sup kids makkum
What began as an initiative by Jörg Bossack to go paddleboarding with his son Benyam and his friends has grown into a close-knit community of young paddlers. SUP Kids Makkum is the organizer of the Frisian SUP Battle.
Paddleboarding, also known as Stand Up Paddling, has grown enormously in recent years, and more and more children are discovering just how fun and versatile this sport is!
At the WVM, children train weekly—some just for fun and others with a focus on competition. Do you have a swimming certificate and are you 7 years old or older? Then you can already start paddleboarding.
Training schedule:
- Spring, summer and autumn: Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sunday.
- Winter: Only on Sunday.
Why is paddleboarding so popular with children?
- Sporty and Challenging: Children improve their balance, strength, and endurance.
- Self-confidence and focus: Paddleboarding helps children concentrate better and provides a sense of stability, both physically and mentally.
- Playing Sports Together: During training sessions and matches, the kids encourage each other and help one another, which enhances the social aspect.
- Suitable for Everyone: Whether you’re looking to race enthusiastically or simply enjoy the water, paddleboarding is accessible to everyone!
Professional Equipment for Young Paddlers
Until a few years ago, there were hardly any good paddleboards for children. Many boards were too wide, making it difficult for kids to develop the right technique. Fortunately, there are now special children’s race boards and adapted paddles that make paddleboarding even more fun and accessible.
The Future of Paddleboarding for Kids
With the sport’s growing popularity, more and more competitions are being organised specifically for children. In addition, international training camps encourage the development of young talent from countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Whether you are a competitive paddler or just love being out on the water, paddleboarding is a fantastic way for children to be active and have fun.
Frisian SUP Battle
The Frisian SUP Battle is an international stand-up paddle (SUP) race event where elite competition, experience and community come together. In the iconic watersports village of Makkum, on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer, a dynamic stage emerges connecting national and international SUP athletes with recreational paddlers, visitors and the local community.
Our ambition
To become the largest SUP race event in the Netherlands
Location: Makkum, Friesland
Municipality: Súdwest-Fryslân
The Event
The Frisian SUP Battle is an international stand-up paddle (SUP) race event where elite competition, experience and community come together. In the iconic watersports village of Makkum, on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer, a dynamic stage emerges connecting national and international SUP athletes with recreational paddlers, visitors and the local community.
The Frisian SUP Battle features multiple competition disciplines, representing the full spectrum of the SUP sport. Athletes take part in sprint races, technical races and a long-distance race, making the event attractive to both specialists and all-round SUP enthusiasts.
Our ambition is clear: to grow into the largest and most prominent SUP race event in the Netherlands, with international allure and a strong, sustainable anchoring in Friesland.
Makkum & Friesland as a Natural Setting
Friesland is synonymous with water, sport and space. Makkum is a unique location, boasting a rich water sports tradition, international appeal and direct access to Lake IJsselmeer. Its situation within the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân underscores the region’s strength: enterprising, hospitable, and focused on sporting and tourism development.
The Frisian SUP Battle makes optimal use of this setting, putting Makkum and Friesland on the map as the SUP hotspot of the Netherlands.
An Event Supported by the Community
The Frisian SUP Battle is expressly a community-driven event. Local entrepreneurs, residents and volunteers play an active role in both its organisation and experience. At the same time, international SUP athletes bring their networks, visibility and sporting quality.
This interaction ensures an event that is not only strong in sporting terms, but also adds social and economic value to the region. It is a meeting place where sport, entrepreneurship and community reinforce each other.
Reach and Impact
The Frisian SUP Battle targets a broad and diverse audience: from professional and amateur SUP athletes to water sports enthusiasts, tourists and day visitors. By offering a mix of disciplines and drawing an international field of participants, the event appeals to various groups within the SUP community.
In addition, the Frisian SUP Battle positions itself in direct relation to the SUP 11 City Tour, the iconic ultra-long-distance race held annually in September. The Frisian SUP Battle can serve as a warm-up event for national and international athletes preparing for this extreme challenge.
Together, these events create a unique sporting ecosystem. With both the SUP 11 City Tour and the Frisian SUP Battle, Friesland hosts two of the largest SUP events in the Netherlands, each with international attraction and impact.
The event is developing into a strong communication platform, with an authentic Frisian story, striking imagery and growing (inter)national media attention.
Partnership
To realise this ambition, the Frisian SUP Battle works with partners who want to grow alongside us. Think of marketing and media partners who enhance visibility and storytelling, financial partners investing in sustainable growth, and support partners who provide facilities, expertise or equipment.
Partners align themselves with a credible sports event of international status, deep local roots and opportunities for bespoke activations and long-term cooperation.
Focus on Youth and Inclusivity
The first edition of the Frisian SUP Battle took place on 30 and 31 August 2025, with a second edition planned for 29 and 30 August 2026. The event is designed to be an annual fixture with a strong focus on youth development and nurturing talent.
Inclusivity is also strongly promoted: the event is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience, background or physical ability. By combining a youth focus with inclusivity, the Frisian SUP Battle lays a solid foundation for sustainable growth and social impact, while encouraging young athletes to continue developing.
From 2027 onwards, the emphasis will be on expanding the event, with more activities, disciplines and participation, enabling the festival to reach an even larger and more diverse audience.
Building Growth Together
The Frisian SUP Battle is at the start of a promising growth trajectory. Together with partners, we are building an event that grows each year in participants, visitors and international visibility, with lasting impact for Makkum, Friesland and the SUP sport in the Netherlands.
We would be delighted to discuss this ambition with you! Call us on 06 – 3016 7503 (Hiltsje Pritchard)
Frisian SUP Battle
Makkum – Friesland
Where elite sport, water and community come together
Frisian Sup Battle 