====== Switzerland Surfski ====== . . {{randominc>start_movies:switzerland&nofooter&nodate&noeditbtn}} ---- Switzerland has many large lakes that can generate favorable conditions for downwind runs. But pay attention to weather forecasts and water temperatures just as you should anywhere if you want to [[:home#safety|paddle safely]]. Watch this 2019 [[https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2214719831947528|sailing race video]] where an epic storm comes up on Lake Geneva with 60 knot winds. * **Resources** * [[https://www.paddelbuch.ch/en/|Paddel Buch]] water access for boat launch, ramps, etc. in Switzerland * **Surfski Switzerland** * [[https://www.surfski.ch/|Surfski Switzerland Website]] Visit their testcenter - demos offered on the Greifensee April - October * [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/?ref=page_internal|Facebook Page]] Some good downwind videos here * **Swiss Canoe Website** * [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/disziplinen/surfski-and-marathon|Surfski]] * [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/paddler/wo-paddeln-in-der-schweiz|Where to Paddle]] * [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/paddler/standorte|Swiss Canoe Clubs]] and the Kanu clubs specifically mentioned below are not usually surfski oriented but they are places to look for paddlers who may also be surfskiers and surfskis do seem to be making significant inroads into popularity in Switzerland. * [[https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/canoeing-in-switzerland.html|Switzerland Mobility]] Guide for traveling without a car * … ---- ===== Downwinds/Paddles ===== ---- ==== Lake Biel/Bienne ==== * ([[https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/reiseziele/bielersee/|Bielersee]]) * [[https://www.j3l.ch/en/P35971/kanucenter-bielersee|Kanucenter Bielersee]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://www.schweizersee.ch/webcams-bielersee/|Webcams]] * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-biel-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * **Groups/Clubs** * [[https://www.kanuclub.ch/|Kanu Club Magglingen]] * … ---- ==== Lake Constance (bordered by Switzerland, Germany, and Austria) ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Constance|Bodensee]]) * [[https://youtu.be/Md0ER3Axw58|Downwinder Video 2017]] * **Groups/Clubs** * [[https://kanuclub-singen.de/|Kanu Club Singen]] (de) * [[https://www.kwb.or.at/|Kanu and Watersport Club Bregenz]] (at) clearly there are surfskis here * [[http://www.kanuschule-bodensee.ch/|Kanuschule Bodensee]] Arbon, Interlaken (ch) * [[https://www.kanu-sport-friedrichshafen.de/|Kanu Sport Friedrichshafen]] (de) * [[https://www.lindauer-kanuclub.de/|Lindau Kanu Club]] (de) * [[https://www.kanu-kreuzlingen.ch/pck/weitere/|Paddle Club Kreuzlingen]] (ch) * [[https://www.wwra.de/|Wassersportclub Wäschbruck Radolfzell]] (de) * **Konstanz(de)** * [[https://kanu-club-konstanz.de/wordpress/|Kanu-Club Konstanz]] * [[https://lacanoa.de/|La Canoa]] * **Untersee ** (smaller western branch of lake west of Konstanz) * **Steckborn (Feldbach Park or Surfplatz Steckborn) - Ermatingen **9km [[https://www.downwindable.com/feldbach---ermatingen-run|Downwindable.com]] * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNIPEIq17AU|downwinder video]] * **Resources** * [[https://sydneyharboursurfclubshop.com/en-us/blogs/paddle-adventures/4-countries-in-one-day|Four Countries in a Day]] * [[https://www.constance-lake-constance.com/experience-explore/experience-nature/water-sports|Water Sports on the lake]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://www.bodenseee.net/webcam/|Bodensee Webcams]] * [[https://www.twitch.tv/ksf_kajak|Kanu Sport Friedrichshafen Webcam]] * [[https://www.windfinder.com/report/konstanz|Windfinder Konstanz]] * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-constance-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * East End of Lake * [[https://www.rv-wiking.at/wind-wetter|Lindau