Sailing holiday and stand-up paddling? That goes together wonderfully!

Not only surfing, fishing, yoga or fitness can be done on a paddleboard. This "board" can make your holiday even more enjoyable.

A sailing holiday and stand-up paddling – the perfect duo! With a paddleboard, sailors can experience the beauty of nature in a new way while enjoying the benefits of a training tool and a rescue device. Explore the coast, go ashore, look at the underwater world or catch fish – the paddleboard offers you many possibilities!

Stand-up paddling (also called SUP) is a water sport where you stand on a special board and move around with a paddle. Unlike surfing, where you ride a wave, stand-up paddling is done on calm water. The board is usually longer, wider and thicker than a surfboard, providing more stability to stand upright. SUP can be practised on lakes, rivers, oceans and other bodies of water and is a popular recreational sport.

TIP YACHTING.COM: Sailing has many positive effects on body and mind. It delivers a whole range of benefits: strengthened muscles, improved fitness, better concentration and, last but not least, a sense of flow and joy. Not only is it fun and relaxing, sailing is also a wonderful way to empower yourself. Read 7 reasons to fall in love with sailing.

A brief look back at history

The origins of stand-up paddling can be traced back to ancient Polynesia, where it was an important method of transport and fishing. In the 1940s, stand-up paddling was used as a training method by beach lifeguards in Waikiki, Hawaii. The Beach Boys, a group of surfers and lifeguards, further developed stand-up paddling and used it as a way to teach tourists how to surf.

In the 2000s, stand-up paddling made a comeback when surfers like Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama used it as an alternative to surfing during lulls. They developed special boards that were longer, wider and thicker than conventional surfboards and offered more stability.

Paddle boarding as a sport in its own right also emerged in the 2000s. It involves paddling while standing on a larger board with a single or double paddle. Paddle boarding is often described as a mixture of canoeing and surfing and is particularly popular with people looking for a joint-friendly alternative to running or cycling.

Today, stand-up paddling is one of the fastest growing water sports worldwide and is practised by people of all ages and abilities.

TIP YACHTING.COM: Are you looking for ways to add variety to your sailing holiday? We've put together a list of the best activities, including water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking, as well as exploring islands and towns on foot or by bike. Read more in our article  The 12 best activities for a sailing holiday.

How does a paddleboard work?

A paddleboard consists of a long, wide and thick board with a non-slip surface, fins on the underside and a paddle with a curved paddle blade. The user stands in the middle of the board with his feet shoulder-width apart and paddles with the paddle to move the board forward. For steering, he can dip the paddle into the water on one side to turn the board in that direction.

Family and Paddleboard

How do you choose a proper paddleboard?

When buying/renting a paddleboard, it is important to choose the right board for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Board size: The size of the board depends on the weight and height of the user as well as the intended use. A longer and wider board offers more stability, while a shorter board is more manoeuvrable.
  • Board type: There are different types of paddleboards such as all-round, touring, racing or surf boards. The choice depends on the area of use and individual abilities.
  • Board material: Paddleboards are available in different materials, such as plastic, wood, carbon fibre or inflatable materials. The choice of material depends on the needs of the user, e.g. weight, transportability or durability.
  • Fins: The number and shape of the fins influences the stability and manoeuvrability of the board.
  • Paddle: The paddle should be chosen in the right length and size and be made of a light and durable material.

By considering these factors, you can choose a paddleboard that suits your needs and provides a great experience on the water.

Would you like to rent a paddleboard from us for your boating holiday? Contact our sales staff who will be happy to help you.

In our short video we show you how to prepare your SUP before use and how to put it back together after a ride.

First time on a paddleboard? No worries!

Before going on the paddleboard, it is important to be properly prepared. One should wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and put on a life jacket or life vest to ensure that one is safe in case of a fall in the water.

When trying paddleboarding for the first time, it is best to start on your knees to get a feel for the board and find your balance. Once you are ready to stand up, make sure you distribute your weight evenly on both feet and keep your eyes on the horizon. The paddle is used for stabilisation and locomotion. It is important to keep your balance on the board and maintain an upright and balanced posture.

By following these steps, one can begin the paddleboarding experience safely and successfully. Regular practice improves skill and builds confidence on the board.

Knee and paddleboard

Other interesting articles

5 favourite activities with the paddleboard

There are many activities you can do on a paddleboard. Here are some examples:

  • Surfing:

Surfing with a paddleboard is an exciting and challenging way to enjoy the water. Unlike surfing on a regular surfboard, paddleboard surfing uses a paddle to pick up speed and steer. It requires a high level of balance and body control to stand on the board and ride the waves.

Proper positioning and timing are also important to catch the wave and have a successful ride. Although it can be more difficult to surf on a paddleboard than on a regular surfboard, it still offers many advantages. The larger board offers more stability, which makes it easier to keep your balance. In addition, paddleboard surfing is a great way to explore the sea and be in nature.

Surfing and Paddleboard
  • Yoga and fitness: 

Fitness or yoga on a paddleboard is a great way to experience both physical fitness and outdoor fun. Paddling on a board requires coordination, stability and strength, which makes for a great full-body workout routine. In addition, there are numerous exercises that can be performed on the board, such as yoga poses, cardio exercises, sit-ups, push-ups or squats. The combination of sport and nature also creates a special experience that can be beneficial not only physically but also mentally.


  • Tours:

If you are on a sailing holiday and have a paddleboard at your disposal, there are many ways to use the board for touring. One idea is to explore the coast and discover hidden bays, beaches and islands. You can also combine snorkelling with paddling by paddling to a place with clear water to explore the underwater world. Another option is to paddle to a nearby village or harbour to explore the surroundings. With all these options, paddleboarding is a great way to add variety to your sailing holiday and experience the beauty of the surroundings in a new way.

Tours and Paddleboard
  • Fishing:

Fishing with a paddleboard offers a unique and rewarding way to catch fish while enjoying the water and nature. The paddleboard allows you to reach places that are inaccessible to boats or from the shore. With the ability to stalk close to the fish, anglers can catch a variety of fish species on the paddleboard. With the right equipment and technique, it can be a rewarding experience for any angler.

Angling and Paddleboard

Taking a paddleboard on a sailing holiday? Definitely!

A paddleboard can be a valuable addition on a sailing holiday as it offers many advantages. For one thing, it allows one to paddle and explore on flat water or in shallow waters where it is difficult or impossible to enter with a sailboat.

On the other hand, a paddleboard offers a great way to leave the sailboat and go ashore to explore the surroundings or take a break. The paddleboard can also be used as a means of transport to paddle to nearby beaches or bays for snorkelling or swimming.

Another advantage is that the paddleboard is a great training tool to strengthen and exercise the body. During sailing holidays, it is a great way to stay active even when you are not on the sailboat.

TIP YACHTING.COM: Explore the 50 most beautiful snorkelling and diving locations around the world and experience the unique opportunity to explore the underwater world while sailing.

In summary, a paddleboard on a sailing holiday offers many opportunities to explore the surroundings, stay active and enhance the sailing experience. It can also serve as a valuable addition to safety by being used as a rescue tool or a means of transport to rescue people in emergencies.

If you would also like to try stand-up paddling on your next sailing trip or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We can easily order a paddleboard for you.

Have fun paddleboarding!

Find the right boat for your dream holiday now.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about renting a paddleboard. Get in touch with me!

FAQ: The most important things about stand-up paddling