The Big Paddle Festival

New Challenge

We did come up with something new, and you have to try it! New track for 2026, with challenging navigation and the most beautiful scenery ever! Don’t miss this!

New Partners & Concept for more Fun

We have teamed up with some great partners. The Big Paddle Festival is now an Official stop for the ESL (European SUP League), the Swiss Paddle Cup & the SupSuisse Tour. Meet amazing new people to share the water in 2026.

Is now a 2-Day concept with Festival character at the Horn Areal in Richterswil. Join us for one of Switzerland’s greatest Waterspout Festivals. Bring the family, there is lot’s of fun events for everybody

Switzerland’s Greatest Paddle Challenge is back!

It doesn’t matter if 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 proving it to yourself.

It’s about showing up.
Pushing through when it gets hard.
Crossing the finish line — knowing you earned it.

The Big Paddle isn’t a race. It’s your challenge.

And you won’t do it alone.

RICHTERSWIL - ZÜRICH

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.

Switzerland is Expensive, is it?

The fast answer is, it doesn’t have to be. Yes, Switzerland has the world’s most expensive cities, but, Richterswil is not one of them, not even close. Sleeping, Eating and Moving around will not cost you more than travelling to any other European city for this event. Should you need advice, we are here to help!

Easy to Reach by Public Transport

Richterswil is located just 20 min from the Centre of Zürich and has a direct Train station that allows you a straight connection to the Airport.

Good Parking

The Horn Areal has a huge subterranean parking with a height of up to 6m, so plenty of room for Cars or Vans with roof racks. With more parking in the vicinity.

Sleep right at the Event

The Youth Hostel Richterswil is a cheap and beautiful hostel right at the venue. We recommend to book as early as possible, there is limited space. Other alternatives in the Region.

ZRH Airport

ZRH is one of Europe’s greatest Airports, with an infinite option of flights from every major city in the world. The S2 train will take you directly from ZRH to Richterswil.

No Cash required

Switzerland is a Card friendly country, and you can pay 99.9% of all goods and services by card. In order to avoid conversion Fees to CHF, we recommend REVOLUT

Roaming

Switzerland is not part of the EU “Roam-like-at-home” regulation. Check your Mobil Data Plans before You travel to Switzerland. You have Free Wi-Fi at ZRH and at Zürich HB (Zürich Main train station). We recommend NOMAD as travel partner.

What to expect from The Big Paddle Festival

With a new format come lots of new exiting things we will offer you

The New 18.5km Challenge

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 💪

European SUP League

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.

The Swiss Paddle Cup

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!

SUP Suisse Tour Stop

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.

Festival Style Atmosphere

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!

Clinics with the Worlds Best

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 our clinics on the 19 of June! Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Book it now

FREE Clinics for Juniors with the World Champions

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!

Paddling Without Limits

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.

Rent your Gear

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!

Stay in Touch

Email is outdated, everything you need to communicate with us and other participants you will find in our WhatsApp Community. Help each other with where to stay, how to arrive, maybe help out with gear or share a ride.

Connect WhatsApp Community

Organizers

Wassersport Verein Richterswil

The Watersport Association Richterswil is the Heart and soul of TheBigPaddle Event. Founders & Partners since the very first day, the Alliance between The WVR and the WVSR & Supkultur have been the foundations for TheBigPaddle.

Wassersport Verein Zürich

Is the Social arm of the Supkultur Watersport Center Zürich. Responsible for all Public Events, the Association has been founded in early 2025 and has his home at Strandbad Mythenquai in Zürich

Supkultur Wassersport Center Zürich

Since 2015 – The Supkultur Watersport Center has been the heart of the Paddle community in Zürich. The Supkultur has been mainly responsible for infrastructure, Material and Financial support over the past two editions of TheBigPaddle Challange.

European SUP League

The European SUP League (ESL) is the official Stand Up Paddle circuit sanctioned by the European Surfing Federation. Following its successful launch, the ESL continues to evolve as a leading competitive platform in Europe, contributing to the professionalization, visibility, and internationalization of SUP.

Partners