Glory Boards is equipping the Hotel Sonnhof Alpendorf with SUP equipment.
Stand up paddling has evolved from a trendy sport into an important leisure activity that many paddlers do not want to go without, even while on holiday. We are proud to announce our collaboration with the renowned 4* Superior Hotel Sonnhof Alpendorf in the beautiful Salzburg region, which will provide its guests with SUP equipment from Glory Boards in the future.
We spoke with Marianne, who oversees the topic of SUP and SUP yoga at the hotel, about why stand up paddling is the perfect addition to the hotel's leisure offerings and how guests can use the SUP equipment from Glory Boards during their holiday at the Hotel Sonnhof Alpendorf.
Glory Boards
Hello Marianne, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Please tell us about your role at the Sonnhof Alpendorf and why you expanded your leisure offerings to include stand up paddling?
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
As an activity coach, my area of responsibility includes everything related to physical exercise. We offer yoga, guided hikes, e-bike tours, excursions, Nordic walking, and guided sauna sessions at the hotel. This season, we expanded our offerings to include SUP yoga and SUP tours to give guests the chance to try something new. As the first hotel of its kind dedicated to leisure and contemplation, we want to keep showing our guests that you can always grow through new experiences, especially during your holiday.
Glory Boards
Anyone spending their holiday at the Sonnhof Alpendorf wants to relax, unwind, and do something for their health. Where do you see the positive effects of stand up paddling on health and fitness?
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
Stand up paddling not only exercises the entire body but also improves endurance. Since you have to maintain constant body tension to keep your balance, your sense of balance is also sharpened. But the most important thing is that it is simply fun and has a positive effect on your overall mood.
Glory Boards
What opportunities are there around the Sonnhof Alpendorf for stand up paddling, and do you have tours or excursions in your program? Please tell us more about the SUP offerings at the hotel.
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
There are numerous lakes around the Sonnhof that can be reached in a maximum of an hour's drive. Many of them are excellent for various SUP tours. We offer guided SUP tours from the hotel. The most popular tour currently is the one on Lake Zell. After a short introduction, we head out on the board and paddle a beautiful route, the length of which is tailored to the guests' progress.
Glory Boards
One of the focal points at the Sonnhof Alpendorf is yoga. Is there now also the opportunity for guests to try out SUP yoga?
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
We offer free SUP yoga for our guests. Our partner hotel, the Oberforsthof, located directly opposite the Sonnhof, features a large green area with a natural swimming pond that we use for our SUP yoga sessions. The challenge with yoga on a board is, of course, balance. What comes easily on a mat becomes a challenge on a SUP board. Nevertheless, practicing on the water radiates an incredible sense of calm and strength—a unique experience suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Glory Boards
When did you first try Stand Up Paddling and what are your favorite SUP spots?
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
I tried out Stand Up Paddling several years ago and was hooked from the start. Since I originally come from the area around the Tumer lakes, my roots always pull me back to the water. There are also beautiful routes in the Salzkammergut region, so it’s often hard to choose. I had a special Stand Up Paddling experience during my last vacation in Hawaii, where huge sea turtles surfaced right next to my board. That has been my personal highlight so far.
Glory Boards
One last question: many SUP beginners are afraid of falling off the board at the beginning because they can't maintain their balance. Do you have any tips from the world of yoga on how SUP beginners can better maintain their balance?
Marianne – Sonnhof Alpendorf
It rarely happens that you fall into the water. As a tip, I tell my guests to choose a slightly wider stance on the board at the beginning, be sure to engage their pelvic muscles, and keep their core active. This helps with alignment in the body, making it easier to maintain balance. You’ll quickly notice, however, that the various asanas on the board get easier with every repetition. And if you do fall in? Just take it with humor—it’s only water! 😊
Dear Marianne, thank you very much for your time! If you feel like having a vacation where Stand Up Paddling plays a major role, take a look at the website of the 4*S Hotel Sonnhof Alpendorf!
