The following report was penned by Thomas Schillig, a Swiss ultra-long-distance paddler and longtime rider of Airboard. Thomas takes us on an extraordinary adventure in paradise and impressively describes the second edition of the SUP 11 Islands event, which took him and eight other paddlers from all over the world to Koh Chang in Thailand. With his passion for paddling and his sense of community, he lets us experience the unique atmosphere of this special SUP experience up close. Enjoy reading!
Wide, white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, coconuts and happy paddlers – it was precisely these images that attracted nine stand-up paddlers from all over the world to the little-known island of Koh Chang in south-eastern Thailand.
This is already the second edition of this special event. But due to the pandemic and a lack of national park permits, we had to wait five long years. Now, finally, we are here – ready for an adventure in paradise.
It is clear from the start: this is not a race. It’s about the shared experience, sharing moments and the joy of paddling through a dreamlike island world. The registration fee may seem high at first glance, but in return we enjoy an all-round carefree package: six nights’ accommodation, all meals, water supplies, luggage logistics and even a massage after each day’s paddling. We are always accompanied by two or three boats, including a traditional wooden boat that anchors off paradise islands at lunchtime. There we not only have lunch, but also the opportunity to snorkel and relax.
We receive all this information the evening before at the registration desk in the far north of the “elephant island” of Koh Chang.
Day 1: From the north to the south of Koh Chang Island
The anticipation is huge. At 9 a.m. we set off through a mangrove channel out into the open sea. What awaits us? Waves, currents, headwinds? The weather gods are kind to us and we soon find small groups paddling together and having time for short conversations here and there.
After about two hours, we dock at the Koh Chang SUP station, which also provides rental boards. The first paddlers to arrive do an extra lap in the nearby mangroves. But there isn’t much time, as the food is already ready and the bags with the day’s personal luggage are also unloaded from one of the support boats. We also take this opportunity to refill our drinking bags, as it is extremely important to keep hydrated on the SUP in these temperatures. Fortunately, a few clouds muffle the sun’s rays, making the heat a little more bearable on the first day.
After almost 30 kilometers, we reach the south-western end of the island in the afternoon. A palm-fringed sandy beach lies before us. As soon as we land, we are handed a refreshing coconut – a foretaste of paradise. A well-deserved massage, a BBQ with live music and shared stories from the first day round off the evening. Some paddlers go to bed early, while others sit together for a long time and share their first experiences.
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Day 2: Koh Chang – Koh Wai – Koh Mak
Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. may not be quite so heavenly for some people, but the joy of the paddling day ahead quickly makes them forget this. At the skippers’ meeting, we are informed that the feared winds will persist. The route is therefore adjusted slightly in order to escape the strong crosswinds for as long as possible. But at some point we have to head out into the open sea. Thanks to the escort boats, we manage the first crossing without any problems.
From today, our large support boat, a traditional Thai wooden boat, will also be joining us. We will spend our lunch break on it for the next three days. After what feels like an eternity of paddling right in the current, we reach the island of Koh Wai, where our boat is anchored. The SUPs are tied up and after a short cool-down, we head on deck for lunch.
Fortunately, the wind dies down in the afternoon and we reach our destination for the day, the island of Koh Mak, with virtually no waves. As we sip our well-earned coconuts, one paddler after another arrives. Thanks to the well-organized luggage logistics, our suitcases are already waiting for us at reception and we can move into our bungalows, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 3: Koh Mak – Koh Rang – Koh Mak
A new, sunny day awaits us. But with the sun comes the wind. At the skippers’ meeting, we decide to postpone the start by an hour – in the hope that the waves will calm down a little. We use the time to relax a little, talk and get in the mood for the day’s paddling.
An hour later, the situation has improved only minimally, but we set off anyway. As soon as we leave the bay, we are accompanied by high lateral waves. Protected by the escort boats, we head through the waves to our next destination, Koh Rang. In a quiet bay, the large support boat is already waiting with a lunch buffet. We exchange paddling strategies on how best to deal with the wind.
After lunch, we decide to brave the wind and go snorkeling on the nearby reef. Our captain organizes enough snorkelling equipment in no time at all. We therefore start the afternoon a little late and decide to shorten the return trip from Koh Rang to Koh Mak without any planned detours.
Day 4: Koh Mak – Koh Lao Ya – Koh Chang
After two nights on the paradisiacal island of Koh Mak, we head back across the open sea towards Koh Chang. We enjoy our lunch one last time on the large support boat off the island of Koh Lao Ya. A beautiful, flat sandy beach invites us to a skippers’ meeting, and we spontaneously decide to enjoy this place a little longer.
After midday, we set off together – regardless of the order in which we arrive. Because, as already mentioned, it’s a SUP adventure in paradise and not a race. The first person to arrive at the day’s destination gets the first coconut and is the first to get a massage. But everyone always waits together for the last paddlers.
Day 5: Koh Chang – Bang Bao Pier – Klong Prao Beach
And then the last day of paddling begins. Many of us can hardly believe that it’s all over tonight. All the more reason for us to enjoy the last start out of the fishing village together. Our destination is Bang Bao Pier, a long jetty with countless small stores and restaurants. It’s a good time to buy a few souvenirs of the island, as some of the paddlers will be leaving the next morning.
The last stage takes us along the steep, rocky coast in the southwest of the island. We anxiously search the rocks for monkeys – and lo and behold! At the end of our group of paddlers, a whole gang of monkeys suddenly dares to approach the water.
On the last five kilometers, the wind gives it its all once again. The last hour is characterized by strong front and side winds. Everyone follows their own strategy: straight ahead, far away from the coast, the direct line, or a slightly more sheltered detour along the shore. Finally, one paddler after the other reaches the finish line. The well-earned coconut is handed over one last time.
Good news: 2025 is already planned!
Good news: For 2025 the SUP11 X Organisation team already planned the next adventure!
From December 2 to 8, we’re going to Koh Chang again. See you in paradise!
Details on official website