Brace yourselves for the wettest and wildest spectacle of the summer. On August 1, 2026, the legendary Olympic Eiskanal in Augsburg will once again be transformed into a stage for creative captains and fearless adrenaline junkies. The Red Bull Paddelfest is entering its second round, promising to be the undisputed highlight of the German summer—a unique blend of competitive sport, unbridled imagination, and pure whitewater chaos.

Where Engineering Meets Absurdity

The concept is as simple as it is daring: up to 40 teams are challenged to navigate a roughly 300-meter stretch of world-class whitewater. The catch? The vessels must be entirely self-built and powered solely by human muscle.

Whether it’s a floating dragon, a bathtub on steroids, or a futuristic contraption made of recycled materials, there are no limits to the teams‘ ingenuity—provided their masterpiece can withstand the thundering currents and technical drops of the Eiskanal.

Beyond the Finish Line: A Three-Way Battle for Glory

At the Red Bull Paddelfest, crossing the finish line first is only half the battle. A high-profile jury, composed of professional athletes and local legends, will evaluate each team based on three distinct criteria:

1. Speed: Who can tame the torrents and clock the fastest time?

2. Creativity: How original is the boat’s design and the crew’s costumes?

3. Showmanship: Which team delivers the most electrifying performance on the ramp before the plunge?

A Festival for the Masses

The Paddelfest has quickly become a cornerstone of the „Augsburger Stadtsommer“ (City Summer). Thousands of spectators are expected to line the banks of the canal to witness the carnage and the triumphs firsthand. For fans, the best part is that admission is completely free. If you’re looking for high-octane action, a vibrant festival atmosphere, and the occasional spectacular (if unintentional) dive into the rapids, this is the place to be.

Call to Action: Become a Hero of the Eiskanal

Do you have what it takes to become a whitewater champion? The application phase officially kicks off today, April 14, 2026. Interested teams (consisting of 2–4 people, aged 18 and over) have until June 7, 2026, to submit their creative concepts. Following the selection process, the chosen crews will have several weeks to saw, hammer, and glue their floating masterpieces into reality.

For registration details and event updates, visit: redbull.com/paddelfest

Participants seen at Red Bull Paddelfest 2024 on July 20, 2024 at Eiskanal in Augsburg Germany

Event at a Glance: Red Bull Paddelfest 2026

Date: August 1, 2026

Venue: Eiskanal Augsburg (Am Eiskanal 30a)

Admission: Free for spectators

Application Window: April 14 to June 7, 2026

The Mission: 300 meters of whitewater, self-built boats, and maximum glory.