A document that consolidates the competitive model developed and validated throughout the 2025 season.
The 2026 Regulations represent a clear change of approach: a firm commitment to inclusion within the Open category, the validation of formats that work under real competition conditions, and the creation of a solid framework that provides clarity, safety, and coherence across the entire league ecosystem.
These regulations have been developed through consensus with equipment manufacturing brands, international coaches and national selectors, event organizers, and the ESL Competition Committee, created in 2026 and including direct athlete representation, ensuring that the athletes’ voice plays an active role in decision-making.
Regulations designed for the athlete
The new regulatory framework guarantees that any athlete registering for an ESL event clearly understands the competition formats, applicable rules, scoring system, elimination rounds, rankings, and final classifications in advance.
The regulations are primarily based on the rules of the International Surfing Association (ISA), incorporating specific adjustments agreed upon with the European Surf Federation and tested during the 2025 season, always with the objective of improving competition without breaking international standards.
Living regulations with firm principles
Although conceived as a living document, 2026 is a year of consolidation. Any future modifications will be communicated, agreed upon, and will not alter the philosophy of the circuit. Evolution, yes; improvisation, no.
The sporting core of the circuit
The most significant regulatory change affects the format and distance of the technical race, defined as the central axis of the circuit. This format has proven to be the most complete, understandable, and balanced, combining technique, tactics, explosiveness, and ocean reading, while also facilitating broadcasting, spectator understanding, and the future projection of the sport.
Inclusive Open category
The regulations reinforce the Open category as a shared competitive space where elite athletes and emerging levels compete within the same event. Subcategories and classification systems ensure competitive fairness without unnecessarily fragmenting the experience.
In longer or more demanding events, alternative course options are included, both of which continue to score toward the overall ranking, allowing the level of difficulty to be adapted without excluding any athletes.
Development, foundations, and the future of the sport
Among the most relevant additions are:
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The Kahuna +60 category, integrated within Open and recognized as an official class.
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Promotional categories Sub14, Sub12, Sub10, and Sub8, with a dedicated ESL ranking and a formative, experiential approach.
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The creation of a shared equipment pool (boards and paddles) to facilitate participation, reduce logistical barriers, and prioritize learning at early ages.
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A specific focus on the Sub16 category as a bridge toward official competition.
Clubs, brands, and community
The regulations introduce a club classification, recognizing collective effort as the foundation of sporting development, as well as a stronger integration of brands through dedicated rankings and relay races as a distinctive competitive format.
In addition, ESL events maintain non-competitive activities, popular paddles, and participatory formats, reinforcing the idea that the league is not only about competition, but also about community and serving as an entry point to SUP.
A clear message
With these regulations, the ESL reaffirms its vision: SUP is performance and competition, but also education, process, and shared experience. A model designed to ensure athletes grow with the sport, without burnout, and that the circuit evolves on solid, clear, and shared foundations.
Technical Direction
European SUP League – 2026
