From May 2 to 4, the European SUP League go to Melilla with top-level competition in a spectacular setting.
Following the successful launch of the circuit in Benalmádena, the European SUP League (ESL) continues its journey with the second event on the calendar, taking place in Melilla as part of the Triple ESE Surf Festival. The festival, now in its fourth edition, will be held from May 2 to 4.
Organized with the support of the Spanish Surfing Federation and the European Surfing Federation, the event will bring together athletes from across the continent to compete in ESL point-scoring events in the technical race and sprint disciplines. In addition, it will host the Spanish SUP Race Championships in both sprint and long distance formats.
The city of Melilla is positioning itself as a key location for the development of SUP in both Spain and Europe, offering an ideal setting for the sport and establishing a model event that blends competition, sports tourism, environmental awareness, and social inclusion.
A Landmark Event for National and International SUP
The 2025 Triple ESE Festival will feature four major official competitions:
- May 2: ESL – Technical Race
- May 3: Spanish Sprint Championships + ESL Sprint
- May 4: Spanish Long Distance Championships
From a sporting perspective, the ESL stop in Melilla promises a high level of competition and significant prize money. All races are open to athletes of any nationality.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Championships will gather the country’s top competitors. These races are open exclusively to athletes holding a national federation license and will award medals and trophies across multiple categories — from Under-10 to Elite.
An Event with a Vision for the Future
The Triple ESE Festival is not only a sports event — it’s also a platform for values. With a mission to promote healthy habits, environmental respect, and inclusion, the festival reinforces the ESL’s commitment to a broader social impact.
Alongside the competition, the event will feature parallel activities, outreach actions, and an infrastructure designed to minimize environmental impact, including the use of recycled jerseys and sustainable waste management practices, aligned with the league’s environmental policy.
In addition, the inclusive spirit of the inaugural Benalmádena event will continue in Melilla, with initiatives such as blind athlete participation, made possible through collaboration with the ONCE Foundation.
Competition Schedule
- Thursday, May 1: Athlete Registration & Briefing
- Friday, May 2: ESL – Technical Race (qualifiers, semifinals, finals)
- Saturday, May 3: Spanish Sprint Championships + ESL Sprint
- Sunday, May 4: Spanish Long Distance Championships
Heats and schedules are subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and the number of registered athletes. Sprint and long-distance races may be swapped if necessary due to weather.
With this new stop, the European SUP League continues to build momentum in its inaugural season, staying true to its mission of connecting the European SUP community from grassroots to elite.