No need to worry about getting pushed back out to sea, no energy-sapping water starts or rodeo-style rides in choppy water – in shallow waters you can improve at your own pace and reach the next level faster. Here you’ll find perfect conditions for your first few metres of gliding, safe beach starts and clean jibes.
The board lies steady, the water only comes up to your knees, the wind blows steadily into the sail – a good stand-up spot is like a confidence booster: you’ve got solid ground under your feet at all times, you can take a deep breath in peace, gather your thoughts, and then give it another go. Instead of cramp in your forearm and jittery nerves, here you’ll find focus, flow and those liberating ‘aha’ moments when the beach start goes to plan or the board slowly begins to glide. And if something does go wrong, you can walk back relaxed, rather than frantically battling against the current and waves, or even waving for help. So we’ve rummaged through our archives and are presenting you with stand-up paddleboarding spots from near and far – from down-to-earth inland spots and bays on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, right through to turquoise lagoons in the Caribbean. Many of these spots boast onshore winds, natural wave protection and vast shallow-water areas. With schools, hire facilities and convenient transport links, every session here is a delight: ten spots that clear your head and get you back on track.
Lac Bay, Bonaire – the Caribbean’s ‘bathtub’
A picture-perfect Caribbean stand-up paddleboarding spot: in the sheltered Lac Bay at Sorobon, an offshore reef breaks the waves, creating a vast, turquoise lagoon with a large area suitable for stand-up paddleboarding. The steady trade winds blow onshore from the east and can flow unhindered across the shallow reef into the lagoon. If you fall, you’ll drift leisurely back to the beach. Ideal conditions for practising gliding, tacking and jibing without stress, perfecting beach and water starts, or trying out your first freestyle moves. The edge where the lagoon abruptly deepens in the northern part (no longer shallow enough to stand in) is clearly recognisable by the darker colour of the water. With air temperatures between 25 and 33 degrees and the water a bath-like 28 degrees, you can ride here all year round in board shorts or, at most, a shorty. The seabed is mainly sandy, interspersed with patches of seagrass and the occasional shell – tread carefully, and ideally bring some shoes with you.
Sorobon has several windsurfing schools where you can hire the latest equipment. The wind season generally runs from December to August, with the strongest winds between February and July, when the trade winds from the east reach speeds of 15 to 30 knots. Generally speaking, the wind is perfect first thing in the morning, eases off a little around midday and picks up again around 3 pm. So you can easily take a relaxing lunch break between sessions. At the Sorobon Beach Resort, you can stay right by the spot. You’ll find more choice and cheaper prices in the towns of Belnem and Kralendijk, five to ten kilometres away. Direct flights depart from Schiphol with KLM or TUI. For those wishing to bring their own windsurfing kit, TUI is the best option – the airline charges 50 euros for one piece of luggage weighing up to 32 kilos. Please note: The check-in staff on Bonaire are generally very strict: they weigh luggage to the nearest kilo, as they have plenty of experience with windsurfers and their excess baggage at this small airport.
Lake Neusiedl – the big brown one
A good five hours’ drive from Munich lies Europe’s second-largest steppe lake – as flat as a saucer, almost entirely shallow enough to wade across, and with no natural inflow or outflow. Although the ‘Großer Brauner’ may not boast Caribbean-style water colours, it does offer excellent bathing water quality, despite a similar brownish cloudiness to the Viennese coffee speciality of the same name: a double mocha served in a large cup, topped with a dollop of cream. Its unique geographical and meteorological location in the Pannonian Plain, around 70 kilometres south-east of Vienna, also means the lake regularly features white caps of wind-whipped spray thanks to its excellent wind conditions, as well as an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region receives almost all its wind from passing north-westerly fronts, which bring ideal conditions, particularly in spring when there are significant temperature fluctuations. Before the north-westerly wind, a strong southerly wind often blows, which can even be used in a shorty wetsuit in summer. The full extent of the 315 km² lake is not visible, as around half of the lake’s surface is overgrown with reeds. As a result, access to the water is also severely restricted.
