Starboard Announces 2024 Dream Team

SAN DIEGO, California - Among many things, Starboard SUP is known for their premier lineup of professional athletes on their team. They just announced their 2024 Dream Team, a.k.a. their roster of pro athletes and the lineup is stacked with talent. See who's on team Starboard this year below.

“I am proud to introduce our 2024 Dream Team to you. We have an incredibly diverse and talented group of athletes. Diverse because our riders, men and women, cover the whole SUP spectrum from race, wave, sprinting, adventure, and expeditions to big waves, with World Champions in every category. Talented also, every rider deserves to be on the Dream Team in their own right, but especially this year, we have a lot of fresh new talent working their way up through the ranks. Watch for our bright orange noses sticking out in front of the pack.” - Bart de Swart, Starboard Team Manager

2024 Starboard Dream Team Athletes

• Connor Baxter
• Michael Booth
• Noïc Garioud
• Esperanza Barreras
• Fiona Wylde
• Zane Schweitzer
• Benoit Carpentier
• Rai Taguchi
• Cecilia Pampinella
• Riki Horikoshi
• Fernando Perez
• Clement Colmas
• Camille Dubrana
• Ole Schwarz
• Linus Karlsson
• Alba Frey
• Aaron Sanchez
• Cameron Tripney
• Tim Oliver
• Marie Buchanan
• Bart de Zwart
• Bruce Kirby

 

Connor Baxter. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

CONNOR BAXTER

Being one of the most winning riders in the team, Connor always put timing in the work on the water and on land to get stronger and faster. So more lifting and more paddling ahead in 2024!

“2023 was an amazing year with some big events. There were some high times like celebrating victories and low times in the losses. But at the end of the day 2023 has shown me never to give up.” – Connor Baxter

Michael Booth.  | Photo courtesy: Starboard

MICHAEL BOOTH

Even with an impressive racing portfolio with 7 World titles, Michael can’t stop chasing new ones! Being a great motivator in the SUP industry, in 2024 he would like to focus on key events, train, and perform to his true ability. This means following a structured program, committing to it, and continuing to enjoy his paddling.

“2023 was a very full year, outside of racing we finished off building our house, I brought back the BOOTHCAST after a small hiatus, ran 20+ BOOTH Training clinics around the world and set up a new business called BOOTH Watersports. For my competitive year it was up and down I had a great start to the season winning in Carolina, but then a few things seemed to not go my way through my European stint despite still getting some wins. Towards the tail end of the year I think I probably pushed too hard and was a bit burnt out leading me to getting sick multiple times and unable to perform at my best. However, this was all excellent learning for me and I’m excited to see what I can do in 2024 with a bit less on my plate!” – Michael Booth

Noic Garioud. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

NOÏC GARIOUD

Having rocked the 2023 season, Noic is setting his main goal for 2024 to train as hard as he can to win some gold to bring home for his future son.

“About 2023 achievements, the best ones are my 3 Golds on both ICF and ISA, but I am also super happy to have won the 2023 Euro Tour Title. That was a nice and hard battle on a total of five long distance races, And I had to push myself to get them.” – Noïc Garioud 

Espe Barreras. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

ESPERANZA BARRERAS

Having had a dream 2023 year with winning the world titles, Esperanza believes that technical skills are never finished being learned. Therefore, she has a global training plan for all disciplines to undertake in 2024 to defend her ISA & ICF gold titles and keep being regular in all disciplines (Long Distance, Technical Racing & Sprint).

“2023 was a year to remember for me. Sportingly speaking, this year taught me to believe more in myself. To look back and see that all my goals have been achieved couldn’t make me happier. This gives me the confidence to believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, if you put your mind to it. Personally, it has been a year in which everything has flowed smoothly, without too many complications, and this has helped me to focus.” – Esperanza Barreras

Fiona Wylde. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

FIONA WYLDE

After 10 years of bright and remarkable competing in Stand Up Paddling, Fiona is shifting her goals in 2024, stepping into more of a coaching and supporting role compared to racing. She still plans to participate in many races, but not as frequently as in years past.

The main objectives for 2024 include developing Wylde Wind & Water, the non-profit organization founded by Fiona to provide watersport and water safety education, with numerous community projects. Additionally, Fiona is stepping into a completely new role as the new Class Manager for the first-ever Wing Foil One Design equipment called X-15 Class produced by FreeWing and Starboard. In this role, Fiona will develop an internationally recognised one-design class and provide a pathway for the sport of wing foiling.

