A BST season consists of 8 races including 3 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 2025 season is almost completely fixed:

Competition Calendar 2025

Mark your calendars for the following events (dates to be confirmed):

• Paddle of the Kempen = Belgian Championships Long Distance (LD)
   Sunday, April 27, 2025
   BST + BeNeSUP Tour
• TR Northseau SUP classic
   Sunday, June 8, 2025
   BST
• Belgian Championships Technical Race (TR) KYC (Reserved Date: September 6)
   Sunday, June 29, 2025
   BST + BeNeSUP Tour
• The Longest Day (Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure)
   Saturday, August 30, 2025
   BST + BeNeSUP Tour
• BST TR Hazewinkel (Reserved Date: September 6)
   Saturday, September 6, 2025
   BST
• Belgian Champtionships Sprint Hazewinkel (Reserved Date)
   Saturday, September 6, 2025
   BST
• Nieuwpoort
   Sunday, September 21, 2025
   BST
• SUP4Life
   Sunday, December 14, 2025
   BST

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 2025 are:

• Elite (Scratch): Open to all.
  • Juniors: U18 (born in 2007 or later).
  • Seniors: 28+ (born in 1997 or earlier).
  • Masters: 35+ (born in 1990 or earlier).
  • Grand Masters: 40+ (born in 1985 or earlier).
  • Kahuna: 45+ (born in 1980 or earlier).
  • Grand Kahunas: 50+ (born in 1975 or earlier).
  • Super Kahunas: 60+ (born in 1965 or earlier).
• Cadets (U16): Category for boys and girls born in 2009 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 20011 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 2011 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 2009 or later; Cadets can choose to compete in the Elite class for the entire season.

Recreational Class: New for 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 Recreational to Elite categories and vice versa during the season. The competition organizers may ask a Recreational participant to compete in the Elite category if they consider the participant too strong.

Introducing Team Competitions

BST 2025 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 2025 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!