Windsurfing takes place mainly on the Austrian side. There is only one seaside resort in Hungary. Podersdorf, Weiden, Illmitz and Neusiedl are the windsurfing hotspots on the favoured eastern shore. Here, the seabed is predominantly sandy, whilst on the western shore at Breitenbrunn, kiters have the upper hand. In Rust and Mörbisch, the seabed tends to be muddy, and the water is shallow almost everywhere. Due to the varying water depth, which depends on rainfall and temperatures, foilers in particular face challenges. Wingfoilers are ideally best off with a short mast in their kit or surfing in Illmitz and Weiden, where it is almost always deep enough. In Podersdorf, you’ll need to walk for a few minutes through really shallow water before you can launch your foil. As well as water sports, the entire region is known for the national park, with its wide variety of bird species, and is particularly popular for cycling (think of the ‘Cherry Blossom Cycle Route’). Anyone who enjoys popping into a ‘Heuriger’ – a cosy wine tavern – won’t go thirsty for long at Lake Neusiedl. And for those with a really big appetite looking for a bargain, the Hungarian border is just 20 minutes away. Accommodation is available near all the spots, although Podersdorf is the only village situated right on the water’s edge and boasts a large campsite. Zicksee could be an insider’s tip – provided it has enough water. A 20-minute drive from Podersdorf, it offers very shallow and calm waters – perfect for beginners, freestylers and surfers looking for a quieter spot than the ‘metropolis’ of Podersdorf.
IJsselmeer East – the tamed North Sea
With the completion of the dam in 1932, the former ‘Zuiderzee’ bay was cut off from the North Sea and now forms the largest lake in the Netherlands, covering 1,100 km² between the provinces of North Holland in the west and Friesland in the east: the IJsselmeer. In places, the beaches of the former ‘Zuiderzee’ still have a touch of South Sea flair, at least when the weather is right. Much like the South Seas, this part of the IJsselmeer is also a rather calm area, and the lack of reefs is more than made up for by plenty of sandbanks. Makkum, Workum, Hindeloopen and others: the shallow standing areas at these spots and excellent facilities make the eastern side of the IJsselmeer a perfect spot for beginners and those looking to improve their skills, as well as a hotspot for the Dutch and West German surfing scenes. Lovely camping spots right by the water and slalom riders sharpening their worn-down fins are the hallmarks of these spots.
Low-pressure systems moving eastwards from the Atlantic make for good days on the water. In spring and autumn, the likelihood of catching a low-pressure system is higher than in summer. In summer, stable easterly wind patterns can develop, which means offshore winds on the eastern side of the IJsselmeer. If only a light westerly breeze is forecast, but sunshine is on the cards, thermal gusts regularly occur and you can enjoy a few knots more on the water than actually forecast. Due to its shallow depth, the water temperature of the IJsselmeer adapts more quickly to the air temperature than, for example, the open North Sea. This applies both as a positive factor in spring and as a negative factor in autumn. However, the large shallow areas offer a certain degree of comfort and safety, particularly in cold weather – it’s easy to get back on board without having to swim far, and drifting away is almost impossible. That’s why, even on cold winter days, you’re almost never alone on the water here.
Veluwemeer – the IJssel’s little brother
This narrow coastal inlet below the IJsselmeer was created during the embankment and reclamation of Flevoland, when a narrow strip of water was deliberately retained between the Altland and the polder in order to protect the groundwater balance and the ecology of the shoreline. Today: vital for the water balance, a habitat for birds – and, indeed, a top spot for windsurfing. At the very latest when you accidentally swallow a mouthful of water, you’ll clearly notice the lack of salinity and realise that this is an inland lake, as ‘meer’ means ‘lake’ in Dutch. Where else can you find a lake more than 20 kilometres long and several kilometres wide, mostly shallow, with no waves, sheltered from the wind and boasting perfect surfing facilities? In that respect, it’s no surprise that the Veluwemeer’s best-known spot, Horst Beach, can get quite crowded during the peak season. Here, a north-westerly wind blows unchecked onshore, creating an endlessly long stretch of flat water. About 800 metres out lies the channel, marked by buoys, where the water gets deeper. Telstar offers a well-stocked shop and a school right on the spot.
