Steinfath, who is an ISA vice-president, powered to his second consecutive sprint title in a time of 57.45sec.

The home favourite ousted New Zealand's Trevor Tunnington, who claimed the silver medal in 58.51, while Arthur Santacreu of Brazil came through to take bronze.

The victory for the Danish surfer, who only just made the final following a below-par run in the semi-final, saw him clinch a fifth ISA SUP racing title and further underlined his legendary status in the sport.

"This is the biggest moment in my life," said Steinfath. 

"It doesn’t feel real.

"People talk about Denmark as the country of fairy tales and I feel the fairy tale of my life just came true. 

"To win in front of my home crowd was just a wild dream. 

"I thought I would never achieve it.

"I'm especially stoked after my first-round heat where I hit a wall and barely made the finals."

Steinfath added: "I am happy that I decided to not compete in the distance race and focus on the sprints. 

"I respect all the athletes that decided to do both, but my game plan worked. 

"I couldn't ask for anything more."

Slovenia's Manca Notar sealed the women's sprint title as she finished three seconds clear of the rest of the field to claim her country's first-ever ISA medal.

Notar clocked 1min 07.58sec to comfortably beat Amandine Chazot of France, who crossed the line in 1.10.43.

Jade Howson of the United States was the recipient of the bronze medal.

"This is incredible," said Notar. 

"Coming from Slovenia we only have lakes and a little bit of seaside. 

"I train all the time alone at home and I knew that I had pretty good times, but I didn't know I was this good. 

"All the girls pushed so hard.

"I can't believe it."

The event now moves from the Danish capital to Vorupør, over 426 kilometres from Copenhagen, with a welcome ceremony due to be held tomorrow.

Action then resumes on Tuesday (September 5).