Stand Up Paddling has been stealing the spotlight lately. One reason for this is that learning to ride a paddleboard is a breeze – almost anyone can do it 30 minutes after setting foot on it. Another is that it offers a lot of freedom – you are not restricted to certain water conditions, like surfing; the only limit is your imagination. To help you find your next SUP oasis, we’ve put together a list of the world’s most epic stand-up paddleboarding destinations you absolutely need to see in your lifetime.

Epic SUP Destinations You Should Include in Your Bucket List

New Zealand

New Zealand is not just about bungee jumping, skydiving, or sightseeing. If you are into the outdoors and sports in general, then you have to consider visiting this majestic country at least once in your life. Auckland airport has regular connections with major Australian cities, so if you are planning a visit there any time soon, it’s only a matter of hopping on the plane. As suggested by the folks at Southernman, you shouldn’t forget to take along your necessary paddling gear in order to make your trip an enjoyable one!

On arrival, renting a car for your New Zealand road trip will give you maximum flexibility when traveling across this friendly nation. The weather is great for SUP from late October until April. Water temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F) during winter and that makes New Zealand an ideal destination If you choose to travel by sea, the ferry service between Auckland and Wellington is a great way to get here.

There are many reasons why this island country should be at the top of your SUP bucket list: for one, it has gorgeous beaches; secondly, there’s lots of fresh water in New Zealand, so paddling up a river will take you into beautiful natural surroundings rarely seen elsewhere. The crystal clear waters only add to the experience – if you have a rich imagination, expect an epic selfie with a water unicorn! If you are looking for a light workout, try biking down a mountain trail and paddling your way back. Or you can do the opposite – start out by riding one of the Great Walks trails and then paddle downstream with current as an assist.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the top destinations for SUP tours. Not only are the conditions perfect here, but the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning cliffs and coves to explore. You can visit this southern European country all year round, though if you don’t mind colder water (and higher prices), winter is also a good time for a visit.

If you are not satisfied exploring Portugal’s coastline, then head out into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean via boat or ferry. Island-hopping in the Azores will give you many priceless memories, especially when paddling in crystal clear waters fringed with black sands. When it comes to water sports, Portugal is most famous for surfing. You can join locals who are out there on their SUP boards every day. The best part about Portugal? It’s super cheap! You can easily rent boards by the hour or for a full day – here’s how. There are several places in Portugal with great conditions for paddling: Lagos, Sagres, and Tavira are usually considered to be the most popular spots, though chances are that if you show up willing to paddle at your own risk, no one will bother you.

Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is not that well known for surfing, it has some of the best conditions in South America, especially when talking about SUP. The country’s coasts are full of picturesque beaches, and you can go on SUP tours all year round! If you want to visit this place without breaking your bank, then join an eco-friendly community homestay – start with Ojochal, where you will get the chance to mingle with locals and practice Spanish. Take your time exploring this wonderful Central American nation (which is slightly smaller than West Virginia ) – there are many hidden gems to discover here. For example, San Josesito Island , Cayo Blanco or Montezuma. One of the best things about Costa Rica is that it’s a cheap destination for travelers: there are many eco-friendly hostels here with great outdoor spaces for camping, kayaking, and all sorts of other activities. And if traveling isn’t your specialty, then take a vacation in one of Pachira Lodge s luxury bungalows.

Hungary

You might not be aware, but Hungary has its own lake district – an area where the Pannonian plain meets North Hungarian mountains. The flatlands alternate between steppe and farmland, while the hillsides are full of vineyards. This area is perfect for outdoor activities, including SUP.

Lake Balaton has the biggest water surface in Central Europe, and you can choose between different types of tours, depending on your preferences. For example, there are plenty of companies offering all sorts of water sports, including fishing, diving with an inflatable boat, or visiting islands with stand-up paddleboards. There are even special SUP tour routes around the lake! If you’re not keen on joining a group tour, then go with boat rental instead or bring your own board from home.

Oman

Oman is slowly becoming one of the most popular destinations for water sports in the Middle East, so if you want to be one of the first people to discover SUP possibilities in this country, then don’t delay! There are many great places here suitable for paddling: Ras Al-Hadd, Qurum beaches, Sur area (especially around Haycock and Quar Island ), or even Musandam peninsula where you can go on a walking tour with your boards. There is also an option of taking part in kayak tours organized by companies like SevenSeas – they often offer all sorts of outdoor activities along with local guides. If you don’t mind colder temperatures (water temperature usually varies between 18 – 22°C), then you can go on a trip to Oman during winter – this is the best time to avoid the crowds.

Bermuda

Who wouldn’t want to go on an adventure holiday abroad, touring Bermuda in the company of dolphins? Just imagine how cool it would be to paddle around this Atlantic island known for its pink sand beaches and lush coral reefs! There are many tour companies that offer water sports here, but if you want to explore Bermuda independently, then make sure you pick suitable conditions for paddling: Autumn is a better time than winter when winds can become quite strong. If you want to score some SUP experience before setting off to Bermuda, then you can also rent boards in Canada or the USA.

The places mentioned above are full of stunning landscapes and offer great opportunities for paddling. Moreover, they are all rather different, so this means this adventure sport is even more exciting if you mix it up! For example, you might start with a tour around Lake Balaton, learn about local wines in Hungary, or kayak through Omani waters. If you feel like having an unforgettable travel experience, then check out these SUP destinations and choose one to visit soon!

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