Stand Up Paddleboarding, otherwise known as SUP, has quickly become one of the most popular adventure activities to take part in over the past few years. It’s the perfect blend between surfing and canoeing, and this equates to one totally exhilarating activity! As a follow up to our introduction to SUP, Geronigo will now look into best places to take part in this awesome experience. So, in no particular order, here are our top 10 SUP destinations across the globe.
10. Manhattan, New York
Manhattan is home to some of the world’s famous tourist attractions – including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, not to mention the Manhattan skyline. So, what better way to explore each of these attractions and more than with an exhilarating SUP experience?! Be prepared to have your breath taken away as you head down the Hudson River – especially as the sunset draws in. It’s the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and will be an experience you will never forget.
9. Akaroa, New Zealand
Heading out just before sunset, this fantastic Stand Up Paddleboarding tour gives you the chance to explore the truly stunning Akaroa harbour. You’ll climb on board specially designed paddle boards which come complete with LED lights – lighting up the water beneath you as you glide along almost effortlessly. Along the way, you’ll encounter plenty of fish, stingrays, and so much more – making this an experience not to be missed.
8. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Home to a whole host of white sand beaches, calm waters, and so much more, Aruba is a beautiful island which is just off the coast of Venezuela. Known for its gentle surf, this makes perfect conditions for a SUP experience. Combined with the plethora of breathtaking views and turquoise waters, you’re guaranteed to have an adventure-soaked experience from the very first moment to the last.
7. Los Roques, Venezuela
Glide through the crystal clear waters and unleash your inner explorer at this fantastic travel destination – with plenty of tiny islands and a huge coral reef for you to discover along the way. There’s also plenty of winding rivers and miles of truly stunning coastline too – making Los Roques a must-visit location for true fans of Stand Up Paddleboarding. What’s more, the weather is pretty much guaranteed to be on your side no matter the time of year!
6. Costa Verde, Brazil
With plenty of breathtaking scenery and turquoise waters, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that Costa Verde is one of Brazil’s biggest hotspots for Stand Up Paddleboarding. There’s a whole host of steep cliffs complete with eye-catching flowers too, so a truly memorable experience is exactly what you can expect. You’re also within striking distance of one of the world’s most notable landmarks too – Christ The Redeemer, and the vibrant centre of Rio de Janeiro, known around the world for its lively annual Carnival.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Stretching out to 50 kilometers, the Amalfi Coast is absolutely ideal for an exhilarating SUP experience. Located on the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, you’ll get the chance to glide through the water – taking in the breathtaking views of the plethora of beaches, hidden bays, and so much more. You’ll also be within reach of superb travel destinations including Naples and Sorrento – making a visit to the Amalfi Coast all the more worthwhile!
4. Himalayas
The Himalayas are probably not the first place you’d think of when it comes to Stand Up Paddleboarding. But, for the serious adventurers, this will most definitely be right up your street. Lasting for three weeks, this paddle boarding expedition commences with a paddle down the Kali Gandaki river, before flying across the world’s highest mountain range in Bhutan. You’ll then embark on a journey down the Drangme Chhu river, with the experience coming to the ultimate conclusion as you SUP through the outstanding Manas National Park into India.
3. Byron Bay, New South Wales
Head down under for a SUP experience you’ll never forget at the world famous Byron Bay – widely known as a perfect destination for watersports. Cape Byron Marine Park’s estuary is the perfect place to learn this totally exhilarating activity – witnessing native animals such as kingfishers, stingrays and more in their natural habitat along the way. Other destinations in Byron Bay include Belongil Creek, Cudgen Creek, and the Main Beach – all perfect SUP locations. Although, the main beach is usually famed as a surfing hotspot. But. when the surf is flat, it is one of the best places in Australia for SUP, along with The Pass.
2. Hvalfjörður, Iceland
Known for its truly stunning scenery, Iceland is a must-visit destination for true adventurers. After all, it’s the place where you can witness first hand the Northern Lights – a spectacular natural phenomenon which will really take your breath away. Paddling through the Hvalfjörður fjord is certainly no different, as you get the chance to discover the natural surroundings of Icelandic mountains.
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Our list certainly wouldn’t be complete without listing the birthplace of SUP! With that in mind, it can be said that the best SUP experience in the world can be found right here – it’s an activity that has been enjoyed on the island for many years – as early as 1,000 BC. Although, in it’s current form, it dates back to the 1900s. Throughout the summer months, Sunset Beach in Oahu is the perfect place to take part in a SUP experience – with calmer waves allowing you to glide through the water and take in the plethora of outstanding views.
Conclusion
As you’ll now know, there are plenty of wonderful places spread across the globe which you can visit if you’re looking to get your fix of SUP action. Combined with the truly outstanding scenery you’ll find at each of our top 10 SUP destinations, you’re guaranteed to have an experience that you’ll never forget. But, if you’re looking for something a little more local, Geronigo also has SUP venues spread throughout the UK for you to choose from! You can find out more information at the following link.