Perfect race conditions are set to greet the best stand up paddlers in the world as the fourth International Canoe Federation world championships get underway in Pattaya, Thailand, this week.

A full program of events for elite, masters and junior racers, including sprint, technical, long distance and inflatables will provide five days of top level racing as the world titles return to Asia for the second time.

Several of the names that have enjoyed ICF world championship success will be in action again, including Americans Connor Baxter and Fiona Wylde, Frenchmen Noic Garioud and Titouan Puyo, Australia’s Michael Booth, Spain’s Esperanza Barreras and Susak Molinero and Hungary’s Daniel Hasulyo.

As has been the case since the first ICF SUP world championships, this week’s event has also attracted several Olympians. Australia’s Martin Marinov, Canada’s Tommy Buday and Thailand’s Hermann Husslein will bring their Games experience to international SUP racing.

Competition begins on Wednesday with early rounds of sprint racing, with the gold medals decided on Thursday.

Long distance races for all age divisions will be decided on Friday, with the inflatable races held on Friday afternoon.

Two days have been set aside for technical races, with the preliminary rounds scheduled for Saturday and the finals on Sunday.

More information about the event, including start lists and schedules, can be found here.