Fehmarn – a Baltic Sea classic
Left or right? Anyone heading to Fehmarn in search of a relaxed flat-water spot has a choice to make once they’ve crossed the Fehmarnsund Bridge. From beginners to freestyle experts, countless windsurfers time and again head right towards Wulfener Hals in the south-east of the island: a narrow headland shields the Burger Binnensee from the open Baltic Sea and, with its sandbanks, forms a shallow playground that leaves hardly anything to be desired. The fact that the Wulfener Hals campsite – one of the largest in Schleswig-Holstein – is situated right next to the spot ensures a lively atmosphere on the water and along the paths in summer. The campsite offers all the amenities, including the Windsurfing Wulfen surf centre. Things are considerably more rustic for those turning left on the other side of the island in Gold. Whilst there are a few holiday cottages with a café and a small surf school, as well as a car park with a toilet block, the infrastructure is otherwise limited to a park bench. In return, there’s a freeride and beginner’s spot that’s almost as good. The Orther Reede is very shallow for a long way out and there’s plenty of space. It’s a bit quieter than Wulfen, but just as good a choice when the wind is from the west.
Ringkøbing Fjord – Hygge behind Holmsland
A picture-perfect spot for families: on Denmark’s west coast, the narrow, picturesque strip of dunes known as Holmsland Klit separates the fjord from the rough North Sea, creating one of the most popular spots in Northern Europe. You’ll find a good spot on Rinkøbing Fjord whatever the wind direction. Almost everywhere, you can ride for several hundred metres. The shallow fjord is connected to the North Sea only by a narrow channel, so the salinity is very low. The best-known spot is Hvide Sande Nord on the western shore, with a large centre, shop and everything you need. Here, you can either use your own kit, hire from the local ‘Westwind’ centre or book a surfing course straight away – generations have taken their first steps on a board at this spot.
Any easterly wind is ideal, but even with a westerly breeze you can still have a good surf and needn’t worry about being swept away. When there are fierce storms, many North Sea surfers also head for the fjord. There’s a slightly smaller centre south of the village, near the campsite. On the east side, in Bork Havn, there’s another surf school, which also has a huge standing area. A flat peninsula shields the area from choppy waves even in strong winds, creating a wonderfully smooth, glassy ‘bathtub’ for freeriders and those looking to improve their skills. Unlike at Hvide Sande, you can also stay overnight here in a campervan. Nearby, Skaven and Bjerregaard offer further options – each with a campsite. The entire region is well-served with holiday homes.
Soma Bay – the year-round destination
Thanks to its proximity to Hurghada Airport, Soma Bay in Egypt is easily accessible from airports in Central Europe. The wind, too, is practically a permanent fixture here. It blows from the north and is caused by the temperature differences between the sea and the hot inland areas. In the mornings, it usually blows from the north-north-west, shifting in the afternoon to a direction more from the north to north-north-east. Water sports enthusiasts have two potential spots to head to in Soma Bay: the Robinson Club is situated in the eastern part of the bay. Here there is a water sports centre and, directly in front of it, a small shallow area that’s ideal for practising. However, due to the development along the shore, it can be a bit gusty in some areas. The shallow zone in the western part of the bay is considerably larger, where there are other resorts alongside the Palm Royale Resort.
