Exploring Europe on a stand up paddle board (SUP) is an unforgettable experience. From the calm mountain lakes of Austria to the crystal clear coastline of Croatia, Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking paddle boarding destinations in the world. The best part is that with an inflatable paddle board (iSUP), traveling across borders and waters is easier than ever.

Here’s your complete guide to traveling Europe with an inflatable SUP what to pack, how to take it on a flight, and which are the best SUP spots to add to your itinerary.

Flying with an Inflatable SUP Board

Most airlines in Europe will allow inflatable SUP boards as checked baggage, especially if they fit into a standard-sized travel backpack (usually weighing no more than 23kg).

Bonus tip: bring a hand pump to avoid airport restrictions on electric pumps.

Take a Train or Bus

Trains and buses are convenient and iSUP-friendly options for traveling in Europe. Eurail, FlixBus and Interrail are all great options.

Rent a car or campervan

If you’re planning a self-drive trip, no roof rack required! Simply store your paddle board in the trunk or under the truck bed.

Self-drive trips are great for exploring Italian lakes, the coasts of Portugal and Spain, and camping near rivers in the Austrian or Swiss Alps.

Best Paddleboarding Spots in Europe

Here are some of the most scenic spots for iSUP:

France: Lake Annecy

The crystal clear alpine waters are perfect for yoga or setting up your surfboard.

Italy: Lake Garda and Cinque Terre

Paddle between charming towns or along the dramatic coastline cliffs.

Germany: Lake Königssee and Berlin Canal

Glacial lakes and urban waterways are both peaceful and cultural.

Spain: Mallorca and Costa Brava

Paddle to explore sea caves, rocky coves and turquoise bays.

Croatia: Dubrovnik and Hvar Island

Visit historic coastal towns and go island hopping on a paddleboard.

Traveling Europe with an inflatable SUP lets you explore hidden waters and unforgettable views. Whether you’re backpacking, driving, or flying between cities, an iSUP gives you the freedom to explore.

So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to see Europe from a whole new perspective—starting with a surfboard.

Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) have become a popular choice across Europe—from the calm lakes of Austria to the Mediterranean coast of Spain. They’re portable, easy to use, and perfect for beginners, making them a great choice for city dwellers with limited space. But to keep your board in top condition, knowing how to properly inflate, deflate, and store it is just as important as learning how to balance on it.

How to Properly Inflate Your SUP

Unroll your SUP board on flat ground. Avoid gravel or hot asphalt—grass, mats, or sand will work. Once you’re ready, connect the paddle board pump hose to the valve. Most European iSUPs use a Halkey-Roberts (HR) valve, which you push in, twist, and tighten.

Most inflatable SUPs recommend a pressure of 12-15 PSI. You’ll feel the inflatable paddle board getting firmer as you get closer to the top. Once you’re done inflating, twist the cap on to prevent leaks.

For added convenience, many paddlers opt for a portable electric paddle board pump, especially if you paddle a lot.

How to deflate your SUP without damaging it

Deflation is just as important as inflation especially if you want your SUP to last.

Before deflation, rinse your SUP with fresh water if it has salt or mud on it and let it dry for 5-10 minutes. This is especially important after paddling in the sea or rivers of Southern or Eastern Europe.

Release the air by pressing and twisting the valve. Once most of the air is out, slowly roll the stand up paddle board from the nose to the tail to let out the remaining air.

Note: Do not roll it up too hard, rolling it up smoothly will help protect the seams and internal materials.

How to store your SUP properly

Whether you live in a Paris apartment, a campervan in Norway, or a shed in Dublin, good storage habits will extend the life of your SUP.

Make sure your SUP is completely dry before storage to prevent mold and mildew on the SUP board.

Roll up or fold your deflated SUP loosely as recommended in your manual. We recommend using the original packaging or a dry storage box.

SUPs need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid hot attics or cold garages. You can choose to store under a bed, in a closet, or in a dry basement. Don't leave your inflated SUP in direct sunlight all summer.

Whether you're paddling on the canals of Amsterdam or the coast of Croatia, it's easy to keep your SUP in good condition with a few careful steps. A little care goes a long way - your SUP will thank you next summer with a smooth ride and zero surprises.

Daily life can be fast-paced in European cities but luckily, getting back to nature doesn’t have to mean trekking far. With a Funwater inflatable paddle board in your suitcase or on your back, you’ll find easy access to tranquil lakes, winding rivers and even picturesque coastlines.

