The Egyptian athlete and stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) champion Jomana Ismail officially launched her journey today in the 11 Cities SUP Challenge 2025, one of the world’s most grueling and celebrated endurance paddle boarding events.
Set against the backdrop of the Netherlands’ scenic province of Friesland, the five-day challenge covers 220 kilometers through 11 historic Dutch cities, blending physical endurance with breathtaking natural beauty. Jomana joins hundreds of athletes from around the globe, all pushing their limits across lakes, canals, and open waterways in a test of stamina, skill, and resilience.
A Champion on the Water
Ismail, who took first place in the 2025 Egyptian Women’s Cup, has been a dedicated paddleboarder for over six years.
Known for her athletic achievements, including the 2019 SUP World Championships in Qingdao, Jomana has previously undertaken remarkable feats. In 2018, she walked from Cairo to Aswan in 24 days to raise awareness about population growth. Two years later, in September 2020, she paddled 250 kilometers from Minya to Cairo in just five days—an early indicator of the endurance and discipline she brings to this year’s Dutch challenge.
A Life of Achievement On and Off the Board
Jomana’s pursuits extend far beyond sports. She holds an MBA from Leipzig University and currently serves as the Learning Manager at Egypt-Gulf Bank, seamlessly balancing a thriving corporate career with her athletic ambitions.
As a lifelong athlete, her background includes artistic gymnastics in childhood, and more recently, regular hiking and yoga alongside her SUP training. Most notably, in August 2024, she reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, as part of the Kiligyptian Women team—an expedition celebrating female empowerment through extreme adventure.
About the 11 Cities SUP Challenge
Dubbed the “Tour de France” of paddleboarding, the 11 City SUP Challenge has been a staple in the global SUP calendar since its inception. Inspired by the historic Eleven Cities Ice Skating Tour (Elfstedentocht), the race tests athletes through varying conditions, requiring not only strength and technique but also mental fortitude.
Participants must navigate through the cities of Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, and Dokkum before returning to the start. As she paddles through the heart of the Netherlands, Jomana Ismail represents more than just athletic champion—she is a beacon of determination, empowerment, and cross-cultural connection. Her journey resonates not only with Egyptians but with global audiences inspired by courage, endurance, and purpose.
