Today we introduce Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov, whose sporting background is canoe C1 sprint. His story will interest canoe paddlers considering new possibilities on a SUP board.
On 16 October 2026, Korobov won the men’s open 100m sprint at the ICF SUP World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy, in 23.31 seconds. What does that result mean for a canoe athlete exploring another paddling discipline?
Still a canoe racer — and a SUP racer
He still trains with the national canoe team and targets LA 2028. His SUP debut was Gdynia 2022: a borrowed old board, no final, but a compelling new experience.
“I’m still competing in canoe sprint”
— Vadim Korobov · TotalSUP
A new challenge after nearly 20 years paddling on the right
After nearly 20 years paddling right-sided, switching sides remains difficult. Transferring power efficiently to a smaller SUP blade also required practice.
“I had to paddle on both sides – and do it well”
— Vadim Korobov · TotalSUP
Canoe athletes can reflect on their familiar and unfamiliar sides. Does a well-practised movement retain its rhythm on different equipment, and where might learning begin on the other side?
Fitness was a starting point; board skills needed time
He initially expected a canoe advantage. Around ten months of national-team training underpins his fitness, but SUP progress still requires time on the board.
Finding his own turn and the PARADOXA
Chop prompted a right-side-paddling right turn; he says it still needs improvement.
He liked the low stance and stiffness of the Light Board Corp PARADOXA in 2023. A 14-foot × 23-inch board brought his first international SUP medal in 2024; he now prefers 21 inches.
Two sports, and the question of rest
SUP fills September–October; preparation for 2027 starts in November. He hopes to arrange some rest with his coaches: two sports consume his off-season.
“I’m just getting started!”
— Vadim Korobov · TotalSUP
A two-sport calendar needs space for recovery as well as competition. If one sport fills the other’s off-season, where will a proper break fit?
23.31 seconds in Sabaudia
Korobov crossed the finish line first in the 2026 men’s open 100m final. Spain’s Sergio Cantoral took silver in 24.05 seconds and Manuel Hoyuela bronze in 24.38.
For canoe athletes wondering how far their skills might take them in SUP, this is a result to remember. His experience also invites us to look beyond a medal and consider what learning a new discipline involves.
- 1 · Vadim Korobov (Lithuania)
- 23.31 s
- 2 · Sergio Cantoral (Spain)
- 24.05 s
- 3 · Manuel Hoyuela (Spain)
- 24.38 s
Canoe paddlers: where would you like your experience to take you next? Korobov’s story invites us to consider how familiar strengths and new skills can expand an athlete’s possibilities. It offers a useful starting point for those looking at both sports.