Wind]] * [[https://www.badschachen.de/webcam/bild.jpg|Lindau Webcam]] * … ---- ==== Lake Geneva (bordered by Switzerland and France) ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Geneva|Lac Leman]]) (Genfersee) * [[https://canoe-club-geneve.ch/|Geneva Canoe Club]] whitewater & slalom but possibly a place to ask about fellow surfskiers in the Geneva area [[https://www.facebook.com/Canoë-Club-de-Genève-CCG-809928652360065/|facebook page]] * **Downwinders** * **Prangins - Versoix **14 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/prangins---versoix|Downwindable.com]] * **Saint Prex - Saint Sulpice** 14 km [[https://downwindable.com/leman-lake-run-west-coast|Downwindable.com]] * **Nernier, France to Anieres, Switzerland **12 km [[https://www.downwind.fun/courses/france-suisse-downwind|Downwindfun]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-geneva-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * [[https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/15196-sharing-a-lesson-on-failed-leash-in-cold-waters.html|Broken Leash Story]] * … ---- **Nernier to Anieres** (downwind with a 'Bise' which is a regular NE wind) {{vimeo>105322366?size=500X300}} ---- ---- ==== Greifensee ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greifensee_(lake)|Greifensee]]) * Ask [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/|surfski.ch]] about training here * **Greifensee - Aaspitz **5km [[https://www.downwindable.com/greifensee---aaspitz-run|Downwindable.com]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/greifensee-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * … ---- ==== Lake Gruyère ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_of_Gruyère|Lac de la Gruyère, Greyerzersee]]) * [[https://www.kayakaventure.ch/|Kayak Adventure]] * … ---- ==== Interlaken (Between the Lakes Thun, Brienz) ==== [[https://youtu.be/paoo-wCSAuQ|Interlaken video]] Lakes known for their turquoise waters [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfUWVRYpBV0|surfski video]] * **Lake Thun** * ([[https://www.thunersee.ch/en|Thunersee]]) * [[https://www.surfskipoint.com/|Surfskipoint ]]**Leissigen, ****Switzerland **sales, rentals and surfski camps* … * [[https://www.facebook.com/mountainsurfinterlaken|Mountainsurf Rentals (facebook)]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-thun-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * **Lake Brienz** * ([[https://www.brienzersee.ch/en|Brienzersee]]) * … ---- ==== Lake Lucerne ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lucerne|Vierwaldstättersee]]) * **Resources** * Ask [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/|surfski.ch]] about training here * [[https://www.kcnw.ch/|Kanu Club Nidwalden]] * [[https://www.kanuwelt.ch/|Kanuwelt Buochs]] surfski lessons * **Downwinders** * **Gersau - Meggen **13 km, [[https://www.downwind.fun/courses/lake-lucerne-gersau-meggen-downwind|Downwindfun]] * **Flüelen to Beckenried **20 km [[https://youtu.be/aJ2FiQx_ffQ|video]], [[https://www.downwind.fun/courses/fluelen-run|Downwindfun]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-lucerne-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * **Urnersee Conditions** * Silvan Wyss "Lake Uri often has good wind. But it definitely needs 30 knots or more for a perfect downwinder. How often there is so much wind is a good question…..Winter and autumn there are always such conditions and a few times in summer. Maybe 12-20 times a year that it's around 40 knots. Good forecasts for Lake Uri can be found at: [[https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHhNNVV4LWxMUUxKYWU0VTBaQklOQ2lTYlpLUXxBQ3Jtc0ttTXVTLXdNTjZqejZjR3M3bXhrSWhSNkk1RldhdDhpa3ZoOGlGWTFkTGVUWGpwZ0tPUUc1S0dPb3g5bVNLeFBFdWhsbENWR1F3SVRVRUkwRmVfd25vbnVmNVN5ZGIzaXFFUmRpY05FTkxNdjIwZGNqaw&q=https://www.srf.ch/meteo/surf-und-segelwetter-details?spot=46.8870,8.6218|https://www.srf.ch/meteo/surf-und-segelwetter-details?spot=46.8870,8.6218]] If the wind is southerly, it is best to start at the harbour in Flüelen." * … ---- **Downwinding Between Flüelen & Beckenried** {{randominc>start_movies:switzerland:fluelen&nofooter&nodate&noeditbtn}} ---- * **Lake Uri (** [[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urnersee|Urnersee]]) Southeast branch of Lake Lucerne [[https://youtu.be/yv7RyKF_acA|video ]] * **Flüelen-Brunnen **11 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/urnersee-flüelen-brunnen|Downwindable.com]] * **Flüelen-Bauen ** 5 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/urnersee-flüelen-bauen|Downwindable.com]] * … ---- ==== Lake Lugano ==== * See [[:italy_fresh_water|Lakes in Italy]] * … ---- ==== Lake Maggiore ==== * See [[:italy_fresh_water|Lakes in Italy]] * … ---- ==== Lake Neuchâtel ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Neuchâtel|Lac de Neuchâtel]]) * **Downwinders** * **Cortaillod - St. Blaise **16 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/Cortaillod-St.Blaise|Downwindable.com]] * **St. Aubin - St. Blaise **21 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/St.Aubin-St.Blaise|Downwindable.com]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-neuchatel-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * … ---- ==== Lake Sempach ==== * ([[https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/region-sempachersee/|Sempachersee]]) [[https://youtu.be/E82_f14cI3E?t=207|video]], [[https://youtu.be/zQGLfpeAFAY|video2]] * … ---- ==== Lake Silvaplana ==== Often has afternoon thermal winds - popular for water-wind sports. * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Silvaplana|Silvaplanersee]]) * … ---- ==== Lake Walen ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walensee|Walensee]]) * **Downwinders** * **Walenstadt - Weesen **15 km [[https://youtu.be/spvBP9atQUE|video]][[https://www.downwindable.com/walensee|Downwindable]][[https://www.downwindable.com/walensee|.com]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-walen-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * … ---- ==== Lake Zug ==== * Zugersee (check [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/|surfski.ch]] - may still be a training group that practices here) * [[https://cms.kanu-club-zug.ch/|Kanu-Club Zug]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-zug-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * … ---- ==== Lake Zurich ==== * ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Zürich|Zürichsee]]) * Ask [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/|surfski.ch]] about training here * **Downwinders** * **Au - Badi Risi **9 km [[https://downwindable.com/au---badi-risi|Downwindable.com]] * **Au - Jona/Stampf **16 km [[https://www.downwindable.com/au---jona/stampf-run|Downwindable.com]] * **Weather/Conditions** * [[https://seatemperature.info/lake-zurich-water-temperature.html|Water Temperature]] * **Rapperswil-Jona** * [[https://youtu.be/NjRTNlyzrKk|wake riding video]], [[https://youtu.be/6AcncRPbHPU|downwind]] * [[https://kcrj.ch/|Kanu Club Rapperswil-Jona]] * … ---- ---- ===== Conditions ===== Look for specific condition information above for each locale (possibly sparse but we are trying to add more of this as we can collect it). The local terrain and mountains may often cause unique local effects on weather and wind that you have to become familiar with for fun and safety. Become familiar with "Föhn" and "Bise". Talk to local boaters about any tendencies toward sudden weather changes in the area you are interested in paddling in. Take all advisable precautions you should take for paddling on the generally quite **cold water** of Swiss lakes. [[https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/15196-sharing-a-lesson-on-failed-leash-in-cold-waters.html|Broken Leash on Lake Geneva]] **Föhn** - (the hairdryer) Wind that occurs when air descends down the leeward side of a mountain, becoming warmer and drier as it descends. In some regions, like the Rocky Mountains, it's known as a [[https://www.google.com/search?cs=0&sca_esv=c040be438cc12ffb&q=Chinook&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcmP2Ph7WNAxWeGzQIHb2qGzsQxccNegQIJhAB&mstk=AUtExfCNRxQiehgUQcxPBoMrfxcu_jF4no-jKR6GrfCD9urj-3ibDcSbKF3DEYU_yBU264T-y3fmL3VELb0I2kSaDBb8U09aqaNBYEhDfWW12bkXUDfH0x6r4WmAI08qfLtGeZMDWHVSkTCKmLDBqLHzlXfJ5LCl9OIv5Ebl4N0lhEjbc-lKqLM4d4rCACH_ARWr_Wnv&csui=3|Chinook]]. **Bise **- Translated as "**north wind**," la bise is more precisely a chilly wind that passes through certain areas of eastern France and Switzerland ---- ===== Videos ===== * [[:switzerland_videos|]] * … ---- ===== Adaptive Paddling ===== * [[https://kcrj.ch/de/kajakfahren-fuer-alle|Kanu Club Rapperswil-Jona ]]**- Lake Zurich** * …. ---- {{youtube>cRsCVZ2DsU8}} . ---- ---- ===== Races ===== [[:races:race_calendars|Worldwide Race Calender Page]] [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/aktuell/events|Swiss Canoe Events Calendar]] (filter "discipline" for surfski and marathon) * [[https://www.bodensee-challenge.com/|Bregenz Bodensee Challenge]] in recent years (2024-2025) has been a 4 race series * [[https://www.kanu-kreuzlingen.ch/|Kreuzlingen]] approx. Late April * [[https://www.vfb-kanu.de/|Friedrichshafen]] approx. Late July * [[https://www.kwb.or.at/|Bregenz]] approx. early to mid September * [[https://hoernlecup.jimdofree.com/|Konstanz]] approx. Late October * **Swiss Marathon Paddle Cup **SUP, Outrigger, Kayak, Surfski * [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/disziplinen/surfski-and-marathon/swiss-paddle-cup|Swiss Events (German)]] * **Cup Races (check the main cup links for additions/deletions/name changes of cup races - these are the races listed in 2026)** * 3 May 2026 **[[https://www.lakeside-opening.ch/en_GB/lakeside|Lakeside Opening]]** , Thun (18 km) * 10 May 2026 **[[https://kcrj.ch/wenzel-trophy|Wenceslas Trophy]]**, Rapperswil (22 km) [[https://youtu.be/UCPylH3hR28|2026 Race Start Video]] * 21 June 2026 **[[https://thebigpaddle.ch/program/|The Big Paddle]]**, Richterswil (18.5 km) * 12 July 2026 **Molokai on Léman**, Villeneuve (27 km) * 15 August 2026 **Lake Biel Canoe Half Marathon**, Biel (21 km) * 23 August 2026 **[[https://www.slow-surf.ch/|Slow surf]]** , La Roche (17 km) * 29. August 2026 [[https://www.swisscanoe.ch/de/aktuell/events/verband/jubilaeumsfest-101-jahre-swiss-canoe|Jubiläumsfest 101 Jahre Swiss Canoe]] Bönigen (15 km) * 12 September 2026, **Lake Lucerne Canoe Marathon**, Buochs / 42km and 21km * …. ---- ===== Sale/Rental/Lessons ===== * **Kanu School Versam ** (whitewater and river running oriented, sells gear - neoprene, paddle clothing, PFDs) * [[https://www.kanuschule.ch/shop|Shop]] * [[https://www.kanuschule.ch/service/pinnwand?typ=All&page=2|Used for Sale]] * [[https://www.kayak-aventure.ch/index.php/galerie-photo/magasin|KayakAdventure]] Not necessarily surfskis, but definitely boating accessories & supplies * **[[https://en.surfskipoint.com/|Surfskipoint]]** sales, rentals, (and lessons at some locations) * **Thunersee multiple locations** * [[https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/surfskipoint/items/141778/?full-items=yes&flow=162926|Thun, TCS Camping]] * [[https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/surfskipoint/items/141775/?full-items=yes&flow=162924|Unterseen, Neuhaus]] * [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parkhotel+Gunten/@46.6546117,7.755119,12z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x478fafb186a8f0ab:0x771f8a63c53f0b7d!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d46.712331!4d7.702537!16s/g/1tfc5j5g?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==|Gunten, Parkhotel]] * [[https://www.surfskipoint.com/shop|Sales]] Nordic Kayak Surfskis * [[https://www.surfskipoint.com/mieten|Rentals]] * [[https://www.youtube.com/@groovemonster65/videos|Videos]] How-tos, Testimonials, etc. * **Surfski Switzerland** * [[https://www.surfski.ch/|Surfski Switzerland]] * [[https://www.facebook.com/surfski.ch/|Surfski Switzerland]] (facebook) sales, lessons, (rentals?) * [[https://www.surfski.ch/forum/biete-suche|Used for Sale]] * … ---- **Gersau - Meggen** {{youtube>rNGmCg41-SM?size=500X300}}