Stand-up paddling is one of the hottest sports in Europe – but the continent is still in its infancy when it comes to competitions in this sport.

The shallow waters off Denmark’s west coast offer the ideal conditions for competition – in Hvide Sande, a small town with a population of just under three thousand, the fourth edition of the European Championships is taking place this week with over 200 participants from 16 countries.

In the disciplines of surf, sprint, technical and long-distance races, they can put their skills to the test. For the first time, there was also a junior category, in which the German Josephina Karst came fourth.

In addition to the competition, sustainability is also a big issue – beach clean-ups are part of the programme.

And in terms of medals, the stand-up paddlers are making a statement – their medals are made from washed-up and recycled plastic waste.

The European Stand-Up Paddling Championships will continue until this Sunday.