Casper Steinfath: The 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship

Are you competing in this year’s World Championships in Copenhagen?
“I’m going into this world cup as a last farewell to the sport as a competitor. My goal is to join for the Team Relay and see if I can make my mark on the sport one last time.”

"...to win with all the people you love cheering you on in front of the Opera House in Copenhagen was like being in a dream. “

You won the Sprint discipline in Copenhagen back in 2017. How was it to win on home turf?
“It was the biggest win for me as a professional athlete. Before 2017 I had only won events on a remote beach far away from my friends and family. So, to win with all the people you love cheering you on in front of the Opera House in Copenhagen was like being in a dream. “

How is it to compete in a city like Copenhagen?
“Paddling in the city, the water is way quieter and easier to paddle in, but the whole ambience is more stadium-like than out on some remote island beach. There is a whole other energy in the city. SUP has become an amazing sport to watch. Nobody just drops by a tiny beach in the tropics, but in Copenhagen it felt like the whole city was watching.”

Who do you root for (other than yourself)?
“Christian ‘Polarbear’ Andersen, another Dane, is in the shape of his life. We grew up in the same little town in Jutland, and he’s in the absolute world elite right now. He’s been looking for his big international breakthrough and I sense that it might happen soon. Hopefully in Copenhagen.”

"...what I love about Copenhagen is that there is so much activity and ambience in the harbour. So many people on the water SUP’ing, kayaking or sailing around in the summer."

What do you think about Copenhagen as city for water sports?
“I live pretty far from Copenhagen so I’m more used to waves and paddling in the open ocean. But what I love about Copenhagen is that there is so much activity and ambience in the harbour. So many people on the water SUP’ing, kayaking or sailing around in the summer.

When I paddled around Denmark in 2022 there were so many people paddling out to greet me on my way into Copenhagen. The city was so beautiful from the water on that day. People eating and lounging in the sun along the water. You don’t see that in Thy where I’m from, so to me that’s really unique.”

Where should people SUP in and around Copenhagen?
“Paddling around the bend at Kronborg Castle (also known as Hamlet’s Castle) in Elsinore north of Copenhagen was a highlight for me when paddling around Denmark.

Amager Strandpark is a great spot for paddling as well. It’s a contrast to the inner harbour with dunes and real beaches.”

We know you’re kind of big on baked goods. What would be your go-to pastry to bring from one of the Copenhagen bakeries for a SUP trip?
“I would ask for a ‘tebirkes’, which is a Danish pastry with remonce and poppyseeds on top. I would ask to have it cut up with butter and cheese on it. And then I’d buy two ‘træstammer’ (translates: tree log), a kind of chocolate truffle cake with marcipan. One for before the paddle and one for after."