Big Paddle Festival 2026 Set for Lake Zurich

The European SUP League enters a crucial stage of the 2026 season as athletes prepare for the Big Paddle Festival on Lake Zurich, Switzerland. From June 19–21, Richterswil will host the third stop of the ESL calendar, bringing together Europe’s top racers alongside recreational paddlers, clinics, and a vibrant SUP festival atmosphere. The Stand Up Magazin will be there as well and we are very excited to witness the work of the ESL for the first time in person.

After successful events in Santa Pola, Spain, and Taranto, Italy, the European SUP League now moves into the heart of Europe. The Big Paddle Festival has established itself as one of the most unique events on the calendar, combining elite competition with grassroots participation and community engagement. In addition to being an official ESL stop, the event is also integrated into the Swiss paddle scene through the Swiss Paddle Cup and the SupSuisse Tour.

Richterswil Provides Stunning Alpine Backdrop

Located on the southern shore of Lake Zurich, Richterswil offers one of the most scenic race venues in European stand-up paddling. Competitors and spectators can expect crystal-clear waters, a picturesque lakeside promenade, charming harbor facilities, and panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.

The combination of world-class racing, easy accessibility, and the natural beauty of Lake Zurich has made the Swiss stop a favorite among athletes and fans alike.

Donato Freens Defends ESL Lead

In the Men’s Open Elite division, Dutch paddler Donato Freens arrives in Switzerland as the clear overall leader with 1,392 points. Freens has been remarkably consistent throughout the opening two events and dominated Taranto with victories in both the Technical Race and Long Distance Race.

Behind him, the fight for the overall podium remains wide open. Italian athletes Filippo Mercuriali (994 points) and Nicolò Vincenzo Ricco (913 points) are locked in a close battle for second place.

The Sprint discipline in Zurich could prove particularly important for Japanese star Shuri Araki, currently fourth overall with 850 points, while Spain’s Sergio Cantoral remains within striking distance in fifth place with 794 points.

Schedule

June 19 – Friday

Clinics with Duna Gordillo and Aarons Sanchez

June 20 – Saturday

The Big Paddle Challenge 18.5km Open Race
ESL Tech. Race
ESL Sprints

June 21 – Sunday

ESL Longdistance
Amateur Fun Parkour
ESL Sprint finals

Cecilia Pampinella Under Pressure in Women’s Division

The Women’s Open Elite category promises equally exciting racing. Italy’s Cecilia Pampinella leads the standings with 1,302 points after an outstanding performance in Taranto where she claimed victories in both the Technical and Long Distance races.

However, her lead is far from secure. Fellow Italian Sveva Sabato sits just 80 points behind on 1,222 points and could challenge for the overall lead with a strong weekend in Switzerland.

The battle for third place is also heating up. Claudia Postiglione currently holds the position with 916 points, but Velia Pisanelli trails by only 51 points. Athletes such as Alba Frey, Bianca Toncelli, Esperanza Barreras, and Rinka Mizutani will also be looking to gain valuable points in the championship race.

A Pivotal Weekend for the 2026 Championship

With the European SUP League now entering its second phase, the Big Paddle Festival could prove decisive for several title contenders. The combination of Sprint, Technical, and Long Distance racing offers athletes a valuable opportunity to strengthen their championship campaigns before the series heads into its final stretch later in the season.

For fans of stand-up paddling, the event promises three days of elite racing against one of Europe’s most spectacular backdrops, showcasing why Lake Zurich continues to be one of the highlights of the international SUP calendar.