Photo: Carl de Canedido
Ruhr as a competitive arena
When the haze lifts over the Ruhr in the early morning and the sun flashes over the Baldeneysee, a day of water sports begins in the Löwental, transforming the Ruhr region into a true ocean sports mecca. The Lion's Race – Ocean Sports Challenge brings international flair to Essen-Werden ans Ruhrufer and shows that modern paddle sports have long found their firm place between Ruhr romance and jungle.
Ocean Sports Feeling near Baldeneysee
The proximity to Baldeneysee Shapes the event: Just a few meters below the largest Ruhr reservoir, the roughly ten-kilometer race track begins, winding through the Löwental in the picturesque Ruhr Valley. Here, surfski, outrigger, Va'a, Stand-up paddling and prone paddling against each other – disciplines that are otherwise more expected and found in coastal regions. For the Stand-Up-Paddling (SUP) scene, the Lion's Race is a special highlight, as the final of the NRW SUP CUP 2026 will be decided here. The Ruhr becomes the stage for thrilling duels, tactical maneuvers, and the battle for the overall standings.
Hands-on Racing – Action on the Circuit
The circuit at Löwental ensures that the athletes pass by the audience repeatedly. This not only makes the event athletically challenging but also particularly exciting and engaging for spectators. With Baldeneysee and Dam A unique backdrop emerges with the Ruhr at its feet and the mountains behind: green riverbanks, gentle river bends, and the urban flair of the Ruhr metropolis merge into a setting that is perfectly suited for modern water sports.
The Disciplines – Variety on the Water
| Disciplines in Ocean Sports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Surfski | Fast, open racing kayaks from lifesaving sport | |
| Outrigger / Va'a | Traditional Polynesian outrigger canoes | |
| Stand-Up Paddleboarding | Dynamic racing on the board | |
| Prone Board | Paddling while lying down, one of the toughest endurance disciplines | |
All statements without guarantee.
Each class brings its own rhythm, challenges, and character; together they show the full spectrum of ocean sports.
BigSUP Fun Race – Team spirit with a view of the Baldeneysee
A special highlight is the BigSUP Fun Race, where teams have to complete a 3.2-kilometer course with two turning points on an oversized SUP board. The nice thing about it is that the course is designed so that you always have the Baldeneysee in view – a panorama that impresses even experienced water sports enthusiasts. The focus here is on fun, teamwork, and spectacular moments.
Watching is worth it
Whether directly on the shore, in Löwental, on Towpath or on the towpath, leading in the direction of Baldeneysee: Spectators are up close and personal at the races. The athletes pass the spectator area multiple times, so you are practically in the middle of the action. The combination of nature, water sports, and lively atmosphere makes the Lion’s Race a unique event that should not be missed. The easy accessibility by public transport due to its proximity to the WerdenS-Bahn station and the _Werden of the old town is another plus point.
Organizer and club with passion
The Lion's Race is organized by the Kanu-Gesellschaft Assindia e.V., a traditional Essen-based water sports club whose home base is in Löwental. With great dedication, the club promotes modern ocean sports disciplines and brings them to places where one might not have expected them – directly to the Ruhr river, in close proximity to Baldeneysee. With the annually held Lion's Race, spectators have the unique opportunity to experience exotic water sports live and perhaps even try them out themselves – by appointment, of course – at the Kanu-Gesellschaft Assindia.
