March 18, 2026
This week we talk with ALBA FREY, winner of the first edition of the European Sup League 2025.
An elite Spanish Stand Up Paddle (SUP) athlete, specialized in the Sprint discipline, she is one of the leading international figures in this sport. She has an outstanding career as a multiple medalist in world championships from both the ISA (International Surfing Association) and the ICF (International Canoe Federation).
Among her greatest achievements are the ISA World Champion title in 2024 and the World Runner-up in 2025 in both circuits, ISA and ICF. In addition, she has been two-time team world champion with the Spanish national team and has accumulated five national titles.
With a total of 14 medals in world championships, her career reflects consistency, high performance, and a solid presence in the international SUP elite.
To begin, we look back at 2025
1. After winning the title in 2025, how do you remember last season? Which moment would you highlight above the rest?
I remember it as an intense and demanding season, but at the same time very rewarding and full of learning. My best memory is the ESL in Melilla; the conditions of the technical race were spectacular, and it became one of my favorite races that I will always remember.
2. What do you think was the key to winning the ESL in 2025?
Consistency. It’s not only about winning, but about trying to be consistent with your results, and I think I managed to achieve that.
As we reach these first months of the year and approach the start of the season…
3. How has your winter been? Have you been able to disconnect or have you kept training?
My winter has been spectacular, I won’t lie. When the season ends, I put the board away and don’t touch it again until I have to start the next one. I need to disconnect and spend time doing all those sports that I can’t during the season, like windsurfing, surfing, and foil. I don’t train in race, but I stay very active and always in the water.
4. What have you mainly focused on during the preseason to prepare for 2026?
I want to maintain a very similar approach to last year because I felt very good during the season. We have fine-tuned the planning a bit more to try to be stronger than ever, because I want to keep performing at the highest level in all three disciplines.
5. Have you made any changes in your training, equipment, or team for this season?
Not really. I’ve tried to respect rest periods more, because I tend to go into the water to windsurf or surf even when I’m exhausted from training. But I’m not doing a great job at that, haha.
Now it’s time to face the new season…
6. The new ESL season begins at the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola. What does it mean for you to start the year at this event?
Santa Pola is a classic in our sport. It’s the biggest event of the season and the best athletes are always there. Starting there is always exciting because of the pressure it brings, a first event where you can see how your preseason has gone.
7. How are you approaching the first event of the season?
I’m training very well, with good sensations, really enjoying the day-to-day and the preparation. I have motivation, which is the most important thing, so I think we are on the right track.
The main motivation for athletes is to surpass their goals…
8. What are your main objectives for the 2026 season?
My main objective is to feel strong while competing, not get sick too often, and be able to fight in every race feeling good. Results are secondary, but being able to compete with the strongest athletes in the sport is already a gift.
9. This year you have to defend your title… Pressure or motivation?
Motivation. There is a very high level among the girls, it won’t be easy, but we will give everything, that’s for sure.
10. The level in the ESL grows every year. Who do you see as your main rivals in 2026?
There are many very strong girls: Duna, Maricarmen, Juliette, Espe, Scillac, etc., and surely new athletes will appear on the scene with the level to fight for the podium. This is very good for the sport, it keeps growing both in participation and level.
11. What message would you like to send to the fans before the start of the new season?
See you in Santa Pola for the first ESL event, it’s going to be spectacular. See you there! Keep paddling!