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  • Whether lakes, rivers or the sea - with the SUP board you are on the move on all waters.
    Whether lakes, rivers or the sea - with the SUP board you are on the move on all waters. Photo: sanechka, Adobe Stock
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SUP

Relaxed paddling on the water

Stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP for short, is one of the most popular water sports. You stand on a large, stable board and paddle with a long paddle to move around on the water. SUP tours are possible in a relaxed way on calm waters, but also in a sporty way on waves – this makes the sport suitable for beginners and experienced sportsmen alike. There are SUP rentals at many bathing lakes, so you can also try out stand-up paddling spontaneously. Find the right SUP tour for you with Outdooractive!

The best regions

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Training on the water

Stand-up paddling is healthy! On the SUP you train your sense of balance, your endurance and your deep muscles. Paddling not only works your arms, but also your upper body, back and abdomen. How intense the workout is depends entirely on you – long tours and high speeds are of course more strenuous than relaxed gliding in a swimming lake.

Many paddlers are able to work their arms, but also their upper body and abdomen.

In many countries there are now SUP competitions with races ranging from a few hundred metres to 50 kilometres.

SUP yoga is also becoming increasingly popular. Here you swap your yoga mat for a SUP. During the exercises on the water, the focus is on your balance and sense of equilibrium. SUP yoga is suitable for beginners as well as for advanced practitioners.

Travelog · Sauerland
Fotospots im Sauerland: Eine Entdeckungstour
July 13, 2022

Acht Outdoor- und Reise-Influencer aus allen Ecken Deutschlands machen sich auf den Weg ins Sauerland. Sie alle sind als Fotografen oder Blogger in ...

1
from Florian Groß,   Outdooractive Editors

What are the requirements for SUP tours?

Stand-up paddling is a very beginner-friendly sport that is easy and quick to learn and requires no special skills. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you venture out on the water with your board for the first time.

Of course, you should be able to swim well. SUP novices in particular are bound to fall into the water sooner or later. A SUP leash will ensure that the SUP does not drift too far away from you.

Choose a calm and clear body of water. Strong winds and waves will make your first attempts unnecessarily difficult. Also check the current weather warnings to avoid putting yourself in danger.

Get advice from a rental company or when buying a SUP to find out which one suits your body size and weight. A short beginner's course is also recommended, where you can learn the right stance and how to paddle with minimum effort.

Recommended list Picturesque SUP tours on rivers and lakes
Weather and Climate

What is the right equipment for touring on the SUP?

You'll need the right gear for your SUP tour, but that doesn't mean you have to invest in a lot of expensive equipment. For a simple lake outing, renting a SUP and paddle is usually enough. Planning a longer or more challenging route? We've put together a list of must-have gear to help you get prepared:

  • SUP board, for beginners an all-round board is best
  • Skip paddle (adjustable in size)
  • SUP pump for inflatable boards
  • SUP leash (preferably spiral leash) to attach to the foot
  • Swimwear or functional sportswear according to the water temperature
  • If necessary, neoprene clothing
  • Perhaps a life jacket (especially on large lakes and at sea)
  • Sun protection and headgear
  • Drinking bottle
  • Waterproof bag for smartphone and co.
  • Lake or river map
Knowledge Page
Sun protection for outdoor sports

During outdoor sports, your body is often heavily exposed to the sun. Therefore you should always protect yourself ...

Outdooractive Editors

SUP tours with the features of Outdooractive

The features of Outdooractive help you to make your SUP tour as easy as possible and to have everything in view. The map shows all the rivers and lakes where you can take your board.

In addition, you can find out about the current weather right here.

Newcomers to the sport in particular like to fall back on tours that have already been done by others. On Outdooractive you can be inspired by the SUP tours of the community and our official partners and find the perfect tour for you.

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Offers and discounts from our partners

Enjoy exclusive offers from our partners

As a Pro and Pro+ member not only do you have access to additional features and the best maps at your disposal, but you can also benefit from exclusive offers from our partners, ensuring you are always fully equipped for the outdoors!

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Reviews

  431,532
Spring route on the Leie through the old town of Gent by Xenia
August 12, 2025 · Community
Hab die Tour heute als blutiger Anfänger ohne wirkliche SUP-Erfahrung gemacht. Deshalb hat das ganze wohl auch bedeutend länger als die angegebene Zeit gedauert. Vom Regattabecken in die Stadt war alles super. Richtig tolle Fahrt. Das letzte Stück ist aktuell aufgrund von Baustellen kaum zu fahren. Es wurde ein kleiner Damm aufgeschüttet und das Wasser ist äußerst niedrig und verschlammt. Meine Empfehlung wäre nachdem sich die Wege nochmal kreuzen, den Weg zum Regattabecken zurückzupaddeln, den man gekommen ist.
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Route done on August 12, 2025
Photo: Xenia F, Community
Photo: Xenia F, Community
Photo: Xenia F, Community
1 comment
SUP-Tour: Kühkopf - Knoblochsaue Region Mainz / Wiesbaden by Stefan
June 20, 2025 · Community
Hi, also id.R. meide ich Registrierungen aller Art und bewege mich in keiner einzigen Community dieser Art. Meine Erfahrungen mit der hier beschrieben SUP-Tour zwingen mich jedoch förmlich dazu. Ich fasse mich kurz: die angegebenen 2:50 sind definitiv nicht zu schaffen. Man hat über eine Strecke von ca. 18 KM leichte Gegenströmung (geht nur im Uhrzeigersinn, um mit der Rheinströmung zu paddeln). Ich verfüge über reichlich SUP-Erfahrung und bin mindestens durschnittlich fit. Aber 2:50 ? Never, ever!!!
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Route done on June 19, 2025
1 comment
SUP route: On the Lesse on May 11, 2025 by Heike
May 15, 2025 · Community
danke fürs tracken. sieht fantastisch aus
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1 comment
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