So Easy, so Good.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A woman uses a smartphone to photograph a man and a woman on boards for stand-up paddling on Lake St. Moritz

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is easy to learn. If you just bear in mind a few basic principles, you’ll soon be having lots of fun. We’ll show you the most important points on equipment, technique and handling, as well as some particularly beautiful lakes for paddleboarding in Graubünden.

What.

Equipment

Pay attention to the length, thickness and width of the board. These dimensions are crucial for stability, handling properties and enjoyment when stand-up paddleboarding. You can choose from inflatables (iSUPs) and hard boards. Inflatables are easier to transport than hard boards, which are somewhat more expensive but transfer the water movements more directly. We recommend medium-length boards (2.75 to 3.5 metres) for beginners. Choose a board with a thickness of 15 cm, which guarantees you feel stable when riding the board. In addition, the wider the board, the more stable you are, and the narrower it is, the less water resistance there will be. Important accessories:

Paddle: adjustable in height and capable of floating – the paddle should not sink if you fall off
Leash: safety line that is attached to the ankle and prevents the board from drifting away
Life jacket: always carry with you, life jackets are mandatory from a distance of 300 metres from the shore
Sun protection clothing: Lycra shirt or neoprene suit
Air pump and repair kit for inflatables

How.

Technique

Paddle length

Before you head into the water, you should adjust your paddle correctly. The rule of thumb is: your height plus approximately one arm length.

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Arm and hand position

Hold the paddle in both hands, one hand at the top on the T, the other holding the paddle at hip height.

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Body position

You are most stable when you stand in the centre of the board, known as the sweet spot. Pay attention to a shoulder-width position.

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Paddle technique while stand-up paddleboarding

Paddling

Insert the paddle into the water as far forward as possible and then pull it straight back to foot level.

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How.

Rules

SUPs fall under the regulation on shipping in Swiss waters and are considered equal to rowing boats. The boards are not subject to mandatory identification, but the name and address must be clearly marked on the SUP. A life jacket must be carried when leaving the shore area. Other important rules:

Respect the order of right of way: commercial passenger boats, cargo ships, professional fishermen, sailing boats, rowing boats (incl. SUPs), other motor boats, windsurfers and kitesurfers.
If two stand-up paddleboarders are approaching each other, both of them turn to the right. The same also applies if you encounter a kayaker or canoer.
Do not ride a paddleboard in nature protection or bathing areas.
Pay attention to the weather forecasts before paddleboarding. If you should nevertheless be taken by surprise by a thunderstorm, lie on the board and try to paddle to the shore as quickly as possible.

Where.

Lakes

Lake Heid

A dam divides Lake Heid into a larger area for watersports such as surfing and a small cove with a sandy beach and numerous attractions, such as a pirate ship, a climbing mountain and suspension bridge. The watersports centre rents out SUP boards and offers beginners’ courses.

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Zwei Frauen beim Stand-up-Paddling auf dem Crestasee

Lake Cresta

Lake Cresta is a real insider’s tip. The lake, situated in a forest clearing, invites you to enjoy a leisurely spot of SUP. You can then take in the view from the comfortable meadow. Please note the ban on paddleboarding in the protected reeds.

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Lake St. Moritz

The Upper Engadine is the place to be for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The best conditions can be found here thanks to the Maloja wind. This wind usually blows from midday. Lake St. Moritz is also ideal for stand-up paddleboarding in the morning. You can obtain boards and paddles on site at St. Moritz sailing club.

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Lake Canova

Lake Canova in Domleschg is just a few kilometres from Chur. In exchange for an entrance fee, you can relax by the lake, bathe and do one or two laps on the SUP board. The infrastructure comprises a small kiosk, toilets, changing cabins and two barbecue areas.

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Lake Davos

Lake Davos also offers a Hawaiian feeling. The surf centre offers individual and group lessons, beginners’ courses and even SUP yoga. Boards and paddles are available to hire on site. Let the experts at the surf centre advise you.

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Lake Cauma

Thanks to its location in the Flims forest and its turquoise waters, Lake Cauma is among Switzerland’s most famous mountain lakes. Our tip: enjoy the peace in the early morning. You can hire suitable boards for stand-up paddleboarding at the lake.

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