SUP river tours in southern Germany
If you open yourself up to the rivers, you will discover hidden worlds, paradises in the neighbourhood. The Rednitz near Nuremberg is one such seemingly undiscovered gem. So is the Schussen, which flows wildly and romantically into Lake Constance. Well-known Alpine rivers such as the Isar and the Lech invite you to paddle with their Caribbean greenery - sometimes wildly rushing (for experts) or calm and dreamy (for river beginners and pleasure paddlers). For all their thirst for adventure and discovery, stand-up paddlers should take advantage of the canoeists' expertise. Guido Meier from Bavarian Waters is a SUP river pioneer and knows that even slow-flowing waters can harbour unforeseeable dangers for beginners. He advises: "Never go on your first trip alone, look for a partner who knows the river or attend a course; always wear a life jacket, shoes and helmet in white water, even a full-face helmet if necessary; rivers are also cool in summer, so don't forget your wetsuit; never attach a leash directly to your body, but attach the special coil leash to the waistcoat with a safety fastener. If you don't have this or are paddling in slow-flowing waters, you shouldn't use a leash anyway; choose the right board for shallower rivers. Normal epoxy boards break quickly; practise paddling against the current in easy, fast-flowing places, familiarise yourself with the current conditions; do not use weirs or paddle close to barrages - danger to life!
Be aware of shipping traffic on large rivers." Just like the wind for windsurfers, the water level (river level) is important for paddlers. You can always check this on the internet. Every river has its own specific navigability. A small river like the Schussen, for example, can be paddled in the lower reaches at low water, whereas the Isar is not. However, the reverse is also true: some shallow-flowing streams become raging rivers for experts at high water. Watch out for large branches and fallen trees and, if possible, take a wide detour around them. Last but not least, always observe the navigation rules and nature conservation regulations. Some rivers, such as the Würm on Lake Starnberg, have a ban on paddling during the bird breeding season, while some sections, such as the Eriskirchner Ried on the Schussen, have a ban on landing on the banks.
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Book tips for SUP river tours: "Bayern, die schönsten Kanutouren" or informative (but less inspiring): "Kanu: Deutsches Flusswanderbuch".
From Friedrichshafen Airport, the Schussen meanders quietly and secretly, first through the green splendour of the fields and later under a jungle-like canopy of leaves into Lake Constance.
