Salaca 100 SUP Challenge – What You Need To Know

As I wind my way through untouched forest on what feels like a purpose-made lazy river from a long-forgotten SUP theme-park, I take a moment to pause. I’ve just hit 25km. The sunrise over the start line at Lake Burtnieks now seems far behind as we hit the 3 hour mark. I catch my breath. Silence returns as nature quickly covers all sign that I am even there. The fleet has now spread out so that the constant bends and high pines obscure the 200 paddlers on the river. I feel totally alone. 

This is it – this is what I have been looking for. That sense of adventure, a feeling of achievement, a challenge far from the beaten track. 

The current gently ushers me on forward towards the finish line. I check myself. I’ve been paddling hard – too hard, in fact - spurred on with adrenaline and competitive spirit. With 75km still to go in the SUP challenge, I need to pace myself. I run some quick numbers and realise I have another 9-10 hours of solid paddling ahead of me. The very thought snaps me back to the present. 

I glance over my shoulder and see a paddler round the bend behind me, their paddle like a beating drum as they close the gap with every stroke. It is time to go. I dip my paddle into the Salaca once more as I find my rhythm and follow the flow into the unknown.

What you need to know about the Salaca 100

The Salaca 100 is a 100km non-stop SUP challenge in Latvia with a 24-hour cut off.

Salaca is pronounced ‘Sala-sa’ not ‘Sal-aka’. 

Starting at Burtneiks Lake it follows the river Salaca downstream to the coastal city of Salacgriva.

The highest point in Latvia is only 311m so the Salaca river has a very gentle flow to it that helps push you to the finish line and keeps you moving. However, be aware that the prevailing winds are from the west so headwinds can quickly counter any current.

The event attracts over 200 paddlers with dedicated SUP racers through to intermediate paddler looking to test their endurance.

The local hosts and organisers SUPFIT are incredibly welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable with over 50 Red paddle boards available to rent – there isn’t much they don’t know or can’t help you with.

There are 5 organised places to stop along the route and re-plenish water and food supplies – they're called the 'Settlements of the Kings'. The 50km/middle point is the only portage (where you have to get off the river and carry you board) and offers a good chance to reset and have some hot food.

For 2026, the organisers are introducing a shorter distance (44km compared to 100km) to cater for a wider group of paddlers and to tailor your expedition.

SUP Challenge Logistics

Riga airport has many direct flights from across Europe. From Riga Airport, it is possible to rent a car (or car-share with fellow paddlers) to get to the event start. There is a WhatsApp group created before the start to help people connect.

It is easy to drive in Latvia with open highways that cut across the countryside and through forest, with very little driving in urban/city environments required. 

In terms of accommodation for this SUP challenge, it is worth booking early as places are limited around the startline village of Vecate and town of Mazsalaca. There is also camping options available or the option to sleep in vans/cars at the start.

All participants of the Salaca 100 are given a GPS which can be easily tracked by spectators, family and friends wanting to catch you along the route.

Kit for the Salaca 100

Red inflatable paddle boards are best for this event. Not only is it easy to travel with your board on flights and when getting around in Latvia, the river itself has a number of ‘rapids’. These rapids are gentle and easy to navigate if you follow the outside of the bends, but are created by boulders under the water. Red Paddle Co inflatable paddle boards offer both the speed/glide and additional durability, especially when you become tired and paddling becomes harder.

Essentials: There is a mandatory kit list, so please check this before you pack for the event - it includes headtorch, food/drink, small first aid kit, PFD, foil/thermal blanket, outerlayer/shell.

Hydration: I took at 2L hydration bladder/camelback along with an additional 750ml of hydration salts which I replenished at the 50km settlement/stop.

Food: It is vital to keep your energy up throughout the event – I chose protein bars and flapjacks rich in energy that are easy to grab and eat on the go. The key here is to include food in your training to see what works for you, some people take energy gels, others stick to bananas – some take a full picnic on board. Whatever works to get you through. 

Dry Gear: The water is cold so it is well worth having a quick-dry Microfibre Towel and change of clothes incase you fall in – I used a 10 Litre Roll Top Dry Bag to stash everything in on the front of my board.

Spare fin: Have a spare fin (or 4.6” river fins) with you as it is easy to catch your fins on a rock in the rapids. It is one of those things you shouldn’t need, but if you do, you’ll be glad to have it.

Can I do it?

If you are someone who has already taken on some longer distances – maybe you paddle at a club or have done a 15km event and feel comfortable with these distances, then the Salaca 100 SUP challenge is for you. 

The river current means that whilst it is 100km, there is some river-assist that keeps you moving towards the finish line even when resting. The river itself is wide and the occasional rapids help boost you along and break up the distance, while the constant bends mean there are no long, soul-destroying straights. It is a very scenic way to see Latvia.

Finally, the atmosphere is amazing - with 200+ people paddling, there is a real social vibe and the organisation is excellent. Clearly marked and well-manned stops are welcome sights for tired paddlers, and distance markers along the route help keep you on track and motivated to your next rest. 

It is a great introduction to longer, ultra-marathon distances that will leave you dreaming of your next adventure. 

Registration for the 2026 Salaca 100 challenge is now open! Don’t miss your chance to take part in this epic endurance SUP event – sign up today at SUPFit.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at George’s Salaca 100 adventure in his vlog on Instagram.