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.

Whether you’re gliding across a calm French lake, exploring Portugal’s rugged coastline, or enjoying a sunny afternoon on Amsterdam’s canals, paddleboarding is one of the most relaxing ways to connect with nature. But to truly enjoy your time on the water, your gear is essential—and your inflatable paddle board fins are more important than many paddlers realize.

What exactly do fins do?

It’s easy to think of fins as a little add-on to the bottom of your stand up paddle board. But in fact, they’re essential to your inflatable paddleboard’s performance. Fins help stabilize your SUP board, keep you moving in a straight line, and provide better control when turning. Without them, you’ll find yourself veering off course with every stroke.

Stay stable in all waters

Europe’s waterways are diverse—from the sparkling lakes of Switzerland to the breezy Mediterranean. If you plan to paddle in more than one environment, a quality fin will give you the stability you need to adapt to each one. Wider, deeper fins provide better tracking and balance in both choppy or open water. Smaller fins, on the other hand, provide flexibility in narrower rivers or small waves.

If your fins are too flimsy or poorly made, you'll notice it right away. Cheap plastic fins often bend or come loose, especially in cold climates where the material can become brittle. In contrast, quality fins made from reinforced nylon, fiberglass, or carbon fiber can withstand the elements.

Control and Confidence

Especially for beginner and intermediate paddlers, good fins boost confidence. When your board tracks straight and turns respond well, you can focus on appreciating your surroundings instead of worrying about balance or steering.

For more advanced paddlers, switching fins can actually fine-tune performance. Want to be faster on long routes? Try a narrower race fin. Need better maneuverability for exploring tight spaces or practicing SUP yoga? A smaller, more flexible fin might be more your speed.

Travel and storage

Many European paddlers travel with an inflatable SUP. If you're one of them, quality, removable fins are especially important. Choose fins with a secure locking system so they don’t fall off or get lost during transport.

While fins may seem like a small thing, they play a big role in your paddleboarding experience. Investing in a quality pair of fins can improve control, safety, and enjoyment – whether you’re paddling for fitness, exploring the coast, or just relaxing under Europe’s blue skies.

So, next time you’re getting ready to go, take a moment to check your fins. You’ll thank yourself when you’re gliding across the water with ease.

In recent years, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become more than just a leisurely afternoon on a calm lake. A growing community of paddlers across Europe are looking to SUP expeditions and long distance challenges as a way to push their physical limits, explore far-flung destinations, and reconnect with nature in a slower, more focused way.

If the idea of traversing a desolate coastline, gliding past centuries-old villages, or camping under the stars after a day of paddling appeals to you, this blog is for you.

What is a SUP Expedition?

A SUP Expedition combines paddleboarding with exploration. It gets you out of the house and exploring your local beach or canal, experiencing rivers, fjords, lochs, and coastal walks. Unlike regular paddleboarding, these trips can last for days and often involve wild camping, hauling gear, and planning routes.

Europe is the perfect place for a SUP Expedition. Scotland’s diverse geography, from mountain lochs to tidal estuaries to rugged coastlines, means there’s no shortage of iconic routes to explore.

Best SUP Adventures in Europe

Scotland Grand Glen Canoe Route

This 96km route passes through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing Loch Ness and other deep lochs, connecting Fort William and Inverness. Expect gentle mornings, changeable weather and breathtaking views. While there is some carrying involved, this route is perfect for SUP and is perfect for a 3-5 day challenge.

Sonefjord, Norway

Europe’s deepest and longest fjord provides a fantastic backdrop for multi-day paddle boarding. Towering cliffs, glacial waterfalls and quiet fishing villages line the coast. While the weather can change quickly, the waters are calmer in the summer, perfect for experienced paddlers.

Slovenia From Lake Bohinj to the Sava River

Starting from the calm alpine Lake Bohinj and winding along the Sava River, experience peaceful lake paddling and relaxing river adventures. This is an ideal route for intermediate paddlers looking for a challenge and charm.

Netherlands Friesland 11 Cities Tour

This 200km classic skating route is equally legendary for SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding). Over five days, paddlers will weave between historic towns, canals and open lakes. This is one of Europe’s premier SUP endurance events, open to adventure lovers and elite athletes.

What gear do you need?

For long distance SUP adventures, your gear is more important than ever:

Inflatable SUP: Choose a longer (12ft to 14ft) board with a narrow nose and front and rear cargo straps. Touring models are designed for trails and long distances.

Dry Bag: A waterproof roll-top bag for clothes, food and electronics. A mix of 10L and 30L capacities is recommended.

Lightweight tent or hammock: If your route allows for camping.

Navigation tools: A map, compass or GPS watch.

Spare paddle (if space allows): Breakdowns can happen.

Hydration bag : Hands-free hydration on the board is a must.

Safety gear: Life jacket, whistle, headlamp, waterproof phone pouch and small first aid kit.

SUP Super Challenge: Across Europe

If you prefer competition over camping, Europe also hosts some epic SUP endurance races. Here are some events to look out for:

SUP 11 Cities Tour (Netherlands): 220km over 5 days, a legendary test of courage and endurance.

Glagla Race (France): Held on Lake Annecy in a chilly January.

Duna Race (Hungary): A 14km sprint across the Danube River, popular with pros and amateurs alike.

These events combine the thrill of competition with stunning natural scenery, friendly camaraderie and an international community.

SUP adventures and long-distance paddleboarding offer more than just exercise. They allow you to temporarily forget about everyday stress and reconnect with Europe’s natural beauty – whether you’re following the twists and turns of a Norwegian fjord or gliding past castles on the Rhine.

So grab your SUP board, plan your route, and get ready to paddle your way through Europe’s wild, wet edges.