Stand up paddleboarding (or SUP), has exploded in popularity in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the UK. What could be better than getting a core workout on the water whilst watching the world go by?
The benefit of SUP is that it's a fun, low impact activity that can be enjoyed solo, with family and friends and is suited to most fitness levels.
Wales is home to some superb paddle boarding hotspots including winding rivers, charming canals and dramatic coastlines. With so many scenic locations to choose from, there's surely an ideal SUP spot near you?
Here are some of the best places where you can give paddleboarding a try in Wales.
Read more: The Welsh bucket list: 100 things to do in Wales before you die
1. River Wye
Stretching 134 miles and traversing the border of Wales and England, the River Wye offers relaxed paddle boarding in scenic surroundings.
The Wye is one of the few rivers that's easily navigable by canoe or kayak for over 100 miles and has long stretches that are perfect for SUP adventures.
Along the Wye, paddle boarders can opt for half-day, full-day or multi-day trips, depending on their experience level. One of the most picturesque paddle routes for adventurous paddlers is from Monmouth to Ross on Wye in England.
This two-day trip takes paddlers past cosy, riverside pubs, wooded valleys and a plethora of wildlife.
First-time paddle boarders might want to book a guided river trip or a taster session with qualified professionals. Inspire2adventure offers SUP basics on the Wye as well as a 'mega sup', that can hold eight people for a unique family day out.
2. Bala Lake
Beautiful Bala Lake [Llyn Tegid], is Wales' largest natural lake at over four miles long and a mile wide. Full of local legends, it's located in the 'lake district' of southern Snowdonia and has the most inviting, clear water to paddle on.
The lake is famed for its impressive mountain scenery, rare wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. As well as being a SUP hub, the lake also offers outdoor lovers plenty of sailing, canoeing and wild swimming.
Looking to hire a SUP? Bala Watersports provide SUP equipment hire for pros and instruction for aspiring paddlers. Don't forget to get your lake permit from the Lake Warden's Centre before launch, the Lake Warden can ask to see permits at any time, so don't get caught out!
3. Mawddach Estuary, Barmouth
The River Mawddach meets the sea at the sandy bays of the Mawddach Estuary. This picture-perfect estuary provides the ideal paddle boarding conditions in Barmouth with a mountainous backdrop.
Launch your SUP board and soak up the delicious views of the harbour, Southern Snowdonia peaks and the Grade II* listed railway viaduct.
SUP Barmouth offer a range of stand up paddleboard lessons and tours in Barmouth Harbour and the Mawddach Estuary and cater for all ages including beginners and seasoned paddle pros.
4. Cardiff Bay
Get a unique different perspective of Cardiff Bay and its waterways by joining a SUP experience at Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW). There's a range of taster sessions, courses, SUP yoga and socials at this dynamic water sports hub in the city.
Glide through a lively cityscape on your SUP board past bridges, residential flats and the striking Principality Stadium as you paddle down urban rivers.
Want to launch your SUP on the Rivers Taff and Ely? Make sure to only launch from Cardiff Harbour Authority approved sites. Also, ensure that you've completed an approved 'Intro To SUP' course before you take to the water.
Why not combine a SUP session with white water rafting, kayaking or indoor surfing at CIWW, for an active day out?
5. Gower Peninsula
The Gower coastline is a perfect place to try your hand at paddleboarding.
There are a few gorgeous Gower spots where you can launch your SUP including Caswell Bay, Mumbles and Langland Bay. Crashing waves and tidal patterns make paddleboarding on the coast a tad more challenging than on lakes and rivers, so be fully prepared. If you're unsure, seek out guided trips or courses before you hit the beach with your board.
Big Blue Adventures offer guided Gower SUP tours with no previous experience needed. Adventure lovers can also combine a SUP trip with other Gower activities such as coasteering, surfing and beach yoga.
6. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Popular Barafundle Bay is regularly listed as one of the top beaches in the world and is a superb place to SUP in Pembrokeshire. This secluded beach can be a challenging place to paddle as it's only accessible by foot. The crystal-clear blue waters and golden sands are definitely worth the trip though.
Outer Reef Surf School offer a guided paddle trip from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay that takes paddlers past epic cliffs and caves in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Keep your eye out for a wealth of wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and basking sharks as you merrily SUP along.
7. Llandegfedd Lake, Monmouthshire
Llandegfedd Lake is a spectacular 434-acre reservoir with a water sports and visitor centre on-site. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Usk valley, you'll find an array of activities at the Welsh Water owned and operated lake, including paddle sports, sailing and open water swimming.
The lake is fully kitted out for SUP activities and even has changing rooms with hot showers and a café where you can grab a post-paddle brew.
Paddle pros can launch their own SUP board on the lake and there's also a brand-new SUP kit available for hire. For beginners, Llandegfedd offer expert tuition and courses to get your paddle skills up to scratch.
8. Langorse Lake, Brecon Beacons
Langorse Lake is in heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is known for being the largest natural lake in South Wales. Here, you can try your hand at fishing, canoeing, sailing and now paddleboarding in an idyllic setting.
As well as being incredibly scenic, the lake is also packed with nutrients and able to support a wide range of water plants and wildlife. Whether you explore the area by SUP or by foot, there's plenty of natural wonders to observe here.
Lakeside Boat Hire have SUP boards for hire from just £8, so you can discover the natural wonders of the lake without breaking the bank.
9. Llyn Clywedog, Cambrian Mountains
Paddleboard adventure awaits you at the impressive Llyn Clywedog, a 615-acre man-made reservoir in the remote Cambrian Mountains.
SUP around the calm waters of this majestic lake and marvel at the plentiful wildlife and tranquil scenery. Llyn Clywedog is also a fishing and sailing hot spot, with sailing on the lake run by the Clywedog Sailing Club.
For paddleboarders, Brenin Adventures offer half-day SUP taster sessions as well as full-day courses and trips on this serene, flat water lake.
They also offer SUP board hire for seasoned pros and also have a 'mega SUP' that will fit all your mates onto one board, for guaranteed water sports mayhem.
10. Colwyn Bay, Conwy
Primarily known as a windsurfing destination, Colwyn Bay has embraced paddleboarding as SUP demand increases. This Welsh seaside resort has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts, including swimming, biking, hiking and of course, paddleboarding.
SUP pros should check out the headland of Penryn Bay for a chance to spot Atlantic grey seals in the wild.
If you're in the market to buy your own SUP board, Conwy Kayaks have inflatable SUP board packages that will get you started on your paddle adventures.
11. Cardigan Bay, Ceredigion
SUP alongside seals and dolphins in marine life haven Cardigan Bay in Ceredigion. Check conditions before setting out to make sure it's calm enough to float around the coast exploring secluded bays
Coastlines and river estuaries in the area offer a variety of SUP routes for confident paddle pros. Discover Cardigan's Celtic Routes and heritage along the way with abandoned limekilns and hillforts as you gracefully glide around the peninsula.
Cardigan Bay Watersports offer paddleboard hire and lessons for first-timers and use Red Paddleboards for tuition, which generally offers good SUP stability.
