Do SUP on Lake Garda is one of the most refreshing, relaxing, and toning activities you can ever do. On this lake, you can paddle gently rocked by its calm waves, surrounded by stunning and colorful landscapes. A truly unique and extraordinary experience.
What Is SUP?
SUP is an acronym that stands for Stand Up Paddle, which in Italian means “standing up with a paddle.” It is a water sport that originated in the Hawaii and, according to the diary accounts of explorer James Cook, was practiced as a mode of transport since the 18th century by local fishermen.
In the 1950s, Stand Up Paddle became a full-fledged sport thanks to the beachboys, but it was surfer Laird Hamilton who brought it international fame.
Combining elements of various water disciplines, Stand Up Paddling is a water sport that attracts and intrigues practitioners of related activities such as wave surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
Boards and Paddles
SUP practitioners stand on a kind of board, holding a paddle to move. Essentially, SUP blends canoeing and surfing. For this reason, it appeals greatly to those who practice similar sports like kayaking and kiteboarding.
However, the SUP board is much larger in size than a surfboard (between 3 and 3.5 meters), featuring a non-slip surface that increases friction, allowing for better balance while standing. Additionally, there is the so-called leash, a strap that attaches the foot to the board.
We have available two types of boards, rigid and inflatable, catering to different needs. The rigid board is suited for long paddles, the inflatable for shorter and less demanding ones.
The paddlescan vary in length, fixed or adjustable. At the top, they have blades, which also vary in size.
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What You Need to Know Before Starting SUP
To start, it is recommended to turn to experienced and qualified instructors to learn and practice this fun and enjoyable discipline safely.
Why Do It: The Benefits
Practicing SUP is a relaxing and at the same time fun activity, useful for keeping fit. The benefits affect our posture and balance, agility and muscle tone, and physical fitness more generally.
Paddleboarding on Lake Garda
Stand Up Paddle has the advantage of being practiced even in small bodies of water. For this reason, Lake Garda, the largest in Italy, spanning the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, is one of the most beloved destinations for paddlers both Italian and international.
Between wild shores and kaleidoscopic beaches, archaeological remains and stunning underwater landscapes, it is truly theideal habitat for anyone wanting to try stand up paddleboarding.
SUP in Sirmione
You can paddleboard on Lake Garda at the Sirmione Peninsula. This means you can visit the Grotte di Catullo, one of the most important Roman villas in Northern Italy. Moving further, you’ll come across the colorful and unforgettable Jamaica Beach, whose color palette ranges from turquoise to emerald green.
SUP at Rocca di Manerba Park
Manerba del Garda Park is one of the rarest protected areas in Italy and Europe, safeguarding coastal, aquatic, and terrestrial biodiversity.
Between Porto Dusano and Pisenze, covering a total of 84.8 kilometers of lakeside, it hosts numerous fish species and boasts beautiful underwater landscapes. Manerba Park is therefore a perfect spot for those who love calmer water sports like SUP. You’ll find yourself paddling surrounded by small beaches, crystal-clear waters, and majestic cliffs.
One of the most fascinating areas of Manerba Park, especially suitable for absolute SUP beginners, is theRabbit Island or Isola di San Biagio.
Populated by rabbits roaming freely,some see this islet as reminiscent of the fantastical world created by Lewis Carroll. At its peak stands a dark stone rock, and in spring it happily becomes covered with daisies.
Punta San Virgilio and Baia del Corno
Another beginner-friendly route leads to Punta San Virgilio and Baia del Corno. Paddleboarding here immerses you in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. At Punta San Virgilio, you can encounter a fantastic view, with the majestic Villa Guarienti.
Other places where SUP is allowed on Lake Garda include Peschiera del Garda, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda and Gardone Riviera.
Best Times to Paddleboard on Lake Garda
One of the best seasons to paddleboard on Lake Garda issummer, especially July and August. This is because, for practicing this sport, especially for beginners, it is necessary that winds are weak or absent and the lake waters calm and flat.
For more experienced paddlers , the situation changes: equipped with a wetsuit, you can enjoy this water activity in spring and early autumn.
In conclusion, SUP can be done solo or in company. At Meeters, we recommend the latter, driven by the belief that group activities have that “extra” element that makes experiences, even sporting ones, more fun and safe, as well as fertile opportunities for meeting people.