​SUP closure periods: Do you know the winter rules for paddling?

Hibernation and breeding season: what you should bear in mind

In winter in particular, many lakes serve as important refuges for migratory birds. If the birds are startled by paddlers, fleeing costs them valuable energy. In spring, on the other hand, disturbances on the shore and in reed beds can endanger breeding birds and their young. For this reason, fixed closed periods apply on some bodies of water, whilst other areas should be left undisturbed on a voluntary basis.

Three examples from Bavaria

Lake Starnberg: From 1 November to 31 March, water sports enthusiasts using SUPs, kayaks and canoes are advised to refrain from using the water. Winter rest areas must be strictly avoided; a distance of more than 300 metres should be maintained from flocks of birds. Since 2025, there has also been a winter conservation area on Roseninsel, which must not be entered during this period.

Amper: In the Ampermoos and Amperaue nature reserves, annual driving bans are in force during the breeding season. The sections affected are those between Stegen/Eching and Grafrath, and between Schöngeising and Fürstenfeldbruck. The ban runs from 1 March up to and including 15 July.

Würm: In the Leutstettener Moos, between Starnberg and Leutstetten, driving is prohibited from 1 March to 30 June to protect breeding birds.

Driving bans in the north as well

Bille In Schleswig-Holstein: Navigation is prohibited on a section of the River Bille between Grander Mühle and Reinbeker Mühlenteich from 1 March to 15 August. Outside this period, navigation is subject to the water level being sufficiently high.

The examples show that it is not only the time of year, but also the specific stretch of river and local regulations that determine whether a trip is permitted. The dates given should be checked against the latest official information before setting off.

Where can you find the current navigation rules?

Before each tour, it’s worth taking a quick look at these sources of information:

1. Canoeing Association – Rules for using waterways: "kanu.de" - Information on seasonal and permanent bans on boating and bans on accessing the riverbank.

2. The German Canoe Federation’s Canua app: “canua.info” – Waterway maps showing navigation rules, route planning and information on entry and exit points. The rules are clearly displayed on the map.

3. Local nature conservation information: "LBV Starnberg – Water sports and bird conservation" as well as "Boating on the Würm and Amper" – specific information on protected areas, closed seasons and how to behave whilst there.

Other laws relating to water

You can find everything you need to know about right-of-way rules and general regulations regarding driving licences, distances from nature reserves and much more in this in-depth article.

Find out first, then go paddling

Navigation rules may vary, and digital maps are not always a substitute for checking the latest official regulations and signage. You should therefore find out about the body of water and the specific section of the route before every trip.

Our tip: If you respect protected areas, avoid sensitive shorelines and take voluntary quiet zones into account, you’ll be helping to ensure that we can continue to paddle on our lakes and rivers in the future. Being considerate is nature conservation – and is just as much a part of SUP as the paddle and the board.
Thank you, and have fun this winter too!
P.S.: Tips on winter clothing and kit you can find it here