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| Location: | Supkultur, Mythenquai, Zürich, Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Series: | ESL - European SUP League, European Surfing Federation |
| Type: | Festival, SUP Race |
| Tagged: | European SUP League, Switzerland, The Big Paddle Festival, Zürich |
| Date: | 19 - 21 Jun 2026 |
| Organiser: | European SUP League & SUPkultur |
| Website: | https://www.europeansupleague.com/ |
| Social Media: |
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| Email: | info@europeansupleague.com |
| LIVE | This event will be streamed live |
Switzerland’s Greatest Paddle Challenge is back!
Hosted by the Water Sprort Association Richterswil (WVR) and the Water Sport Association Zürich (WSVZ), the Big Paddle Festival returns as an official stop #3 of the ESL (European SUP League), the Swiss Paddle Cup, and the SupSuisse Tour – bringing even more energy and a wider paddling community together. Now a two-day event with a true festival atmosphere at the Horn Areal in Richterswil, it stands as one of Switzerland’s leading watersports festivals, perfect for athletes, spectators, and families alike.
Whether it’s your first or your third time, The Big Paddle continues to inspire paddlers of all backgrounds. From complete beginners to lifelong athletes, everyone is welcome at Switzerland’s greatest summer challenge.
It’s not about winning – it’s about showing up, pushing through when it gets tough, and crossing the finish line knowing you earned it. The Big Paddle isn’t just a race. It’s your challenge – and you won’t do it alone.
Set on the southern shores of Lake Zurich, Richterswil is one of the most charming lakeside towns in Switzerland. Known for its beautiful promenade, small harbour, and the iconic islands just offshore, it offers a unique mix of nature, open water, and relaxed village life.
With direct access to the lake, wide open views, and a strong local community spirit, Richterswil provides the perfect setting for The Big Paddle Festival – a place where adventure, sport, and summer atmosphere come together naturally.
A new panoramic route across Lake Zurich. 18.5 km of open water, islands, and alpine views. No race. No pressure. Just one goal: finish!
For the first time in Switzerland. Europe’s best athletes competing in sprint, technical, and long distance. Elite paddle sport up close. Join the best in the world on the water.
For another year, we are welcoming paddlers from all disciplines and backgrounds to join TheBigPaddle Challange. Surfskis, Outrigger, Canoe, Kayak, doesn’t matter the craft, join us!
Swiss Athletes get a new stop this year to battle for the crown of who is best in the Alps. Once again, Richterwil is back to offer a great event to our National competitors. Don’t miss out on one of the great races this season.
The Horn Richterwil will turn into a Hotspot for Watter sport enthusiasts from all over Europe. Food Stands, Drinks, chill areas, Pop Up Stores and side programs will turn the weekend of the 19.,20. & 21 of June into the place to be!
Duna Gordillo & Aaron Sanchez, two of the world’s best athletes and reigning World Champions, will open their secret recipe book and share it with you during dedicated clinics taking place on the 19 of June! Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Real insights. Real progression. On the water, side by side with the best.
Location: Supkultur Watersport Center
Language: English
Slots are limited, so REGISTER TODAY
Yes, you heard right, we will Offer FREE clinics for a very limited number of Kids & Teens with the reigning World Champions Aaron Sanchez & Duna Gordillo. Don’t miss out and book your Spot NOW!
The ESL launches an exiting new program for people confined to a Wheelchair to experience the water on their Specially adapted Stand up paddles. We invite you, your family or Association to join us in Richterswill and experience this Sport for the first time.
We know travelling with gear isn’t always easy, that’s why we offer a wide range of stands up paddles and Kayaks throughout the event for both Amateurs and Athletes!
SUP Clinics with Duna Gordillo and Aaron Sánchez
Saturday, 20 June 1. TheBigPaddle – CHALLENGE – 18.5km
Whether it’s your first or your tenth – this is your moment. 18.5 km of pure paddling around Richterswil’s iconic islands. A challenge you take on for yourself, and finish together with others. – Aacho isch das was zellt!
Skippers Briefing: 8:30 to 9:00
Start Challenge: 9:30
Track Distance: 18.5 km
Track Map: View
Accounts for: Swiss Paddle Cup Results
2.ESL – Technical Race approx. 1.8km
The ESL Technical Race is pure intensity. Explosive starts, aggressive turns, constant positioning.
Skippers Briefing: exact time pending
Start Technical: exact time pending
Track Distance: 1.8 Km Approx.
Track Map: View
Accounts for: ESL & SUP Suisse Results
REGISTER FOR THE TECHNICAL RACE HERE
3.ESL – Sprints I 200m
Fast. Furious. Decided in seconds. The ESL Sprints bring racing down to its purest form – head-to-head, explosive, and impossible to predict.
Skippers Briefing: exact time pending
Start Sprints: exact time pending
Track Distance: 200 m
Track Map: View
Accounts for: ESL & SUP Suisse Results
4.Kids Fun
Time to let the little ones lose for some fun on the water. Everyone can participate!
Skippers Briefing: none
Start Kids: exact time pending
Track Distance: 500 m Approx.
Minimum Skills: Swimming
Sunday, 21 June1.ESL – Long Distance Race – 6km
The ESL Long Distance rewards those who can hold the line – physically, mentally, and tactically.
Skippers Briefing: exact timing pending
Start Long Distance: exact timing pending
Track Distance: 6 km Approx.
Track Map: View
Accounts for: ESL & SUP Suisse Results
REGISTER FOR THE LONG DISTANCE RACE
2.Amateur Fun Parkour
Fun first. Balance second – Open to anyone! Buoys, turns, obstacles – and a lot of laughs along the way. Challenge yourself, fall in, get back up, and keep going.
Skippers Briefing: exact time pending
Start Amateur Fun: exact time pending
Track Distance: 1.2 km Approx.
Accounts for: Fun Only