“2023 opened the doors to a new era of my professional career. I was recovering and re-entering competition after a major shoulder surgery finding myself a top podiums in both Stand Up Paddling and Wing Foiling. Last year, I realized how much I have dedicated my life to the sports and how much I have been fortunate enough to experience from competing internationally. My shoulder is strong, although it is not exactly what it was before the surgery. That is part of life, that is part of being an athlete, and it also puts a lot of perspective on the priorities I have had over the year, allowing me to make new priorities going forward, I’m excited with the new direction I’m heading in 2024 and I think it’s going to be positive for myself, my family, and also the sports as a whole.” – Fiona Wylde

Zane Schweitzer. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

ZANE SCHWEITZER

As an innovator in the Oceansports industry and a leader in the world of SUP Surf and Foiling, in 2024 Zane is looking forward to focusing his efforts, structuring training and working towards his growth and performance around his favourite oceansports and favourite training grounds in Hawaii. He is going to continue to share my progress, Training, and environmental initiatives through my social channels to encourage all the others to follow the action!

“2023 was an epic year for me both professionally in my sports career and personally as a new father! I feel grateful for yet another year ahead and continue to grow, adapt, and learn from my experiences, which were diverse to say the least! Between meeting career goals like becoming a Pan Am Olympic Gold Medalist, personal development becoming a father and community resilience enduring the 2023 Lahaina fires and responding as a community leader, and more!” – Zane Schweitzer

Benoit Carpentier. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

BENOIT CARPENTIER

Benoit has set inspiring goals for his 2024 season: to have fun on the water, surf some big waves, and win some events! He is putting all his efforts into getting stronger physically and working on the gear to be ready on the big day to make these goals happen this year

“2023 was an amazing year with some big events, a new adventure on the wing foil side, few good results and some not so good but plenty of fun in the water with old and new friends that I met on the road!” – Benoit Carpentier

Rai Taguchi. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

RAI TAGUCHI

Rai’s excellent start with the Starboard Dream Team in 2023 gave him a strong push and desire to achieve his main goal for 2024 – winning the gold medal at the World Championships. He is planning his training program to strengthen his muscles to reach an even higher level this year.

“In 2023, I moved to the Starboard team and made a new start. And racing with a new team and gear was a very refreshing feeling.” – Rai Taguchi

Cecilia Pampinella. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

CECILIA PAMPINELLA

As a newcomer to the Starboard team, Cecilia is planning to train more and more to improve her skills in 2024, moving towards the goals of winning the ISA World Championship and the ICF World Championship!

“The 2023 has made me grow a lot and has allowed me to travel the world since I have made many competitions. My level of athlete has increased and with time I have achieved some fantastic goals!” – Cecilia Pampinella

Riki Horikoshi. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

RIKI HORIKOSHI

As a Japan rising star for SUP surfing, Riki is getting closer to his big world titles in 2024! Gearing up for big waves and aiming to become the APP SUP Surfing World Champion are the main plans for Riki for the upcoming season.

“6’10 PRO board makes me skill up for my backside turn in 2023.” – Riki Horikoshi

Fernando Perez. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

FERNANDO PEREZ

Getting more power and speed for all the aspects of SUP racing, Fernando set his 2024 goal to stay on a top 3 at the ISA and ICF World Championships. Looking forward to the results of this young Spanish Dream Team racer!

“2023 has been incredible yet with lots of good travels and lots of good sensations on my board and results in the competitions.” – Fernando Perez 

Clement Colmas. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

CLEMENT COLMAS

Focusing on favourite disciplines and getting good train plans for 2024 events, Clement is excited for the year. His main objectives are the Défiwind and Molokai 2 Oahu events, both of which he is determined to win!

“In 2023 I had some good results and some other disappointing results. Overall It’s been an amazing year competing in SUP racing and wingfoiling all over the world with some epic sessions at home.” – Clement Colmas 

Camille Dubrana. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

CAMILLE DUBRANA

With plenty of 2024 European and World championships planned to dominate, Camille’s plan for the year is to improve her Longboard SUP skills and also SUP surfing backside attack as well as keep cross-training to be in the best possible shape to enjoy every session & competition.

“2023 gave me a lot of confidence about what I was capable of. Riding Starboard’s Stand Up Paddle boards for the first time helped me a lot improve my surfing. Now I feel comfortable riding smaller boards which allow me to show a more radical surfing in competition. I also discovered LongSUP and I’m loving it. During this year I trained physically with my physio Alix, it also helped me a lot!” – Camille Dubrana

Ole Schwarz. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

OLE SCHWARZ

Competing in the SUP sport for over 13 years as for now, Ole continues to secure top champion titles in Germany. In 2024 he plans to maintain his focus on his training to prepare for the World Championship event in the USA and aims to introduce more members from my local canoeing club to SUP.

“Racing since 2009 it’s incredible to see how the Sport is developing all over the world, especially this year’s world championships in Thailand. More and more young People are coming into the Sport. And the level is constantly rising.” – Ole Schwarz

Linus Karlsson. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

LINUS KARLSSON

For the 2024 season Linus has chosen the strategy to take in the moments even more and don’t rush through anything. That mindset surely will reach a new level of performance for him! He plans to continue working on becoming even more comfortable in race situations and ocean conditions.

