‘SUP places to paddle’ now turns its attention to some choice overseas destinations. Whilst this isn’t a exhaustive list these are suggestions based on experience that may prick your interest. You may have your wanderlust sparked to investigate other further flung locations as well.
Maui, Hawaii.
No SUP places to paddle list could be published and not feature the epicentre, and birthplace, of stand up paddle boarding as we know it, Maui.
Laird and co brought about SUP’s renaissance during the early 2000s. And with such a wealth of put ins to choose from, Maui has established itself as a SUP centre of excellence. Waves of all types, world class downwind runs and a handful of adventure SUP spots; it’s a bucket list venue worthy of any paddler’s time. From beginner through to advanced.
Grenada (The Spice Isle), Caribbean.
With its bath warm waters, friendly locals, fragrant spice smells wafting on the air and amazing SUP potential, Grenada is definitely worth visiting. A very under the radar location, when compared to neighbouring West Indian islands, Grenada offers mellow SUP surfing, cracking adventuring and a few downwind runs. And that’s just what we know about.
Grenada is untapped with a whole host of SUP put ins waiting to be discovered. For anyone with time and inclination who knows what you’ll find in Grenada and its sister island Carriacou.
Zakynthos (Zante), Greece.
Zante is often thought of as a summer season party island. The south’s located Laganas Strip certainly plays into this. Although even here you’ll find some pretty good flat water SUP opportunities. It’s the northern part of Zakynthos where the real SUP magic happens though. Head towards the port of Agios Nikolaos and the stunning Ionian waters open up a world of paddling opportunities.
The renowned Blue Caves are to be found here – within easy reach by SUP from the port. Whilst a whole load of other adventure SUP routes can be found heading back slightly south. If you get the opportunity to paddle Shipwreck Bay (mostly only accessible by boat) then we’d say take it!
Ile de Re, France.
Even closer to home (UK), located in France’s Charentes Maritime region, is the offshore island of Ile de Re. In close proximity to La Rochelle the island is a real watersports haven and a hub for SUP. It doesn’t matter what type of stand up paddling you’re after you’ll find it here. Mellow sand bottom beach breaks, full on reef waves, picturesque adventure SUPing and a few downwind runs.
You also have the option of checking out Ile de Re’s neighbouring island Ile de Oleron. Similar in some ways but with its own vibe, Oleron is another bang on overseas SUP location.
Corralejo, Fuerteventure, Canary Islands.
The NE part of Fuerteventura is where you’ll find the harbour town, turned tourist hub, Corralejo. The town’s sheltered harbour is great for flat water paddling and getting to grips with basics. Just downwind you’ll find Rocky Point which is a great SUP surfing wave. Handling decent size it’s still doable for experienced paddlers up to significant wave height.
Across on the other side of Fuerteventura you’ll find the Cotillo area has an abundance of performance orientated wave spots. From world class breaks to more accessible put ins Fuerte is a surfing playground that many a UK rider hits up during winter.
Cork, Ireland.
The Cork area of southern Ireland isn’t as widely promoted for watersports as the more well known west coast. Yet around the coastal town of Cork, you’ll find an abundance of stand up paddle boarding opportunities.
Cork Harbour itself features plenty of flat water SUP routes. Heading out towards Ireland’s culinary capital of Kinsale is where adventure paddlers will find fulfilment. Then you have the surf spot of Garretstown and its surrounding beaches to quench those wave thirsts.
If further investigation of Ireland’s south coast temps you, head back east towards Tramore where there’s plenty of SUP friendly surf or hit up the West Cork area for off the beaten track put ins.
Whatever the type of stand up paddling you subscribe to there’s somewhere in the world perfect for you. Do some research and get gone!
Don’t forget to check out our other SUP places to paddle articles via the links below.