Balaton 2025: Wind, Paddles, and a Heart Full of Memories
After the excitement of the last EXIT Festival and the legendary Prodigy concert, we set off on a new journey – to Zamárdi, a town on the shores of Lake Balaton, where an 8-kilometer SUP race awaited us. 🚗🇭🇺
Our team, consisting of Cecilija and Dragan, participated for the second time in this renowned event, which brings together over 4,000 paddlers from all across Europe. At the border, we were greeted by an alcohol test – which I passed with a “melodic zero” 😁 – and then continued on the E75 highway through Budapest toward Zamárdi.
🎽 Thanks to our wonderful host Zoltán Sovic, we were welcomed with smiles, cold drinks, and VIP wristbands. Zoltán even knows a few words in Serbian and the “Greek paddling dialect” – what a surprise! 🇷🇸🤝🇭🇺
🌥️ Although the race started under cloudy skies and with strong side winds, we didn’t back down – the first four kilometers were paddled using only the right arm! 💪 True paddlers know how to adapt to any condition.
At the 4-kilometer mark, passing through the marked zone became a turning point – the wind grew stronger, but so did our determination. ⏱️ I finished the race in 1 hour and 21 minutes, placing 60th out of 454 participants in my category – a result to remember!
🛶 Cecilija paddled alongside our friend Teta, while lifeguards checked safety vests and cheered on competitors along the entire route. The atmosphere on the water – a true community of sport and spirit!
🏞️ After the race, we took a walk, explored the area, enjoyed a well-deserved meal, and slowly packed our things to say goodbye to Balaton – at least until next year.
📣 Recommendation to everyone: if you love paddling, nature, and connection – Balaton is a must-experience place. It’s not just a race, it’s a way of life. Long live innovation and all those who believe in the power of togetherness and water! 💧🤍
See you next summer!
SUP NS – Dragan Knežević 🌍
