Fernando Pérez Serra, Duna Gordillo, Aarón Sánchez and Alba Alonso Frey claimed the victories at an event that brought nearly 150 athletes to Playa Central
Isla Cristina, Huelva, 7 September 2026. Playa Central in Isla Cristina hosted the fifth stop of the 2026 European SUP League from 4 to 6 September. The event brought together nearly 150 athletes and some of the biggest names in international Stand Up Paddle, including five world champions.
For three days, the coastal town of Huelva became one of the main centres of attention for European SUP. The programme combined elite competition, amateur races, activities for children and families, and experiences connected with the sea, local culture and the gastronomy of the Costa de la Luz.
Speed and excitement in the Sprint races
Official competition began on Saturday with the 200-metre Sprint races, delivering fast, intense and closely contested action.
In the men’s category, Fernando Pérez Serra took victory ahead of Sergio Cantoral Quirant, who finished second, while Iván Puente Rodríguez completed the podium.
In the women’s category, Duna Gordillo Rodríguez won the final, followed by Alba Alonso Frey in second place and Nuria Chiquero García in third.
The elimination format and the course’s proximity to the shoreline allowed spectators to enjoy a particularly dynamic day of racing, defined by speed, explosive performances and extremely close competition.
Aarón Sánchez and Alba Alonso Frey win the Technical Race
Sunday featured the Technical Race, a spectacular discipline characterised by beach starts and finishes, buoy turns and constant changes of position.
Spain’s Aarón Sánchez Quetglas, the reigning Technical Race world champion, confirmed his status as one of the favourites by winning the men’s final. Fernando Pérez Serra secured second place, while Iván Puente Rodríguez returned to the podium in third.
In the women’s competition, victory went to Alba Alonso Frey, the current leader of the European SUP League overall ranking. Nuria Chiquero García finished second, with Laura Paricio Godián taking third place.
Spectators were able to follow the final day’s action from close to the shoreline and enjoy a format in which speed, technique, buoy turns and the ability to read the Atlantic conditions proved decisive.
A privileged setting on the Costa de la Luz
The arrival of the European SUP League has strengthened Isla Cristina’s position as a leading destination for water sports. Its extensive beaches, maritime heritage and the natural surroundings of the Marismas de Isla Cristina provided a unique setting for an international competition of this calibre.
The event showcased Isla Cristina and the province of Huelva to athletes, accompanying teams and supporters from different countries. It also demonstrated the destination’s ability to combine sport, nature, tourism and international promotion.
The competition further contributed to extending tourism activity beyond the main summer months, generating a positive impact on local accommodation, restaurants and businesses.
The support of Isla Cristina Town Council was essential to the event’s success
The European SUP League extends its special thanks to Isla Cristina Town Council and its Municipal Sports Department, whose support and organisational capacity were fundamental to the successful delivery of the competition.
The combined efforts of municipal staff, the organising team, judges, volunteers, clubs and participating organisations ensured an event worthy of the European circuit and provided the athletes with an excellent welcome.
Councillor for Sports Álex Boa highlighted the spectacle both on and off the water and praised the collective effort required to place Isla Cristina firmly on the European water-sports map.
The ESL also recognises the work of Augusto García, a municipal sports officer and a key figure in bringing the circuit to Isla Cristina, as well as the performance of local rider Augusto García Jr., who recovered from a fall during the competition to qualify for the Technical Race final, in addition to reaching the B Final of the Sprint competition.
The event benefited from the important support and collaboration of Huelva Provincial Council and the Regional Ministry of Sports of the Government of Andalusia, as well as sporting institutions including the Spanish Surfing Federation, the European Surfing Federation, Club Deportivo Windsurfing Isla Cristina and the local sailing school. Hotel Estival Isla Cristina and the other collaborating organisations and businesses also played an important role in the successful delivery of the event
The European SUP League heads to Sesimbra
Following the Isla Cristina event, the European SUP League now approaches the final stop of the season. The circuit will travel to Sesimbra, Portugal, from 11 to 13 September, where the 2026 season titles will be decided.
Donato Freens remains at the top of the men’s overall ranking, followed by Sergio Cantoral and Aarón Sánchez. In the women’s standings, Alba Alonso Frey leads ahead of Nuria Chiquero and Bianca Toncelli.
Isla Cristina concludes its first appearance on the European SUP League calendar having made an excellent impression on athletes, organisers and spectators, while reaffirming its potential to host major international events connected with the sea.