431 kilometres of non-stop SUP: Paddling for the Löwenherz children's hospice
Stephan Gölnitz
· 25.03.2025
An extraordinary SUP adventure starts in Hann. Münden on 7 May: four paddlers want to conquer the entire Weser on a single board - without a break. The "Weser 4 Lions" plan to cover the 431-kilometre distance to the Weser lido in Bremerhaven in less than 100 hours. But it's about more than just sporting ambition. The campaign is intended to generate donations for the children's hospice Löwenherz e.V. and put the spotlight on the important work of the organisation.
The Weser challenge
As the only purely German river, the Weser presents paddlers with an enormous challenge. On a 5.50 metre long and 2 metre wide SIREN Manta BIG SUP, they have to hold their own against currents, weather and exhaustion. "We're not just paddling for the sporting thrill, but above all for an important cause," explains the team. Every kilometre should be a sign of solidarity with the young patients of the children's hospice.
The team behind Mission Lionheart
The "Weser 4 Lions" are made up of experienced paddlers together. Matthias Buse has many years of experience as a SUP course instructor. Axel Bischoff can look back on successes in championships and develops SUP boards himself. Adrian Wachendorf is an expert in inclusive paddling and has developed a special board for wheelchair users. Ulf Schwarz has covered several thousand kilometres on the SUP in recent years. Sascha is available as a stand-in.
Logistics and support
- The paddlers will be supported by one or two escort vehicles, which will provide catering, drone footage and support. Fans can follow the team via live tracking and even cheer them on on site. "We can be reached on the board via WhatsApp," says the team. This means supporters can also accompany the paddlers for a while. WhatsApp: +49 176 73213617
Donations for little lion hearts
The name "Weser 4 Lions" says it all: the four paddlers fight like lions against the challenges of the tour. Above all, however, they paddle for the "little lions" in the children's hospice, whose strength and courage to face life inspire them. Every donation goes directly to the Löwenherz children's hospice. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the organisation's tireless work and set an example of community, solidarity and hope.
Practical information:
Donations:
- Recipient: Kinderhospiz Löwenherz e.V.
- Purpose: "WESER 4 LIONS"
- Link: https://loewenherz.de/spenden-und-helfen/
Participants:
- Paddlers: Adrian, Axel, Matthias, Sascha
- Substitute: Ulf
Board:
- Type: SIREN Manta BIG SUP
- Dimensions: 5.50 m x 2 m
Route:
- Start: Weserstein in Hann. Münden
- Destination: Weser lido in Bremerhaven
- Distance: 431 kilometres
Timetable:
- Start date: 07 May (depending on the weather between 05 - 15 May)
- Target duration: less than 100 hours
Contact:
- WhatsApp: +49 176 73213617
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
Stephan Gölnitz comes from Bochum and had Holland as his home windsurfing territory for many years before moving to Munich in 1996 for the job of test editor at surf magazine. The materials engineering graduate worked as a surf instructor on the Ijsselmeer during his studies and competed for several seasons for the Essen sailing team in the Surfbundesliga and the Funboard Cup. He completed a traineeship at surf-Magazin in the test department and since then has actively accompanied almost all tests on the boom and for more than 10 years also as a photographer. Stephan has covered many thousands of test kilometers, mainly on Lake Garda and in Langebaan, but also in Egypt and Tobago. He gets his hands on over 100 new sails and boards every year as his company car. Privately, he prefers to surf with a foil on Lake Walchensee or “unfortunately far too rarely” in the waves. SUP is Stephan's second passion, which he pursued for several years at numerous SUP races. Today, he prefers to paddle on river tours with family or friends - even for several days.
