SUP is great
Glide over the water
Stand-up paddling is an easy and safe sport to learn. However, there are a few important rules to follow. Admittedly, the first few moments on the SUP board are difficult for everyone: your legs shake, it's hard to keep your balance and it's difficult to get back on the board after a fall. But it's worth sticking with it. Beginners' difficulties are soon overcome. And this really applies to everyone: children have just as much fun on the board as adults. Older people have also discovered this sport for themselves. Stand-up paddling is a relaxed way to do laps on the water on beautiful summer days and at the same time, paddlers improve their mobility and therefore their health by constantly balancing on the board.
SUP promotes fitness
Paddlers decide for themselves how intensively they want to practice the sport. For many, speed does not play a major role. The aim is to enjoy nature and relax on the water. However, everyone benefits - whether they want to or not - from the fact that the entire musculature is used and trained, from the toes to the fingertips. If you spend more time on the board this summer, you will quickly notice how your fitness improves.
Tips for beginners
Beginners should familiarize themselves with the basics and rules of the sport. Attending a beginners' course to learn the basic techniques is a good idea. Those who have mastered the correct paddling technique will have more fun and make better progress. It is also important to learn the rules of right of way and safety as well as how to behave in the event of sudden winds or emergency situations. If you don't want to take a course but still want to avoid the usual beginner's mistakes and paddle safely, you can also find lots of tips online.
Zurich: paddling in the middle of the city
Book a stand-up paddle city tour and discover the city of Zurich from a different perspective. The tour takes you from the shores of Lake Zurich across the lake basin to the Schanzengraben. Experienced SUP instructors reveal tricks for safe paddling and tell you all kinds of historical facts about the city during the tour. This SUP city tour is particularly impressive at night under a full moon. SUP rental stations can be found in the city of Zurich at Tiefenbrunnen lido, Mythenquai lido, Utoquai lido and GZ Wollishofen.
Arrival: with the Treno Gottardo or IR Aare Linth to Zurich
Chur: Wild water for professionals
The Grisons lakes are an Eldorado for relaxed SUP experiences. The clear mountain lakes offer beginners variety and tranquillity. Experienced SUP pros are also tempted by the wild waters of the Hinterrhein in the Ruinaulta. However, the trip through the Rhine gorge between Ilanz and Versam is an adventure and only recommended for experienced SUPers. And even SUP pros have to get down on their knees here and there in the wild waters and rapids. Admiring glances from river rafters and kayakers are guaranteed.
Arrival: with the IR Aare Linth to Chur, with the RE7 to Ilanz
Bern: Adventure on the Aare
The Aare offers many opportunities for stand-up paddling. The beautiful river landscape can be explored in a sporty way on a board. One possible route starts in Uttigen (Thun) and follows the course of the Aare all the way to Bern on idyllic stretches of river in front of an impressive Alpine panorama. Boards can be hired in many places - for this route directly at Uttigen railroad station. Other beautiful stretches of the Aare are Schönenwerd to Aarau, Biel to Büren an der Aare and Büren an der Aare to Solothurn. Within the city of Bern, paddlers cast off after the Matteschwelle and paddle along the Aare to the Seftausteg to Felsenau.
Arrival: with the IR Aare Linth to Bern
Weesen: Gliding on the lake and Linth
When the weather is fine, Lake Walen is ideal for SUP beginners. Cooling off is also guaranteed: The lake rarely gets warmer than 20 degrees. SUP boards can be hired at the Gäsi campsite with its sandy beach in Weesen and at the Sagisteg of the Lofthotel der alten Spinnerei in Murg. In Weesen, you can explore the Linth Canal on your own with a SUP board hired from the campsite. Practical: board and paddle can be returned to an agreed disembarkation point after rowing.
Arrival: with the IR Aare Linth to Ziegelbrücke or Walenstadt, continue with the S-Bahn
