Legend of Ox 2025: SUP Meets History at Lake Wolfgangsee

On 27th and 28th of September, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wolfgangsee in St. Gilgen, Austria, will once again host one of Europe’s most unique SUP gatherings: the Legend of Ox. Since 2018, this event has brought together both beginners and elite paddlers in a race that blends competition, history, and community spirit.

As part of the SUP Alps Trophy, the Legend of Ox offers a full program with long distance, short distance, and sprint races, making it a key stop on the European stand-up paddle calendar. Behind the event is Alexander the organizer, whose passion for the sport and dedication to sharing the lake’s rich legends have transformed the Legend of Ox into more than just a race,  it’s a celebration of sport, culture, and togetherness in one of Austria’s most breathtaking settings. 

“Legend of Ox” is a powerful and unusual name for a SUP event. Where does it come from, and what values does it represent for you?

According to legend, a farmer from Abersee drove his ox to St. Gilgen to be slaughtered. This took place on a narrow path along Lake Abersee (the former name of Lake Wolfgangsee).
The ox suddenly shied and panicked due to falling stones. The farmer couldn’t swim, but didn’t want to lose his ox, which had fallen into the lake. The farmer rushed after him and managed to grab the ox by the tail. The ox then pulled him across the entire lake to a small island.
Out of joy and gratitude, he had a small wayside shrine erected there. This shrine is located on the only island in Lake Wolfgangsee, which is also one of the marks of the race.
Our values are rootedness in history, gratitude, and the idea that both beginners and experts can enjoy themselves together in a legendary race!

Lake Wolfgangsee has many stories and visitors every year. Why did you choose this lake, and especially its only island, as the stage for the event?

The team in St. Gilgen is very professional and committed to making this event work on a sustainable basis. The legend of Ox Island makes the race special and attracts many racers each year.
The views are amazing, the water crystal clear, and the spirit of sport and community is very strong here. The island is a natural mark for the race and makes it unique.

When you imagined this event, what was your main goal: to create a competition, a community gathering, or a legendary experience?

I would say all of them. It is important to continue to grow the SUP sport and make it known to the public, but also to meet my amazing SUP colleagues, who make the race a unique event. Competition is part of it and adds to the legendary experience.

You offer not only races but also free SUP trials. Why is it so important for you that beginners feel welcome at the event? Can you talk about the races taking place during the weekend?

For me, the integration of beginners with pros is important to ignite the sporting spirit, to help people feel welcome, and to motivate newcomers. The exchange with experts, who share tips and tricks, is amazing, and especially for young people, it’s important to get them off their phones and into the water.We have a long-distance race, a short-distance race, specific kids’ races (free), and sprints.

Do you see the Legend of Ox growing into a long-lasting tradition, maybe even becoming one of Europe’s iconic SUP gatherings?

That would be absolutely fabulous, we are working on it. It is already quite established, having taken place since 2018, but there is surely still room to grow and become more professional.
In terms of being legendary, I am working on an update for the future that will add extra excitement. I cannot tell you for now what it is, but stay tuned for updates!

For someone who wants to experience the Legend of Ox in person, what’s the best way to get to Lake Wolfgangsee? Any insider tips for making the trip special?

That depends on personal preferences, since in this area really everything is possible. From a nice little city trip to Salzburg to taking a car through the beautiful scenery to Lake Wolfgangsee, or even going hiking, everything is possible.
Within St. Gilgen, there are many options for accommodation, from well-priced youth hostels to nice Mozart-themed hotels. The location itself will do the rest and make the trip memorable!

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