Season 2026

The Belgian SUP Tour 2026 calendar is now officially confirmed.

A BST season consists of 12 races, including the official Belgian Championships in Long Distance, Technical Race and Sprint, which serve as selection events for the ISA World Championships.

An overall end-of-year ranking is established, taking into account gender and age categories. International paddlers are welcome and fully included in the annual rankings.

The season will kick off on April 25–26 with the Paddle of the Kempen at Zilvermeer, Mol. This opening event will feature a full weekend format, including Sprint and Technical Race on Saturday, followed by the Long Distance on Sunday.

Competition Calendar 2026

Mark your calendars and get ready for the upcoming events.

Paddle of the Kempen – Zilvermeer (Mol):
Open for Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites
Saturday 25 April 2026 – Sprint & Technical Race
Sunday 26 April 2026 – Long Distance
BST Races 1 – 2 – 3
Pre-selection ICF European Championships
Open for: Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites
Belgian Championship Technical Race Windekind (Oostduinkerke):
Open for Cadets, Fun, Elites
Saterday 27 June 2026
BC Technical Race
BST Race 4
Pre-selection ICF European Championships
The Longest Day – Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure (Plate Taille):
Open for Cadets, Fun, Elites, Teams
Saturday 22 August 2026
Ultra Long Distance
BST Race 5
Double 10 Challenge
Belgian Championship Long Distance & Technical Race Antwerp on Water – Kattendijkdok: Open for Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites, Teams
Saturday 29 August 2026 – Technical Race
Sunday 30 August 2026 – BC Long Distance
BST Races 6 – 7
Pre-selection ICF European Championships
Technical Race & Belgian Championship Sprint – Hazewinkel (Willebroek):
Open for Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites
Saturday 5 September 2026
Technical Race & BC Sprint
BST Races 8 – 9
Pre-selection ICF European Championships
Belgian Championship Ultra Long Distance L’Enfer des canaux (du Nord) –
Aire sur la Lys (Comines): Open for Cadets, Fun, Elites, Teams
Saturday 26 September 2026
Belgian Championships ULD
BST Race 10
Battle of the Yser – Nieuwpoort:
Open for Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites
Sunday 4 October 2026
Long Distance
BST Race 11
SUP4Life – Loods 25 – Ghent:
Open for Kids, Cadets, Fun, Elites, Teams
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!

BST