– to access more content and expert support, check out 
.
The coastal village of San José, nestled within the volcanic-backdrop of the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar in Andalusia, is making big waves in the stand-up paddle (SUP) world. The recent Cabo de Gata SUP Festival 2025, held on 25 October, has been hailed as the turning point that cements the town’s status as the “capital del paddle surf andaluz”.
Sporting Excellence Meets Natural Beauty
With crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and a scenic coastline, San José provided the perfect environment for both competitive and recreational paddlers. The 2025 event — part of the Liga Federación Española SUP Técnica — featured elite and popular divisions across rigid and inflatable boards, and spanned a wide age-range including Sub-10 through adult categories. The Club Náutico de San José and the local municipality worked closely to ensure smooth execution of the event.
Accessibility, Community & Growth
What sets this event apart is its inclusive vibe: alongside elite heats, there were popular races and family-friendly activities. This dual approach is helping SUP transcend pure competition and become a community and tourism asset for the region. Organisers noted that the event emphasised nature-tourism synergy, aligning the sport with environmental conservation goals.
A Strategic Move for Andalusia’s SUP Scene
The article asserts that San José has “se consolidado como la capital del paddle surf andaluz” — establishing the location as a major regional SUP hub. This is significant for riders and national federations: a high-quality venue in Andalusia means better regional access for southern European athletes and stronger national circuits.
What’s Next?
With this successful edition behind them, the expectation is that future iterations of the festival will grow, potentially attracting more international competitors and increasing media coverage. For local stakeholders, the event offers tourism-boosting potential and a sustainable model for outdoor competition in a protected natural area.