Background information
Overcome your fears, Patrick
by Patrick Bardelli
A paddle thrust into the heart of silence
11.7.2019
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
It's easy to find fulfilment on the liquid trails of Lake Wägital. No wonder Martin Strahm chose this place to introduce me to the "Liquid Trails" of Central Switzerland.
"That's exactly what I mean," says Martin, who is gliding alongside me along the shallow shore of Lake Wägital. Any more words would be one too many. A smile is enough, the scenery paints the meaning of his words in the most beautiful colours. Every stroke of the paddle allows nature to add a new brushstroke. Our gaze wanders over riverbank grass and forests to candyfloss clouds that crown mountain peaks and invite the sun's rays to play with light.
Everything flows. The water, the colours, the light blend into ever new nuances, while the lake shimmers emerald green beneath our boards. We are travelling on a jewel whose power lies in its tranquillity. Only a few anglers line its banks, waiting for a catch and, like us, listening to the morning song of the birds. The gentle splashing of our paddles and otherwise: silence. Just under ten kilometres as the crow flies from the A3, the full-throttle mode of everyday life could hardly be further away.
"Paddling brings you into balance"
Martin, weather-beaten, "at home outdoors" type, is convinced that happiness lies on the water: "I don't want to be too esoteric, but paddling brings you into balance and allows you to get completely down in connection with nature," he says as we sit on our boards and let the wind take us across the lake for a bit.
He has always been all about going downhill. He used to be a ski and snowboard instructor in Hasliberg, later becoming a tourism and marketing specialist. And now, in his late 40s, he and his partner Diana Fry are fully committed to stand-up paddling. She came up with the idea of opening up the most beautiful paddling routes, but a few years ago the time didn't seem right. So the two of them carried it around with them for longer.
"In February 2018, we were having brunch together in the pub and decided: let's do it now," says Martin as our legs dangle in the cool lake water. Stand-up paddling is booming. Slowing down and travelling sustainably, seeking happiness a little closer to home, is also in keeping with the spirit of the times. But what exactly should "it" be? The two have put a lot of thought into it and honed the concept of "Liquid Trails"
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"We didn't want to create a classic travel guide, but rather sensitise paddlers to the surroundings and nature," says Martin. They have bundled inspiration and knowledge, routes and thoughts in the beautifully designed bookazine "Travel with Paddle". The first issue focuses on Central Switzerland and Lake Brienz, with two more on other regions to follow. A start has been made, and it has brought us together here today. Because all theory is as grey as the sky was in the morning. Now we can see clearly, feel the warmth of the sun and the cool wind on our skin.
Pure paddling pleasure
In the direction of Innerthal, the lake and the view widen. We glide out into the open and enjoy being "out of the office". There are no scheduled boats, sailors or surfers. No distractions and a thousand good reasons to simply lift your head and relax as you strive forwards. It's just us in the middle of nature. Most of the time, the atmosphere is so perfect that every untidy paddle stroke feels like a stab in the heart of silence. Any sporting ambitions are automatically put on hold, it's simply not a place where a pulse of 180 would be appropriate. It's pure pleasure paddling.
Martin takes you with him
After a morning on the Wägitalersee, the soul is free and the mind is clear. It was a "liquid trail" that left us wanting more and we felt like we were saying goodbye too soon. Want to see where the journey takes us and what Martin's everyday sporting life looks like? Then you can do so on Instagram: at @galaxus_sport, he takes you with him for a few days before passing the account on to the next athlete or team.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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