Whether you’re in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona or Amsterdam, you’ll find some easily accessible weekend paddle boarding destinations with stunning views.

Berlin, Germany: Wannsee and Spreewald

Wannsee, a local favourite, is just 40 minutes away by light rail from Berlin. The calm waters are perfect for beginners and families, and there are plenty of green banks perfect for a post-paddle picnic.

Want a more adventurous adventure? Head to the Spreewald, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just an hour away. The natural maze of canals and forests here is like a fairytale.

Paris, France: Fontainebleau and the Seine

Escape Paris for the forests and waters of Fontainebleau, where the Louvain River and its calm tributaries are ideal for a quiet paddle.

Want to be closer to the city? The Seine, especially in the less-traveled areas upstream or downstream, offers stunning countryside and castle scenery, and is just an hour's drive from the capital.

Barcelona, Spain: Costa Brava and Panta de So

Barcelona is home to beautiful beaches, and a short drive north to the Costa Brava, where hidden coves, clear turquoise waters and rocky cliffs make every paddleboarding trip memorable.

Prefer fresh water? Try Panta de So, a breathtaking reservoir where the village's steeples loom above the water.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Loosdrecht Splassen

Amsterdam's canals are beautiful, but can get crowded at times. For a weekend getaway, head 30 minutes southeast to Loosdrechtsplatsen, a group of lakes perfect for paddleboarding. There are clear waters, islands to moor, and even floating restaurants.

Milan, Italy: Lake Como

Lake Como, less than 90 minutes from Milan, is as charming as it gets in the movies. Paddle along the shores, taking in elegant villas, colorful towns, and stunning mountain views along the way.

For calmer waters, explore the northern end of the lake near Colico, where winds are low and boats are scarce.

Funwater's compact inflatable SUP boards can fit in a small car trunk or train, making them ideal for an Italian vacation.

London, England: The Thames (outside the city) and Cotswold Waterpark

The Thames, west of London near the towns of Oxford or Henley, is a SUP paradise with no tidal restrictions. Paddling here means gliding past historic villages, stone bridges, and riverside pubs.

Or, head to the Cotswold Water Park, a collection of more than 150 lakes less than two hours away, for the perfect weekend of outdoor fun.

With so many amazing paddleboarding destinations around major European cities, your next adventure could be this weekend. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or exploration, Funwater paddleboarding makes it easy to turn an ordinary Saturday into an extraordinary experience.

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most tranquil ways to explore Europe's rivers, lakes and coastlines but even this low-impact sport can leave a water footprint if we're not careful. With more and more paddleboarders in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and beyond taking to the water, it's time to make eco-friendly choices and protect the beautiful scenery we love to explore.

Here's how to help the environment while enjoying your SUP paddle board adventure.

Choose a sustainable inflatable paddle board

If you're in the market for a new inflatable SUP board, look for brands that prioritize sustainable production practices. Inflatable stand up paddle boards like Funwater are compact, making them easy to transport eco-friendly and reducing emissions during shipping. They can also last for years if cared for properly, reducing landfill waste.

Avoid single-use stand up paddle boards or those made from non-recyclable materials. If possible, buy from companies that offer carbon offsets or use recycled packaging.

Leave No Trace – On Water or Land

Whether you're paddling in the Thames, Lake Geneva or around the Greek islands, the Leave No Trace rule applies. Make sure to take all your belongings and trash with you, including food wrappers and water bottles.

Keep a dry bag handy to collect not only your trash but any floating objects you find near your SUP board. Even a small clean-up can make a big difference.

Use eco-friendly sunscreen and gear

Regular sunscreens can harm marine life, especially in sensitive areas like the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Opt for a reef-safe sunscreen that doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.

Respect local ecosystems and wildlife

Europe is home to a huge variety of biodiversity from seals in the North Sea to flamingos in southern Spain. When paddling, always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid their nesting areas.

Maintain and repair your gear

Don't replace your inflatable paddle board when it shows signs of wear and tear. Repair kits are readily available and easy to use. A properly maintained inflatable SUP board can last for many seasons, reducing waste and saving you money.

Eco-friendly paddleboarding doesn't mean sacrificing fun it means making small, smart decisions that will keep us paddling in Europe's clean, beautiful waters for years to come.

Whether you're paddling through the canals of Venice or exploring the archipelago of Sweden, make your SUP trip respectful of nature while enjoying it.

Ready to go green? Discover Funwater's lightweight, durable, and easy-to-carry inflatable paddle boards ideal for paddlers who care about the planet.