Choosing the right spot: Where can I go stand up paddling?

Die richtige Spotwahl: Wo kann ich Stand Up Paddeln?

As a stand-up paddler, you have a great advantage compared to many other water sports: this sport can be practiced on almost any body of water, and the variety of possibilities gives you the chance to discover many great spots. Nevertheless, stand-up paddling is not allowed on some bodies of water, or only with restrictions. When choosing your SUP spot, you should consider a few things, which we will highlight in this article so that you know where you can go stand-up paddling in the future.

Stand-Up Paddling at Sea

You can explore countless coastlines in Europe and around the world with your stand-up paddle board! If you want to go stand-up paddling at sea, you should inform yourself in advance, especially about rip currents and offshore winds.

A "rip current" is a powerful current that flows away from the shore. This means that waves are funneled and flow back out to the open sea with increased force at a specific point. This effect is created, for example, by sandbars or rocks offshore. At some beaches (especially on the Atlantic), you will sometimes see signs warning of rip currents.

Offshore wind is another factor you should consider when stand-up paddling. In a short time, offshore wind will push you out to the open sea even with just a few knots of wind speed, and it is very difficult to fight your way back to the shore. Also keep this factor in mind when choosing your spot at sea.

You will often find particularly great SUP areas with little or only light swell between the Croatian islands. The water is a dreamlike turquoise blue and the islands block the waves from the open sea.

Stand-Up Paddling on Lakes

The arguably most perfect conditions for stand-up paddling with an inflatable SUP board can likely be found on lakes. Mirror-smooth water, great views of the shoreline, and usually many entry points make lakes the perfect body of water for stand-up paddlers and especially SUP beginners.
However, some lakes or parts of them are protected nature reserves, or you must follow specific rules. You should never enter a nature reserve or a reed belt with your SUP. You will disturb animals, potentially damage plants, and risk the entire lake being closed to water sports enthusiasts.
At some lakes, you are required to wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid, and not doing so is punishable. You should use a leash anyway; you can find more tips on safety equipment for stand-up paddling in this article.
Reservoirs should be considered separately, as some reservoirs prohibit any kind of water sports, and on others, you just have to stay far enough away from the locks. Pay attention to the warning signs.

Stand-Up Paddling on Rivers and Canals

If you choose a river for stand-up paddling, you should already have advanced paddling skills and preferably go out in pairs or in a group. Canals with a very low flow velocity are very well suited for stand-up paddling, but you must check whether stand-up paddling is allowed. Certain areas on rivers and canals are sometimes reserved for shipping traffic, and for safety reasons, you are not allowed to paddle there. The same applies to harbors. Some bodies of water may only be used at certain water levels.

Stand-Up Paddling in Whitewater

When stand-up paddling in whitewater, you should already have several years of SUP experience and know what you are getting into! In whitewater, you need a special board and safety equipment that goes beyond the normal gear!

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