On August 2, the heart of Russia’s Northern Capital once again beat to a watery rhythm — the anniversary 10th “Fontanka-SUP” festival kicked off in St. Petersburg, the largest SUP-surfing event in Europe. Among the 10,000 participants who took to the Neva, canals, and rivers were representatives from Estonia.

A colorful procession of paddleboards turned the water into a floating stage for a carnival: as tradition dictates, participants dressed in imaginative costumes — from fairy-tale characters to abstract creations — while their boards became moving art installations. Over time, the festival has grown beyond a sporting event to become a cultural phenomenon in St. Petersburg, drawing not only locals but also guests from abroad.

This year, paddlers from 12 countries came to take part in Fontanka-SUP, including many from Estonia. SUP-surfing has been rapidly gaining popularity in the Baltic countries, and participating in Europe’s largest festival offers both seasoned riders and newcomers a chance to challenge themselves, exchange experiences, and get inspired by the event’s scale.

SUP enthusiasts from Tallinn and Narva were among those completing the 8-kilometer round-trip route through the city center. Estonian participants shared their impressions with reporters:

“The atmosphere in St. Petersburg is absolutely fantastic. It’s our first time here, but we’ll definitely be back. This isn’t just about sport — it’s about culture and connecting through water,” said Andrei from Narva, who brought his entire family, the Saars.

The festival opened with a vibrant water show: the extreme sports team CRAZY ZEBRA performed trampoline acrobatics right on the water — a spectacle hard to forget. On the embankment, visitors enjoyed live music, workshops, food courts, and relaxing zones.

Organizers emphasize that Fontanka-SUP is not a race, but above all, a unifying celebration. People of all ages take part — the youngest participant this year was 18, and the oldest, 73. The average age of a SUP-surfer is 37.

First launched in 2015, Fontanka-SUP has grown significantly each year. In 2022, it was listed in the Russian Event Tourism Record Book, and by 2023 the number of participants had reached 10,000. This tenth, anniversary edition reaffirmed the festival’s enduring popularity, merging sport, art, and tourism into one dynamic event.

St. Petersburg is only a few hours away from Tallinn, and participation in such international events strengthens cultural ties, promotes sports and event tourism, and opens new opportunities for cross-border collaboration. For Estonian SUP-surfers, it’s also a source of inspiration for developing local initiatives.

And while Estonia is a land of calm rivers and coastal shores, its presence at Fontanka-SUP proves one thing: waves bring people together — especially when you’re standing on a board, looking in the same direction.