaux (du Nord) – Aire sur la Lys (Comines)
Saturday 27 September 2026
Open Belgian Championships ULD
BST Race 10 - Battle of the Yser – Nieuwpoort
Sunday 4 October 2026
Long Distance
BST Race 11 - SUP4Life – Loods 25 – Ghent
Sunday 13 December 2026
Long Distance
BST Race 12
Elite Class: The Pinnacle of SUP Competition
The Elite Class remains the most prestigious category in BST, offering competitors a chance to qualify for the European Championships and World Cups. Pre-selection is mandatory for these international events. The day podiums in the Elite classes will consist of an overall (scratch) ranking, a podium for the Grand Masters, and a podium for the Gran Kahunas. Other age categories will only be considered for the year-end rankings (starting from 8 different male participants and 8 different female participants throughout the year).
The Elite Classifications age classifications for 2026 are:
- Elite (Scratch): Open to all.
- Juniors: U18 (born in 2008 or later).
- Seniors: 28+ (born in 1998 or earlier).
- Masters: 35+ (born in 1991 or earlier).
- Grand Masters: 40+ (born in 1986 or earlier).
- Kahuna: 45+ (born in 1981 or earlier).
- Grand Kahunas: 50+ (born in 1976 or earlier).
- Super Kahunas: 60+ (born in 1966 or earlier).
- Cadets (U16): Category for boys and girls born in 2010 or later, Cadets can choose to compete for the full seasonin the Elite class (Juniors age subclassifications).
- Kids (U14): For boys and girls born in 2012 or later, Kids can choose to compete for the full season in the Cadets category.
Kids & cadets Class: Nurturing the Future of SUP
This category is for boys and girls aged 14 or younger (born in 2012 or later). A specially adapted course and equipment will be provided on-site for these young paddlers. Not all events will include a separate kids’ race, but details will be communicated in advance. Kids can choose to compete with the Cadets throughout the entire season. The Cadets (U16): For boys and girls born in 2010 or later; Cadets can choose to compete in the Elite class for the entire season.
fun Class: since 2025!
Designed for casual paddlers, this class exclusively features inflatable boards (no length limit) and hard boards up to 12.6 feet. There are no age classifications, and courses will be tailored to ensure accessibility and fun. It is not possible to switch from Fun to Elite categories and vice versa during the season. The competition organizers may ask a Fun participant to compete in the Elite category if they consider the participant too strong.
Introducing Team Competitions
BST 2026 introduces team competitions, adding a new dimension to the tour. Teams can participate in relay or estafette races, fostering camaraderie and making SUP more accessible.
Key Details:
- Teams consist of 2-4 members.
- At least 50% 1 participant for 2 member teams, two participant for 3 or 4 members’ teams must remain consistent throughout the season
- Teams must register under a specific name and adhere to the chosen number of members.
- Not all events have a separate team classification, but details will be communicated in advance.
A final team ranking will crown the best collaborative effort of the season.
BST 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Belgian SUP, blending tradition with innovation. Whether you’re an Elite paddler aiming for glory or a recreational enthusiast looking for fun, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting journey on the water!
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