The World’s 7 Most Interesting SUP Destinations

©istockphoto/Andrew Parker

Do you want to go stand up paddle boarding somewhere unique? Escape those overcrowded waters and venture to these off-the-beaten path SUP destinations.

Venice, Italy
Forget the Gondola and explore the Venetian lifestyle, culture, and traditions on an SUP board. Between March and November, visitors can book an SUP tour and paddle the canals of Venice, Murano, and Burano. Paddlers who bring their personal board must abide by Venice’s traffic rules and canal flows. And don’t forget to load up on carbs with hefty bowls of homemade Italian pasta prior to paddling.

Antarctic Waters
SUP and surfing is not just a tropical adventure; strap on your wetsuit and winter gear to explore the icy Antarctic waters by SUP. Although not terribly popular, surfers and SUP paddlers have been spotted gliding through the Antarctic Peninsula. Paddling these waters requires some intense navigation and survival skills.

Namotu Island, Fiji
Those who prefer warmer temperatures and the tropical life SUP Namotu Island. Legendary waterman Dave Kalama states, “If you have a bucket list and Namotu Island isn’t at the top of it, then put it there.” The waves are ideal for adventure paddlers who prefer a challenge and surf. Namotu Island is perfect for those who enjoy quiet and remote destinations. Paddlers can connect to the ocean and still find adventure along the way.

Black Canyon, Nevada
Just outside of Las Vegas is a strip of the Colorado River that’s waiting for paddlers. Stand up paddling provides a unique canyon experience with a unique view of the 600-foot canyon walls. Paddlers can also find riverside caves and hot springs that are accessible from the shore.

Eisbach River, Munich, Germany
Paddlers with technical and surfing skills can test Munich’s Eisbach River, which runs through its English Garden in Munich’s largest city park. Formerly illegal, surfers have plunged into Eisbach on top of a roaring wave since the 1970s, but due to a policy change, surfing is now legal. The flow velocity is about five meters-per-second and is not recommended for novice surfers. Afterwards, head to one of many Bavarian bier gartens and celebrate a with an ice-cold beer.

Algarve, Portugal
Southern Portugal is a water lover’s paradise. Towering seaside cliffs and caverns perch alongside the bright, blue waters. Some caverns and waterholes are only accessible via SUP. Explore exceptional places such as Silves Lakes, Ria Formosa wetland, coastal cliffs and nearby islands.

Lake Tahoe, California
Ski in the winter, SUP in the summer. Lake Tahoe produces nonstop activity year-round. During summer season, explore the crystal clear blue lake while gazing at the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains backdrop. Do you want to cross the California and Nevada border? Save your boots for another walk and paddle across state lines from the North Shore Kings Beach to Crystal Bay in Incline Village, Nevada.