SUP is more than just a sport – it represents a unique waterside lifestyle, where participants typically paddle while standing on a board, but can also do so sitting or kneeling. Although SUP has only become widespread in its modern form over the past two decades, its roots trace back to Polynesian culture. Modern stand-up paddleboarding first became popular among Hawaiian surfers in the early 2000s, before quickly spreading to calmer waters around the world – including lakes, rivers, and bays.
You don’t have to be a surfer
One of SUP’s greatest advantages is its simplicity: even beginners can quickly experience a sense of achievement and the freedom of being out on the water. It helps improve balance and endurance, strengthens the core muscles, and also provides mental relaxation.
The essential piece of equipment is, of course, the SUP board itself, which can be either inflatable or hard-shell. Beginners are generally advised to choose an inflatable board, as it tends to be more stable, easier to transport, and more durable. The board comes with an adjustable paddle that can be tailored to the rider’s height. In many places, a life jacket is mandatory or strongly recommended, particularly on open water or for longer distances. Additional practical and comfort accessories may include a waterproof dry bag, a waterproof phone case, secure-fitting earphones or a water-resistant smartwatch for accurately tracking workouts.
Once the basics have been mastered, it is worth paying attention to proper posture and paddling technique, as these not only make the sport more efficient but also safer. Longer distances, increased pace, or adapting to different water conditions all present new challenges. For those who take it more seriously, organised events and competitions are also available – although for many, the experience itself remains the main attraction.
Even Lake Balaton can be crossed standing on a board
One of SUP’s greatest advantages is that it does not require extensive preparation or specialised technical skills: after learning just a few basic movements, it can be practised safely while offering a quick sense of achievement and a genuine feeling of freedom. For this reason, it can also be an ideal choice for those who may not feel confident enough for a long-distance open-water swim. That said, basic water safety skills are still important in case you accidentally fall into the water. Standing on the board often feels more stable, and participants can stop and rest at any time, making it less physically demanding while still providing a similarly unique experience on the water.
For those who would like to experience this in a truly distinctive setting, the Yettel Balaton SUP Crossing (Balaton-áthúzás) offers an excellent opportunity. Held as part of Hungary’s largest open-water swimming event, it opens the course to SUP participants on 18 July as well. The nearly 5.2-kilometre route gives participants the opportunity to literally cross Lake Balaton at their own pace, while still enjoying a shared community experience. The Balaton SUP Crossing has been part of the Balaton Swim Crossing event for six years now, and its popularity continues to grow: last year, nearly 700 participants took on the challenge standing on a board. For many, it can become not only a sporting achievement but also a once-in-a-lifetime experience – for beginners or experienced paddlers alike.
However, it is worth preparing consciously before taking on your first Balaton SUP Crossing. While the distance itself does not require extreme training, it is not recommended for absolute beginners: some prior open-water experience is important, as paddling in the middle of Lake Balaton is very different from staying close to shore. Although most participants are amateur recreational SUP enthusiasts who take on the challenge for the experience rather than for a finishing time, conditions on the water can still present challenges. Participants should be prepared for strong sun exposure, light winds, moderate waves, fatigue, drops in energy levels, and even blisters forming on the palms of their hands. For this reason, it may be helpful to complete a few longer practice paddles beforehand, and to prepare sunscreen, a cap or shirt that can be soaked with water for cooling, as well as fluids and quickly absorbed carbohydrates.
Further details are available at www.balaton-atuszas.hu. Registration is open until 15 July or until the participant limit is reached.
The 44th LIDL Balaton Swim Crossing is supported by Yettel as a key partner. Throughout the year, the mobile operator continuously develops its network around Lake Balaton, and during the event it provides enhanced network capacity to ensure a fast and reliable mobile connectivity, allowing participants to reach their loved ones immediately after completing the course.