Big Paddle 2025: Patrick’s Journey on Water, This Time with a Teammate

Patrick Federi has spent most of his life around water. From rowing as a kid to windsurfing, stand-up paddling, and more recently, pumpfoiling, he’s always been drawn to sports that keep him close to nature. Based in Switzerland, he’s also one of the co-founders of the national pumpfoiling community and an Indiana ambassador, always looking to share his passion with others.

Last year, he joined the Big Paddle Challenge for the first time, 22 kilometers across Lake Zürich, not to compete, but simply to enjoy the journey. He showed up with little training and no time goal, and still made it to the finish line with a smile.

This year, he’s coming back, but with a twist: he’ll be paddling in a kayak with his wife. We caught up with Patrick to talk about why he loves this event, how he’s preparing for it differently this time, and what it’s like to turn a solo adventure into something shared.

Hello Patrick, can you introduce yourself and talk about sports that you practice?

I’m 49 years old, a husband, and the father of a teenage son. I’ve always been passionate about sports, especially those on the water. I started rowing when I was ten, and as a teenager I spent a lot of time sailing and windsurfing.

For a while, I drifted away from watersports and focused more on skiing and mountain biking. But over ten years ago, I found my way back to the water, first through stand-up paddling, and more recently with pumpfoiling and sailing. After all, falling into the water hurts a lot less .

Spending time on the water just feels incredibly rewarding to me,  it’s where I feel most balanced and energized. I’ve been an Indiana ambassador for many years, which allows me to share my enthusiasm for watersports with a broader community.

I’m also one of the co-founders of the Swiss pumpfoiling community and helped establish the Pumpfoil Code of Conduct to promote safety, respect, and shared enjoyment on the water.

You took part in Big Paddle Challenge last year. What made you want to come back in 2025?

The Big Paddle Challenge isn’t about being the fastest or the best, it’s about reaching the finish line and celebrating each person’s individual achievement. There’s no ranking, no competitive pressure, and that creates an incredibly relaxed and inclusive vibe. Also, one of the organizers is a good friend of mine, he forced me to join again. But jokes aside, the atmosphere last year was simply fantastic. The sense of community and support among everyone was something I really want to be part of again.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for this kind of endurance challenge of 22 km paddling?

To be honest, I didn’t really prepare at all last year. I think I only went paddling three times before the event. But I knew I could handle 10 km without any problem, so I just thought, “Well, it’s only twice that I’ll somehow make it through.”

Since I grew up on the lake where the event takes place, I mentally broke the course down into familiar sections. That really helped me stay focused without getting overwhelmed. And most importantly, I didn’t set myself a time goal. I simply started paddling and took it as it came, no pressure, just enjoying the experience.

This year looks a bit different though. I’m doing the challenge in a kayak together with my wife, and since I haven’t spent much time in a kayak, and she even less, we decided to paddle at least once a week in the lead-up to the event. It gives us a chance to work on our technique and, more importantly, on our synchronicity.

What is the vibe on the water during the Big Paddle Challenge? Any moments from last year that really stuck with you?

The vibe on the water is incredibly friendly and supportive. It’s not about competition, it’s about sharing the experience and encouraging each other along the way.

What really stood out to me was how everyone stayed at the finish area until the very last paddlers came in,  just to give them a proper welcome. That kind of moment doesn’t happen very often at other races.

I was also really impressed by the volunteers. You could feel how passionate and committed they were,  they put their heart into making the event special for everyone.

And maybe what amazed me the most: there were people taking part who had almost no paddling experience at all and they still made it. That was incredibly inspiring to see.

Last year you took on the challenge solo. This time, you’re sharing the kayak. How does it feel to turn this into a team adventure?

Last year, I spent the first part of the course giving a few technique tips to some beginners and paddled alongside them for the first few kilometers. After that, I continued at my own pace, but by then I had lost the connection to others paddling at a similar speed, so I ended up doing most of the distance alone.

This year will be completely different. I’m excited to experience the entire journey as a team and to paddle side by side with my wife, no matter the pace, we’ll be in it together.

Do you find this experience more fun or more challenging when sharing the same boat with someone else?

I think it’s a bit of both. It’s definitely more fun not being alone in the boat, you can share the moments, the laughs, and even the tough parts together.

But it’s also more challenging, because you can’t just focus on yourself. You have to coordinate, stay in sync, and adapt to each other’s rhythm. It requires teamwork and patience, but that’s exactly what makes it such a special experience.

Either way, I’m really looking forward to the Big Paddle 2025!

For more information about the Big Paddle Challenge 2025 and to register, go to:
www.supkultur.ch/thebigpaddle/