SUP 11-City Tour

Cheers 🍻 to Anne Merkus and Maret Sturms our Sustainable Entrepreneurs and suggesting Green alternatives in the organization.

Especially a shout out to Anne, who does a lot of work behind the scenes in the daily shopping department. She also ordered these (pic 2) reusable coffee cups.

FYI.. both Maret and Anne make delicious cappuccino’s ☕️💚

Time to sign up also for our youngest SUP11 conquerers! On Sunday 15/09/2024 you will start in Aldtsjerk and after 10,4 km you will finish in Leeuwarden together with all other SUP 11 participants. Are you (your kid) ready for an unforgettable experience? Then sign up www.sup11citytour.com !




Photos: Yahnny San Luis & Edwin Westra

Good vibes and Going Green 💚

We are conscious about our catering. Plastic free plates and utensils have been used the last years. Our reusable soda ~ water cups are great as well…. considered souvenirs 😉. Coffee cups were washed for reuse last year to have less landfill waste. Let’s say we go for the progress we can make.

Good vibes are very important for sustainability as well! It is proven that Positive Energy holds way more strength than negative energy. And that seems to be a given at the SUP 11-City Tour.

Is it Suptember yet? ❤️

Going Green is…
Picking up trash when you see it.

is dedicated since years to clean the SUP 11-City waters! We are stoked he is Game again to SUP-Clean up in Suptember. A tough go “stop and go” 200+ kilometers 💪

Who feels the calling to join him? 💚♻️

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐍𝐲𝐧𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐫 🎥

💬 “I associate the Sup 11-City Tour with a warm family feeling, a very positive atmosphere, and an incredibly inspiring group of people. As many have said: it’s like an addiction; you want to be part of it and stay part of it. Fortunately, I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to be part of it all year round, because together with Tanja, Afketine and Marije, I’m responsible for the social media channels all year round.

My favorite part is definitely the event itself in September, when you see both the crew and the athletes in person and truly immerse yourself in the well-known Sup 11-bubble. For two weeks, our fantastic media team creates content for the entire year. Doing this with such a valuable group of people – despite the long days and nights – gives me an enormous amount of energy!

As a true Frisian, I’m proud to live here and thanks to the Sup 11-City Tour, I’ve really fallen in love with the 11-City route!”

Refill some water catchers
Save the need for plastic water bottles

Thanks Kai and Henk 💪💪💦💦

Since 2010 the SUP 11-City Tour refills and reuses these water containers due to Holland having great drinking tap water. Stoked to utilize and Go Green 💚

Introducing Going Green every Hump Day star(t)ing with .elgersma our social media Queen!

I think you agree she always uses her reusable coffee cup & water bottle and that is what our planet 🌎 needs to get over this plastic hump! Consistency in the healthy habits, so eventually the need for plastic production can be diminished 💚💪

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽? 💬 Amber Damen : "The first time? To challenge myself.
Finding Marie Mendel from Austria, who is a wonderful powerwoman. We had the exact same goal: make it to the finish. And we did! We pushed and motivated each other and finished together."

🎬 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲

Watch 'The Longest Paddle,' an inspiring documentary that follows Patrick Winkler, the first Brazilian to win an international title in the Sup 11-City Tour on a prone paddleboard. Experience Patrick's incredible journey, determination, and triumph as he navigates the beautiful yet challenging lakes and canals of Friesland!

➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhD8GwTnCxU

Photo: Edwin Westra - Fotografie

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 🚤

💬 “This event makes you step into a completely different world. The so-called sup11 bubble. The warm family you end up in who all make sure that everyone gets safely from one place to another.

Leaving very early in the morning with a beautiful sunrise, on the calm water, is what i like the most. Making sure everyone is ok on the water all day and then at the end of the day picking up the last athlete together.”

A moment for… the prologue 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇷

The moment the SUP 11 City Tour starts! With all athletes we paddle the night before the big event starts, through the canals of Leeuwarden. Dress code: you’re own country! 🇳🇱🇧🇷

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻(𝘀)? 💬 Martin Luitwieler "During the years I experienced very different conditions. Temperature, heath and cold, storm, rain and thunders and even food poisoning. Every year it is a surprise what to expect.
Looking back, my best moment was the finish of my 9th Sup 11. The Non-stop edition of 2022. After many years and km of training the impossible became possible. Unforgettable!"



