Fifth SUP Regatta NS-BG (June 13–15, 2025)

This event, which for years has united lovers of paddling, nature, and community, once again proved to be much more than a sporting challenge – it's a movement, an experience, and an emotion.

📍 Day 1 – Welcome at Štrand Beach

On Friday, June 13, the Novi Sad beach Štrand became the central gathering point for about fifty paddlers from Serbia, Hungary, Romania, North Macedonia, and Scotland. Participants were welcomed by volunteers and organizers at a stand next to the Bridge Bar, where they received sponsor packs, regatta t-shirts, and metal flasks – souvenirs and symbols of unity.

While some mingled and shared stories from previous regattas, others enjoyed the balance board and slackline challenges, which quickly became epicenters of laughter and tumbles. Special attention was drawn to a unique balance board handcrafted by the Kopunović workshop especially for this occasion.

♿ Inclusion, Ecology, and Awareness

The program continued with educational workshops:

• “MS Inclusion and SUP Paddling”, in cooperation with guests from Hungary, gave participants a chance to experience life with multiple sclerosis through motor and coordination simulation.
• Aleksandra Patenković from Eko Belegiš gave an insightful lecture on microplastics and river pollution, leaving a strong impression on everyone present.
• The evening unfolded in a calm, reflective atmosphere – with drinks at the Bridge Bar and preparations for the over-90-kilometer paddling adventure.
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🌅 Day 2 – From Novi Sad to Slankamen

Saturday morning on Štrand began slowly – breakfast on the beach, yoga by the Danube, gear prep, and goodbyes to the city. At 10:00 AM, with river police escort and an official countdown, the fleet set off.

Highlights of the day included:

• Petrovaradin Fortress, Officer’s Beach, and Karlovci Island
• Swimming, breaks, and enjoying nature
• A stop at Krčedin Island for lunch, lectures, and rest

In the evening, camp was set up at the marina in Stari Slankamen, where paddlers found well-earned rest. The night brought a campfire, music, conversations, and shared impressions.

🏞 Day 3 – From Slankamen to Belgrade

Sunday morning – quiet, sunny, and unhurried. A riverside coffee ritual, gazes toward the horizon, and final preparations for the last leg.

The day was marked by:

• Traditional swim at the confluence of the Tisa and Danube rivers
• The longest uninterrupted paddling stretch, in silence and meditation
• A break on a sandbar, with a paddling lesson led by Nenad Miković
• The first-ever SUP race in the history of our regatta – split by gender, judged by professionals
• A stop at “Pustolov” for another meal and rest

🎉 Finale – Belgrade Welcomes Us

Afternoon hours brought an exciting end to the regatta. Paddlers passed under the Pupin Bridge, neared War Island, and for the first time paddled by Kalemegdan Fortress to the Confluence – the eternal meeting point of rivers.

And finally – the Silosi Cultural Center. A crowd, music, a performance on the water under the setting sun. The arrival of the paddlers thrilled the onlookers. Questions flew: “Did they really paddle from Novi Sad for three days?” – Yes, we did.

On stage – the regatta’s closing ceremony, a toast, a song, champagne, and a group photo. Paddlers packed their boards, exchanged contacts, and began planning for next year.

🏁 Thank You All!

The fifth SUP Regatta is over, but its traces remain – in the waves, the muscles, the hearts, and the memories. Thank you to all paddlers, volunteers, rescue teams, lecturers, hosts, and of course – the audience!

🌊 See you in 2026 at the sixth SUP Regatta!