Elias Nebel, 17-year old paddler from Deep Cove, Canada, has taken the local SUP racing scene by storm and he’s just warming up. His journey has been fuelled by passion, determination and a supportive local SUP community. As he prepares for the 2024 ICF World Championships, Elias shares his story, his inspirations, and top tips for aspiring racers.

Hi Elias, how did you discover the sport of stand-up paddleboarding and when (and why 😊) did you decide to start competing?

After spending the summer we moved to Deep Cove getting in the way of the Deep Cove Kayak staff and operations, the manager and coincidently paddleboard coach, Mike Darbyshire, had had enough and put me on a board to go and try it out. Little did he know, he had just introduced a determined young boy to the world of paddleboarding and this little boy would soon become his own competition…

I joined the DART paddleboard team in Deep Cove in the Summer of 2019 and started competing soon after. I enjoyed playing around on the board, testing it, balancing on different parts of the board and experiencing how it reacted. I really started to improve and take training seriously in 2021, which was also the first year I did a longer (15km) race.

Could you tell us more about your local SUP scene?

There is a very active SUP community in North Vancouver. Coast Outdoors runs a weekly Tuesday Night Race for paddlers of all kinds which also boasts a strong SUP group. They also run two larger races every year, one in the Spring (Board the Fjord) and one in the Fall (The Whipper). In addition the Vancouver SUP Challenge takes place in July every year.

What’s your Blackfish Paddles set up and could you tell us more about your paddling experience with Blackfish gear?

My current paddling set up includes the new xxxxx 520 (*new paddle coming soon), an amazing paddle, giving me the confidence I need in every stroke. It catches quickly giving power instantly and providing reliability and stability.

You are now preparing for the ICF Worlds in Florida. Which race formats will you be competing in?

As a junior athlete I will be competing in all disciplines, including Long Distance, Tech, and Sprint, which together will determine the final placement.

What are your expectations when participating in an event of this scale?

I’m really excited to be participating in an international race. I look forward to meeting SUP athletes from all around the world and I expect to be challenged and pushed to my limits. My aim is to gain experience and grow as a paddleboarder.

Who inspires you in the world of stand-up paddleboarding?

One of the people who inspires me the most is someone who has always been there for me and has helped me get to where I am today. Coach Mike Darbyshire has taught me paddle technique, pivot turns, and pushes me beyond my limits. He puts up with my morning moods, motivates me, and despite dreary weather and early mornings, I enjoy being out on the water learning from him.

Could you share your top tips for aspiring young SUP racers?

You’re faster on your board than in the water.

If you can talk, you’re not going fast enough.

Don’t let the training take away from the fun (but it becomes more fun as you get better).

Do you have any other SUP plans after the ICF Worlds before the season ends?

I am very lucky to live in a place where, although it gets cold once winter sets in, it is still possible to paddle all year around. After ICF Worlds, I will continue training and begin to include more cross-training during the colder months to prepare myself for next season.

Good luck Elias and don't forget to have fun!

*Images by Viviane Nishikiori / Courtesy of Coast Outdoors