Published on: 2026-08-31
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, charity SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) walks have already become a good tradition. This year, the swim took place for the fifth time. It involved 30 university employees who won in the draw. VKontakte.
The event is held within the Lepota ecosystem. The organizer was the Public Relations Department of SPbPU. The idea to hold a SUP-walk specifically for staff was not accidental: Polytech is about people, and it is very important that everyone feels part of the large and friendly polytechnic family.
“Lepota” is a philosophy and system aimed at creating a special atmosphere of well-being for students and staff at the university. The project covers all areas of life in the polytechnic community: health and sports, culture and creativity, care for the environment, psychological and emotional state, as well as career opportunities. Lepota helps every polytechnic member feel comfortable on campus, increases motivation for work and study, forming a shared value of belonging to the large university family.
The significance of such projects for the team is also noted by Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Personnel and Youth Policy at SPbPU: The corporate culture of Polytech goes far beyond professional tasks. We actively develop formats of informal interaction within the team — from joint outings to sports and creative initiatives. SUP walks for employees have become a new direction for us. They not only provide vivid emotions but also create an environment of trust and mutual assistance. Our plans include expanding the scale of such events so that every university employee feels part of a large and friendly team.
The walk followed a picturesque route on Kamenniy Island. The participants sailed along the Bolshoy Canal, entered the Bolshaya Nevka, then the Srednyaya Nevka past Yelagin Island, and then crossed the Krestovka River back to the starting point near the 9th Kamennoostrovsky Bridge.
Before the swim started, there was an instruction session. The instructors explained the safety rules and how to handle the board. There were both experienced participants and those who stood on the paddleboard for the first time, but after swimming just a couple of meters, everyone already felt confident on the water.
Exit into the Bolshaya Nevka turned out to be challenging. The river is navigable, and waves from passing motor ships and boats made movement on the SUP boards difficult. However, everyone successfully passed this “test.”
The chief specialist of the Directorate of Pre-University Education and Talent Attraction, Nadezhda Semyonova, paddled on a SUP for the first time: Thanks to “Lepota” for the vivid emotions! For me, this was a completely new experience: I had long wanted to try this type of recreation, but never dared. Winning the contest was a great incentive! A beautiful route for the ride, wonderful weather, and the chance to catch the last summer rays on the water. A perfect end to summer and the best start for a new hobby.
The walk ended with a traditional tea party on the banks of the Grand Canal. Everyone shared their impressions with each other, discussed plans for the remaining summer days and the beginning of the school year.
It should be noted that the SUP walk is charitable in nature. Half of the funds paid by the university will be directed towards the development of the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Polytechnic has been its long-standing partner. Such events not only bring bright emotions to their participants but also draw attention to an important social mission.
This swim was a wonderful way to end the workweek. Everything was perfectly organized: briefing, tea party, water escort, including photo and video! This was only my second swim in my life, and by the end of the outing I was already quite confident staying afloat. So many impressions! The views from the water were fabulous, and we were lucky with the weather. I also got to meet people from other departments, which brightened this little journey. It is very nice that Polytechnic organizes such events, and doubly nice that its purpose was to support the Bone Marrow Donor Development Center. Everything was really awesome, thank you “Lepota”,
The initiative received a lively response: many employees admitted that they had long wanted to participate in such an event and were glad to be part of such a wonderful evening.
A graduate of Polytechnic and university ambassador also participated in the swim. Ruslan Talipov Huge thanks to the organizers for this wonderful event! On the eve of the new academic year, a SUP trip along the rivers and canals of Kamenniy Island became the perfect way to recharge with energy and a great mood. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, and the company of our large Polytechnic family was simply wonderful. Everything was thought through down to the smallest details: preparation of the SUP boards, detailed briefing, a pleasant light snack with drinks, photo and video shooting for memories. I am proud of our Polytechnic and eagerly look forward to new meetings!
We have long wanted to organize a SUP walk specifically for employees because they are our support and main resource. An ecosystem called “Lepota” has been created at Polytech, and it works for everyone. Today’s walk is a perfect confirmation of this: everyone was able to relax before the start of the new academic year, recharge with positivity, and get acquainted with representatives from other departments.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.