“2023 has brought me to new amazing places around the world to meet inspiring people. The season has given me challenges where I both have won and lost but in the end learnt a lot! I really got to what’s bringing me forward and that’s motivates me to keep hunting for more and bigger improvements!” – Linus Karlsson

Alba Frey. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

ALBA FREY

Alba consistently prioritizes her goals, aiming to train harder and smarter while enjoying every moment of ride. We believe this approach is her personal secret to achieving high results over the past few years. In 2024, she plans to focus on race training, while also indulging in enjoyable surfing, foil, and windsurfing sessions.

“2023 was a year of learning and experiences travelling around the globe and enjoying a beautiful sport.” – Alba Frey

Aaron Sanchez. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

AARON SANCHEZ

Aaron has set his goal for 2024 to improve upon all the results he achieved last season and to participate in races he has never entered before. He plans to continue working hard with clear objectives and, above all, to give 100%.

“2023 has given me good moments to enjoy but also moments that we have had to learn from to improve in the future.” – Aaron Sanchez

Cameron Tripney. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

CAMERON TRIPNEY

One of the youngest members of the Dream Team, Cameron is looking forward to attending as many international events as possible in 2024 to gain more experience on the international race scene. Intending to win a medal in the 200m ICF Sprint format, he is also focusing on improving his technical racing skills to succeed in that category as well.

“I have only had the chance to compete internationally once in 2023 due to my final year of school and exams. This year has given me a chance to reset and think about my future paddling career after achieving my junior sprint world title in Gdynia the previous year. Starboard gave me the opportunity of joining the Dream Team which has been a massive goal I have always dreamed of since I started paddling.” – Cameron Tripney

Tim Oliver. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

TIM OLIVER

North America champion Tim Oliver is taking 3-steps approach for 2024 training season. First – is the gym working on strength. Secondly, it’s doing 1 – 2 technique sessions per week filming and analyzing parts of the stroke with Larry Cain as a coach. The third area of focus – is at least 1 over distance workout per week but keeping the intensity very low to keep the endurance capacity topped up!

“2023 has taught me to be patient! I come from a competitive cycling background and as a result my mentality for training has always been to accumulate as much volume as possible…. I learned in 2023 that with the race season stretched out from April until November you have to approach it with a more conservative attitude at certain times. Rest and recovery are just as important as training hours!” – Tim Oliver

Marie Buchanan. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

MARIE BUCHANAN

After showcasing impressive results at the ICF World Championship 2023, and securing two world titles, Marie continues to focus on refining her pacing, both on and off the water. In 2024, her attention turns more to UK races, moving towards the ultimate dream goal – to take part in the Molokai 2 Oahu World Championships either on a SUP and eventually on a foil! She has established a daily exercise routine consisting of maintenance exercises that target paddling-specific posture, flexibility, and strength — essential tools for herself and others to maintain SUP fitness and prevent injuries. Additionally, Marie’s goal for 2024 is to establish and grow her water sports coaching and fitness business — Sea.

“Coming back to SUP competition following injury and becoming the ICF double World champion in 2023 has given me renewed confidence in my 50-year-old body, realising that it is still possible to learn, improve and grow as a mature athlete.With self-belief, dedication towards achieving goals coupled with great support, anything is possible! Being met and congratulated by Svein Rasmussen as I crossed the finish line was extremely special and a moment I will treasure forever.” – Marie Buchanan

Bart de Zwart. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

BART DE ZWART

Famous for his huge amount of crossings and thrilling expeditions all over the years Bart continues to include new SUP adventures in his plans for 2024. He always strives to find new places to explore and plan adventures to inspire others to do the same, as well as setting new ultra-distance challenges for himself.

“After spending a lot of time on the water in the water and underwater, I realize again that we have this amazing world we have to treat with respect so we can enjoy it in the future.” – Bart de Zwart 

Bruce Kirby. | Photo courtesy: Starboard

BRUCE KIRKBY

Travelled to 85 countries and six continents in the last thirty years of guiding expeditions, Bruce is setting an inspiring plans for the upcoming year as well. He is working towards paddling every inch of the Canadian West Coast- a big goal to complete by 2025. This summer, together with Norm Hann he plans to traverse an exposed section of Vancouver Island. He is constantly striving to increase his efficiency and speed on long trips and follows a periodized program focused on strength, technique and speed.

“In 2023 I achieved a goal I had worked towards for 10 years. Alongside my partner Norm Hann, we became the first to paddleboard across the notorious Hecate Strait–rated the most dangerous body of water on entire the Canadian coast. After so many people said it was impossible, it felt incredible to finally achieve this dream.” – Bruce Kirkby

 

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