Toyota River Games Thun

On September 5 and 6, 2026, the Aare River in Thun will become a stage for river sports: The Toyota River Games Thun will bring together rapid surfing, kayak cross, and freestyle kayaking at a single event for the first time in Switzerland. What began in 2018 as the River Surf Jam at the Mühleschleuse has grown into a two-day water sports festival for top athletes and the general public. Since 2018, rapid surfers have been gathering at the River Surf Jam on the standing wave near the Mühleschleuse in Thun. The event has established itself as an integral 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 evolving into a multi-sport event that brings the nation’s top athletes in three river water sports to Thun.

Three Disciplines, One River

In whitewater surfing, the country’s best surfers will showcase their skills on the standing, highly challenging wave at the Mühleschleuse. The River Surf Jam remains the centerpiece of the event and part of the Edelweiss Surf Tour. Competition will take place in the Women’s, Men’s, Girls’, and Boys’ categories. Qualifiers and finals will be held throughout the day on Saturday. Judging follows the “Riders Judging” principle: the athletes evaluate each other’s runs.

In the kayak cross on Saturday morning, four athletes will launch simultaneously from the ramp and engage in a thrilling race through the gates. Physical contact is expressly permitted. The contest deliberately involves paddlers from the region; around 30 to 40 participants are expected.

In freestyle kayaking, the Scherzli Wave will serve as the stage on Sunday: spectacular tricks, spins, and jumps in kayaks right in the Aare River, judged on creativity, technique, and style. Thun has made history in this discipline: In 2009, the Freestyle Kayak World Championships were held here—an event the community still fondly remembers today. Around 50 participants, primarily from Switzerland, are expected at this standalone competition.

Join in Instead of Just Watching

The Toyota River Games Thun aren’t just a spectator event. As part of the open side program, the audience can venture out onto the water themselves—no prior experience required. On Sunday, a SUP polo tournament featuring up to 24 teams of four will take place on two playing fields: Each team will play three group matches, followed by the final rounds. Anyone who drops by on a whim may, if lucky, join a team right there on the spot. Teams can register on the website of the Honu Wassersportcenter Thun. Visitors can also try their hand at pump foiling under supervision.

Admission is free, and the water sports action can be best viewed from the stands at Waisenhausplatz or from the banks of the Aare near the Scherzlig Lock.