All three podium finishers beat the previous record.Continue reading
The Hervis Balaton Paddle Crossing was held for the eighth time on July 12, Saturday, with over four thousand people completing the eight-kilometer Zamárdi-Tihany-Zamárdi section at one of the biggest recreational sporting events of the summer.
The first SUPs, kayaks, and inflatable boats appeared early in the morning, but as usual, the dragon boaters were the first to set off, the Hungarian Canoe Federation (MKKSZ) reported on its website.
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
“The forecasts were accurate, and despite the storms at the beginning of the week, the rowers were greeted by perfect conditions,” said main organizer Gergely Vida. “It was not too hot, and the wind was mild. We usually say that any human-powered vehicle can tackle the distance. Typically, touring kayaks and SUPs are the most popular, with over 1,200 people competing in the latter.
In addition, there are those who set off with their own unique equipment, agreed with us in advance, and they are always a refreshing highlight of the crossing.
Our goal remains to enable as many people as possible to cross the ‘Hungarian sea’ in an organized setting, and I am proud to say that this year, over 4,000 people took part.”
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
In addition to the finishers’ medals, the three teams with the best times in each category were also awarded separately.
The absolute best time of the day was achieved by the team boat named ‘Wave Runners,’ which crossed the finish line in 33 minutes and 27 seconds.
Among the rowers was Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sport, who took to the water in a double kayak with Ádám Szalai, former captain of the Hungarian national football team. Gábor Schmidt, president of the MKKSZ, also successfully completed the course, paired with Zsolt Csampa, president of the Hungarian Fencing Federation. The Sydney Olympic silver medal-winning kayak duo, Szilvia Szabó and Katalin Kovács, reunited for the event.
Szilvia Szabó, three-time Olympic silver medalist, thirteen-time world champion, nine-time European champion Hungarian kayaker (R2), Katalin Kovács, three-time Olympic champion Hungarian kayaker (L), Ádám Szalai (R), former Hungarian national football player, and Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sport (L), before the start of the Balaton paddle crossing event in Zamárdi. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Three-time Olympic champion Gabriella Szabó rowed with Emese Szász, gold medalist in women’s épée at the Rio Olympics. Among the rowers were László Gellér, president of the Hungarian Sailing Federation, three-time Olympic champion kayaker Botond Storcz, as well as Dávid Tóth, Olympic silver medalist in kayaking and captain of the adult kayaking team, and Tamás Erdélyi, who will compete in the kayak doubles at the Canoe Marathon World Championships in Győr in September.
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
“Thanks to Hervis, we have once again had an excellent event,” said Balázs Dalnoki, executive director of the MKKSZ, in a report.
By success, I mean how many people came, including the paddlers and their companions; there were thousands of people here. I think everyone found a way to enjoy themselves throughout the day.”
As part of the event, there were also numerous activities and programs awaiting visitors and their companions on the shore.
Via kajakkenusport.hu, Featured image: MTI/Máthé Zoltán