SUP for beginners: our tips for your first SUP trip

In recent years, stand-up paddleboarding, has become one of the most popular water sports. It's relaxing, accessible and a great full-body workout at the same time. In addition, it also fits perfectly into the trend of sustainable tourism and is therefore also seen in more and more cities. For example, a few years ago, who thought you would ever be able to do a SUP tour in the center of Ghent? In short, SUP is ideal if you want to get out on the water in a fun, accessible way. But what basic techniques do you need and what are the best places to try for the first time? Here you can read our tips, tricks and locations for SUP for beginners.

What exactly is supping?

When you go on a SUP tour, you stand up on a large, stable board and use a long paddle to move around on the water. You can approach SUP very calmly and recreationally, but also more sporty if you want. For example, SUP yoga has now also become a successful trend for those looking for a little more challenge on the water. We also see more and more people who want to go on a SUP with their dog.

Basic supping techniques

As a beginner, it is useful to first practice on your knees to find your balance. When you feel more confident, you can stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart, just behind the board handle.

• You paddle with long strokes: stick the paddle into the water in front of you, push it straight back and switch sides regularly.
   
• Keep your knees slightly bent and stand relaxed
  
  
• Crucial: look forward, not down! This is the best way to keep your balance and know where you're sailing to

Tips for your first time on a SUP

• Choose a windless day: less wind means fewer waves on the water and therefore easier to balance.
  
  
• Wear swimwear or other clothes that can get wet: You don't necessarily have to wear swimwear, but getting wet the first time is probably part of it.
  
  
• Start on calm waters: this way, you can avoid strong currents, waves and busy sailing routes.
  
  
• Use the leash on your SUP board: so your board always stays with you when you fall into the water.
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• Take the dry bag with you: the waterproof bag that you find in our lockers is extremely handy for your smartphone, water bottle and some drinks and snacks.

What are the best Dobber locations to SUP for beginners?

With the previous tips in mind, the following locations and SUP routes are the most appropriate when you get on a SUP board for the first time:

1. Ghent - Dobber Blaarmeersen

Near the beach in Blaarmeersen, you can go supping in a safe environment, ideal for overcoming your cold feet during a first SUP experience. Just ask Mike, who went supping with Dobber aan de Blaarmeersen for the first time for the VRT program Everyone Famous.

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Book your SUP trip at Dobber Blaarmeersen now

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2. Nieuwpoort Float - Savings Basin

‍Here you will find a large, quiet lake where you can enjoy our short paddling route on the Yser Basin to practice in peace and quiet. When you get the hang of it, you can leave the basin for a longer SUP route on the Yser up to the 7th Line Regiment Monument.

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Book your SUP at Nieuwpoort Spaarbekken

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3. Float Latem - Scaffold

The Dobber SUP location in Latem offers you a charming, peaceful spot on the Leie river, surrounded by villas and a lot of greenery. If you follow our SUP route to the Drie Leien in Drongen, the river is also wide enough not to be bothered by passing pleasure boats.

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Book your SUP at De Steiger in Latem

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4. Dobber Mol - Zilvermeerhaven

‍The Dobber location on the Zilvermeer is also a safe starting point, you can learn how to paddle along the paddle route around the Zilvermeer in a beautiful environment with clear water and little current, perfect for beginners.

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Book your SUP session at Dobber Zilvermeer

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Not only is supping fun, it's also surprisingly relaxing. While paddling, you can relax, see the surroundings from a new perspective and enjoy being outside. And the best part of it all? Everyone can learn it!

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Want to try it for yourself? Book your SUP with Dobber and discover how much fun it is to be on the water!

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