The surfing takes place to windward of the small harbour. Here, regardless of the tide, there’s a large area where you can stand up, and the wind blows fairly steadily from the left. At low tide, a perfect flat-water run forms for a few hours, where you can practise your manoeuvres, break your personal speed record or try out new freestyle tricks. At high tide, the water gets a bit choppier, but you’ll always find water deep enough to stand in to windward of the Surfmotion surf station. Because you can choose to practise in shallow water or windsurf and foil in deeper water, Soma Bay is also ideal for families or couples with different levels of skill on the board. The best time to visit Soma Bay is from April through to November, but you can also catch plenty of good days in the off-season from December to March – although the wind often drops off significantly in the afternoon during this period.
Suhrendorf – Germany’s largest fishing ground
Rügen, Germany’s largest island, offers a wealth of first-class windsurfing spots. As well as the wave spots on the open Baltic Sea, the Bodden lagoons and the many bays and inland waters are particularly popular. For beginners, Suhrendorf on the small offshore island of Ummanz is particularly suitable, alongside the Wiker Bodden. Stretching across several square kilometres between the island of Ummanz – which can be reached via a small bridge – and the offshore island of Hiddensee lies what is probably Germany’s largest flat-water area. The easiest way to get to the water here is via the campsite (a day ticket is required). The spot works in a wide wind window ranging from southerly through westerly to north-easterly. Even in stormy conditions, the water remains largely calm – apart from a few small ripples – and, if necessary, you can simply walk back. Perfect for beginners and those looking to improve, those learning to jibe and freestylers. The surf centre, campsite and surf hostel provide excellent facilities, making Suhrendorf the go-to destination for flat-water enthusiasts. Winds from eastern directions also work well thanks to the flat hinterland, though they are somewhat gustier; for consistent pressure, you’ll need to head a little further out into deeper water.
Salzhaff – the sheltered Baltic Sea
The Wustrow Peninsula separates Lübeck and Rostock from the Baltic Sea via a large, shallow bay – the Salzhaff. Particularly on the eastern side, off Pepelow, the shallow water area is almost boundless; generations of windsurfers have learnt beach starts, jibes and other manoeuvres there. Yet this cosy little village has always remained idyllic, whilst still offering everything you need, including a campsite, surf school, cabins and a hostel. And because the Salzhaff has very little exchange with the open sea due to its narrow opening, the water in the bay warms up noticeably faster than in the open Baltic Sea. Almost any wind direction works here; with a westerly wind, you can enjoy endless long runs over the hip-deep water. Even the offshore easterly wind is still rideable, with the shallow area offering reassuring stability. In fact, there’s even a bit of thermal boost, whilst the westerly wind can be slightly weaker than elsewhere. As is the case everywhere on the Baltic Sea, you should make sure to pack a seagrass fin, especially in summer.
St George Beach, Naxos – Lennart’s Lagoon
To the south of Naxos Town lies a vast area for standing-up windsurfing: the lagoon, sheltered by an offshore reef, is the perfect training ground. It was here that, amongst others, freestyle world champion Lennart Neubauer learnt to windsurf and performed his first freestyle tricks. The water remains almost glassy even in strong winds, with only a slight chop, plus a sandy seabed, plenty of space and easy access in and out of the water. The wind blowing diagonally onshore makes this a very safe spot. On the shore, surfers and bathers share the beach; the Flisvos Centre, the Naxos Surf Club and Laguna Beach Park offer courses as well as the latest hire equipment. Accommodation of all categories, as well as bars, tavernas and restaurants, are located right by the spot. As is the case throughout the Aegean, the Meltemi blows on Naxos in summer – a dry wind from the north – and provides the west coast with sailing winds of over 12 knots on around 60 per cent of days. Between Naxos and Paros, there is a jet effect that further strengthens the wind locally. The early and late seasons can also be worthwhile, but the wind is most reliable from June to October. In the height of summer, the water temperature tops 25 degrees, whilst the air remains pleasant thanks to the Meltemi – without it, however, it quickly becomes sweltering. On the board, a shorty or Lycra wetsuit is usually sufficient; in spring and autumn, a 4/3 short-sleeved wetsuit is suitable.