River Games Thun: Various water sports at the same event

Since 2018, rapid surfers have been meeting at the River Surf Jam on the standing wave at the Mühleschleuse lock in Thun. The event has established itself as a regular part of the national Edelweiss Surf Tour competition series and is now expanding beyond its original scope: Under the new name Toyota River Games Thun, the surfing competition is growing into a multi-sport event that brings the national elite of three river water sports to Thun.

Sandro Santschi, president of the Thun River Surfing Association, and Yannik Zeller from the Los Leones Kayak School agree: The fact that surfers and kayakers peacefully share a river and its waves is fantastic, and that's exactly what this event is meant to celebrate. "We are united by our passion for water sports. Being able to celebrate it at the River Games with the entire city and the people of Thun is the best part," says Dani Reinhart from the Honu Water Sports Center Thun. The transition from the River Surf Jam to a two-day multi-sport event is only possible thanks to broad support. The organizing committee thanks the title sponsor, oyota, as well as all national and regional sponsors, patrons, and partners – without their commitment, this new, larger event would not be possible.

Three disciplines, one river
In rapid surfing, the country's best surfers showcase their skills on the standing, highly challenging wave at the Mühleschleuse lock. The River Surf Jam remains the centerpiece of the event and part of the Edelweiss Surf Tour. Competitions are held in the Women's, Men's, Girls', and Boys' categories. The qualifying rounds and finals take place throughout Saturday. Judging is based on the "Riders Judging" principle: the athletes evaluate each other's runs. "Nowhere else in Switzerland are there river waves of this quality and consistency. The Aare River in Thun is a unique place for me – surfing here is not just a sport, but a lifestyle and a community," says Anna Lemann, river surfer and multiple River Surf Jam winner. In the kayak cross, four athletes at a time start simultaneously from the ramp on Saturday morning and engage in a thrilling race through the gates – physical contact is expressly permitted. The contest deliberately includes paddlers from the region; around 30 to 40 participants are expected.

On Sunday, the Scherzligwelle wave will transform into a stage for freestyle kayaking: spectacular tricks, spins, and jumps with kayaks directly in the Aare River, judged on creativity, technique, and style. Thun has made history in this discipline: the Freestyle Kayak World Championships took place here in 2009 – an event still fondly remembered by the kayaking community. Around 50 participants, primarily from Switzerland, are expected at the independent competition.

Join in, don't just watch
The Toyota River Games Thun aren't just for spectators. The open side program offers the public the chance to try their hand at water sports – no prior experience necessary. On Sunday, a SUP polo tournament will take place with up to 24 teams of four on two fields: Each team will play three group matches, followed by the final rounds. Those who drop by spontaneously can join a team on-site. Team registration is available on the Honu Watersports Center Thun website. Additionally, pump foiling can be tried out under instruction. Admission is free, and the water sports action can be best viewed from the grandstand at Waisenhausplatz or from the banks of the Aare River near the Scherzlig lock.

Thun as a River Watersports Hub
The event is organized by the River Surfing Thun Association, together with the Honu Watersports Center Thun and the Los Leones Kayak School. For over 17 years, surfers have been enjoying the two natural waves of the Aare River in Thun, without any construction work or energy expenditure. With over 400 members, the River Surfing Thun Association has more members than FC Thun; on good days, up to 100 surfers are on the water. The River Games highlight what has long been a part of everyday life in Thun: the Aare River is one of the most vibrant river sports locations in Switzerland.

Toyota River Games Thun at a glance
• Date: Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026
• Location: Aare River, Thun – Mühleschleuse, Scherzligschleuse, section of the Aare near the AEK Bank
• Competitions: Rapid Surfing (River Surf Jam / Edelweiss Surf Tour, Saturday), Kayak Cross (Saturday morning), Freestyle Kayak (Sunday)
• Open Program: SUP Polo Tournament (Sunday) and Pump Foiling for beginners – for everyone, no prior experience necessary – SUP Polo registration:
https://www.honu.ch/event/sup-polo-turnier-river-games-2690/register
• Admission: Free
• Website: www.rivergamesthun.ch