Ten years ago, SUP boards were virtually unknown in Kazakhstan. Now, every weekend, hundreds of people from Almaty and the surrounding region flock to the Ili River to enjoy a leisurely water experience. A report on the season's hottest adventure, reports infohub.kz.

The trips start at a gas station at the intersection of Seifullin and Rayymbek streets. Participants are transported in minibuses with a capacity of 12 people. The journey takes about 1.5 hours with one rest stop. Our correspondent joined the first SUP tour on the Ili with the company Supmaster.kz. Yelisey and Alina Fedorov are among the first to bring SUP boards to Kazakhstan.

"In the first seasons, our maximum groups were 20–25 people. Last summer, every weekend we had 50–55 people. Weekdays also see participants. Our minimum is 6 people," says Yelisey Fedorov.

The tour takes participants to a base camp on the Ili River, where instructors and pre-inflated SUP boards await. A major advantage is that guests don't have to inflate the boards themselves. All equipment (board, paddle, waterproof bag for personal belongings, and life jacket) is provided on site.

Be mindful of the sun: on sunny days, you are on open water, so sunscreen or covering clothing is essential. You can swim during the trip, so wear appropriate attire. On hot days, swim trunks and a hat suffice. Each board has a fin underwater, so avoid shallow areas — the fin can break off and get lost.

A professional guide accompanies the group and gives a briefing. Key rules: don't drop the paddle (it sinks quickly), no smoking (ash can burn the board), and a strict ban on alcohol.

Paddling a SUP is straightforward – basic skills and coordination suffice. You can paddle sitting in a lotus position, on your knees, or standing. The Ili River's current on this route is strong but without rapids. It's crucial to follow the guide's instructions – they'll tell you which side to pass islands to avoid rocks and shallows.

The grandeur of the Ili River leaves a strong impression. Right after the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Dam, the river's floodplain is narrow, with a turbulent flow. You paddle among cliffs – it feels like a scene from a Hollywood movie, but real. Then dry slopes open up, where you can see people camping and picnicking by their cars. On a hot day, swimming during the trip is especially refreshing – just make sure you can get back on the board.

Around one bend, a passenger plane, helicopters, buses, and buildings suddenly appear on a hilly bank. This isn't a post-apocalyptic film set – it's an emergency training base where Kazakh rescue workers practice. It looks eerie, and on the cliff, you can see memorial plaques to fallen rescuers.

Closer to the finish, another surprise awaits – the City of Nomads. It resembles ancient cities of Central Asia but was built in 2004 as a set for the film 'Nomad' by director Sergei Bodrov Sr. After filming, the set was left standing and is now a popular tourist attraction. Entry fee is 1,500 tenge, and there's enough time to explore.

The trip then continues downstream. There, participants are picked up and, if pre-ordered, enjoy a three-course lunch. After eating on folding chairs under a canopy, the group returns to Almaty. Total paddling time is 2 to 2.5 hours. Departing at 7:30 am, they are back in the city around 2:00 pm.

According to Supmaster.kz founder Yelisey Fedorov, the popularity of SUP trips is only growing. The company runs tours for everyone, as well as corporate programs and team-building events. In summer 2026, the tour costs 21,000 tenge without lunch and 25,000 tenge with meals.

"When you paddle a SUP, you control your own vessel and have a close yet safe connection with nature. I'd like to remind you that wearing life jackets is now mandatory; otherwise, you may face a fine. On weekdays, we can also run tours for groups of six or more," Fedorov noted.

SUP boarding originated in the Hawaiian Islands. Europeans described boards that locals used to paddle out to sea. Bamboo and hay boards were also used in several Asian countries since ancient times. However, the sport's active development began only in the early 21st century. The first professional athletes were Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton. Following their initiative, competitions have been held in Hawaii since 2003. In 2005, a federation for the sport was founded in California, which helped it spread worldwide. The revolution came with the production of inflatable boards – since 2012, SUP boarding has gained popularity among all age groups and skill levels.