Photo: Edwin Westra

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐓𝐫𝐲𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐣𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚 😄

💬 “I volunteer because a. I think SUP is a fun sport and b. I have respect for all those SUP riders who SUP the 11-stedentocht. It’s not nothing.

The best thing is to encourage people when they are down and after you have helped them, they continue with great courage.

What did I do? In the beginning lunch and dinner. Even breakfast, lunch and dinner for a year. Later only lunch. The last few years assistant at the timekeeping at the lunch post of the tour and supporting lunch post.”

On monday we lost a true inspiration of the sport 😢
Manel participated in 2021 at the SUP 11-City Tour and conquered the 200 km through Friesland. RIP Manel 💙 we are happy to have met you!




Photo: Mayola Dijksma

𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫… 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 🏁

The moment after a long day paddling, you finally reach the finish line! These are the finishes at Dokkum, Franeker, Sloten and the last one Leeuwarden. Which finish is your favorite?

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻(𝘀)? 💬 Morgan Bénard "My best moment in the past edition took place after 7 or 8 hours in the race in the « jungle » in the last hour of daylight, it was magic and I can’t wait to come back again, enjoy the race, the people and most important enjoy Friesland."

�

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐣𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐰𝐞𝐬 😄

💬 “I volunteer because I think it is important to do something for someone else.
What I like most about the SUP 11 City Tour is the contact with the athletes and the other volunteers. It feels like one big family.
The energy you get from the event is amazing. At the end you are completely exhausted and then you are home for a few days and then you miss everyone and you know that I will go again next year.
My favorite moment every year is registering where you see many familiar faces. One big reunion.”

𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫… 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥 🔔

An important moment to ring the doorbell, because this way we know for sure that you have been to every city. Only when you have crossed all 11 cities will you receive the cross at the finish in Leeuwarden. So don’t forget it!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽? 💬 Gan: "I learned about SUP 11 City Tour on the eve of my first SUP endurance race – a 32 miles (50km) paddle down the Tennessee River. I thought “WOW!! – imagine that? Maybe one day soon I can do something like that where I can have the strength and stamina to paddle 50km 5 days in a row!” Well, fast forward 5+ years later, I finally had the opportunity to sign up for the SUP 11 City Tour Race. I wanted the challenge and really craved for it."




photo: Mayola Dijksman

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 🚤

💬 “The Sup11 is an addiction, you can’t not be there. The atmosphere, the family feeling and the gratitude you get from the athletes is something magical. As a non-Frisian, it has given me a fantastic image of Friesland, which has made me love it.

What I like the most is that during the Sup11 you feel like one big group. You are not only with the group of volunteers, you are also with the athletes. Seeing the athletes finishing and the chat you have with them. I am always so curious about what they experienced that day, you get so much gratitude from the athletes in return.

You should volunteer because you really matter. You make new friends for life, have a great week and get a new family in return. Sometimes it is hard work and especially collaboration. At the end of the week you realize what you have achieved together with the other volunteers. That gives such a kick that you want to do it again next year.

I don’t have one specific best moment. It’s the little moments that make the big things so beautiful.
On the Saturday evening of the non-stop, the evening crew provided ‘frikandellen speciaal’, and late in the evening I was allowed to walk the very last bridge with Jaimy, the sunrise of the non-stop, and then get a hot coffee in Dokkum. The boats with music and support to draw everyone in and the personal story that each athlete carries with them. The dances in the morning as a ‘warm-up’, the cheering for the athletes and the relief you see when someone crosses the finish line. It just makes you feel warm and happy inside.”

𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫… 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 🌅

The magical moment in the early morning when it’s quiet, no people and sun is slowly coming out. When was your favorite sunrise moment? 🌞

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 💬 Peter Mülhauser:The moment lasts exactly 5 days, from the starting signal until the 11City Cross is handed over. Sensational atmosphere in the morning, warming up together, preparing, sharing nervousness with all the athletes from all over the world; chatting with Bruno Hasulyo until lunch break, then trying to meet as many paddlers as possible until the finish line, I call it playing PACMAN, enjoying Holland at the end of the day. The landscape is indescribably beautiful and so varied and it feels like the whole of Holland is standing on the bridges and cheering.



photo: Edwin Westra

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐊𝐚𝐢 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐦𝐚 💪🏻

💬 “Im volunteering because it gives such a greet feeling to make so many people smile. It’s special that we can create so nice atmosphere with Al the volunteers, that everybody is feeling like a big family.

I like the feeling during the sixt stage the most. When everybody is save back in Leeuwarden and we can look back to the great moments of the event.
You should volunteer too, because You’re such a big value for the rest of the volunteers and athletes. You can make this event succeed. Making part of the sup11-family is an addition to your life!

For sure the Sunday of the non-stop is one of my best moments. The sunrise at the locks in the quiet village Wier. Looking at the Athletes with so much respect that they still going strong and making there way to the finish in Leeuwarden. The beautiful landscape of the misty fryslân. The coffee with “droge worst” in Dokkum. And at least the special finish in Leeuwarden, When the athletes have achieved such a special ultra sports performance. Kippenvel!”

𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫… 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 🎉

They are always there in all weather conditions. Supporters can be found at every bridge or along the road, in the sun or in the rain. They are there to encourage you when you are going through a hard time and to cheer you up with the best music! 🎶 📣

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽? 💬 Anya Williamson : “To push yourself. To experience a fantastic event with great camaraderie and sceanary.“

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚 📸

💬 .ed “The reason I volunteer is once a year, we can create an epic event in my own backyard with a lot of friends, new and old. it’s so great to see that if you put in the extra effort, the energy you get back from the athletes and their stories is so how do you say? it’s like an addiction. The ones who discover the true meaning of this event. Can’t stop talking about it and can’t wait to do it all over again, even the suffering and questioning why did I take on this challenge. The feeling you have in the days after the event, that you were part of something bigger than just paddling with some friends. You can’t describe it with a pen. I cherish that feeling.

Making new friends I like the most and seeing my old friends, the fact it’s international is amazing. When you talk to people most foreigners only now Holland from Amsterdam. I am proud to show them my province Fryslân.

Without the volunteers there wouldn’t be a Sup11city and I think that if you have the time and you want to do good and make new friends. there is a great opportunity. it’s not hard, well you have wake up early and do you’re tasks. But the smiles of the athletes and the group feeling you get in return it’s worth it.”

𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫… 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞! 😍

After a long day paddling all athletes deserve a massage from the certified NGS crew. These people are there for you every day of the SUP 11 city tour. And of course the bowl of ‘droge worst’ (dry sausage)!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? 💬 Jordy Wichgers: “Being alone during sunset at Alde Karre lake. The water was very calm, like a mirror, and the sky turned purple"



photo: Mayola Dijksman

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡… 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐰𝐞𝐬 🛠️

💬 Jimmy Bouwes: “In 2011 Marja and I were asked if we wanted to work as volunteers. That’s how 2012 started, first helping in the land organization with setting up tents (the hard work), transporting toilets (the dirty stuff, just ask Henk) and building the Start and Finish (the fun part) and coming up with many technical solutions, but also troubleshooting.

All year round we search and search for other and better resting places so that the work becomes easier for the volunteers and athletes. The scripts will also have to be adjusted again.

In recent years I have taken it easier by taking care of It Beaken and watching everything from a distance and solving acute technical problems.

For me, the best moment of being a volunteer at the 11-City Tour is seeing all the athletes and volunteers, our SUP family, and secretly the last day when we leave for home and sink into the chair feeling tired and satisfied... and everything went well again.”

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻?

💬 Tineke Merkus: "A life changing event! That’s the meaning of the SUP11 CityTour to me. Since 2012 I am participating and a real fan of this Frisian SUP event. With start and finish in my hometown and a big challenge every year. It is a the wonderful week with familiar and new SUP friends and this year I try to catch my 10th cross. This will be a special edition for me and that’s the reason I chose for the Non-Stop. I have never done this before, but can’t wait to start in Suptember. Don’t hesitate and sign up!"

Photo: Edwin Westra - Fotografie