Where to go paddle surfing?

You already have your paddle surf board, the accessories to jump into the water and the desire to start a new adventure. You've spent days with the preparations so that everything goes as planned and you've even managed to gather a good group of friends, but you still don't know where to paddle surf.

If you are wondering whether it is better on the beach or in a lake, or if you should choose a river, a reservoir or a swamp, in this guide we solve all your doubts so you can always choose the ideal place to practice paddle surfing. Because there are no good or bad places, only those that are best suited to your experience and what you expect from the route.

Paddle surfing on the beach: the best place to practice this sport?

Paddle surfing has its origins in the Pacific Ocean, so the practice of this sport has always been linked to beaches and coasts. In fact, it was born as an alternative to surfing on days when the sea was calm. This allowed the lovers of this sport to surf even when there were no waves, feeling the connection with the ocean.

The sea offers different possibilities to practice SUP. Discovering hidden coves, sailing over reefs or skirting small islets are just some of the options offered by paddle surfing on the beach. Even so, the coasts are not always the best choice to practice this sport. It depends on factors such as your experience with the board, the state of the sea or the wind conditions.

Generally, paddle surfing is a sport that is practiced in calm water. While it is possible to surf in waves and wind, this requires experience and balance, qualities that someone who is just starting out has not yet acquired. In addition, if the wind gusts are strong, it is not advisable to paddle surf on the beach for safety reasons.

To paddle surf on coasts and beaches, you must take into account that:

• There may be waves that make it difficult to keep your balance and navigate if you are not experienced enough.
• There are usually bathers. You will have to watch where you navigate with your board, always keeping a safe distance to avoid accidents.
• Wind is an obstacle that can complicate the route. Sail first to windward (upwind) to make it easier to return to shore.
• Ocean currents can make it more difficult to stay on course with the paddle surfboard.

The best beaches for paddle surfing

In Spain there are hundreds of kilometers of coastline where you can paddle surf. Whether in the Mediterranean or in the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, Spanish beaches offer a great variety in both landscapes and nature, in addition to the good weather that accompanies most of the year.

The offer of beaches for paddle surfing is very wide, although we have prepared a selection of 15 of the best locations on the coast where you can enjoy this water sport:

1. Beach of Los Lances (Tarifa, Cadiz)
2. Las Teresitas Beach (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
3. Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)
4. La Manga del Mar Menor (Murcia, Spain)
5. Beach of A Lanzada (Pontevedra)
6. Cala Vella (Mallorca)
7. Torimbia Beach (Asturias)
8. Oyambre Beach (Cantabria)
9. San José (Almería)
10. Playa d'en Bossa (Ibiza)
11. Isla Cristina Beach (Huelva)
12. La Fosca Beach (Girona)
13. Barceloneta Beach (Barcelona)
14. Granadella Beach (Alicante)
15. Fontanilla Beach (Málaga)

Paddle surfing in rivers: everything you need to know

Paddle surfing in rivers has gained popularity in recent years. It is an excellent alternative for paddle surfing routes driven by the current. In addition, rivers offer different levels of difficulty. There are those whose waters are a haven of peace and there are also those for those looking for action thanks to its currents and rapids.

But rivers can also be too complex for paddling if you don't have the necessary knowledge and experience. Therefore, it is best that you paddle surf in rivers always in company and that you first get to know the area and what challenges it has in store for you. Keep in mind that:

• Rivers can be very technical. The fast areas are not suitable for beginners, so it is best to start in areas where the current is gentle.
• You must protect yourself against possible falls. We advise you to use a life jacket, neoprene and even a protective helmet. In the rivers there are branches, rocks and other elements with which you could get hit.
• There will be areas of higher flow and shallower areas. Make sure the river is navigable and there is no danger of falling or damaging your board.
• There are paddle surfing regulations for rivers. It is advisable to consult the regulations of each Hydrographic Confederation before paddling.
• You will need a permit to navigate with your paddle surf board in rivers. You will have to fill out a responsible declaration and pay the corresponding fees, as well as wait for a certain period of time that varies depending on the Confederation responsible.

Where to paddle surf in Spanish rivers?

The possibilities of where to paddle surf on rivers in Spain are almost endless. With more than 8,000 riverbeds distributed throughout the country, rivers are a perfect option for paddle boarding, especially if you live in the interior of the country and are far from the coast.

These are some examples of the best known rivers in Spain where you can paddle surf:

1. Ebro River
2. Douro River
3. Tagus River
4. Guadalquivir River
5. Guadiana River
6. Júcar River
7. Segura River
8. Miño River
9. Sella River
10. Sil River
11. Nalón River
12. Genil River
13. Turia River
14. Tormes River
15. Cabriel River

Paddle surfing on lakes: the experience of sailing in the mountains

Whether you are just learning how to paddle surf or you are an expert, the lakes offer what you need to live a day to the fullest. With almost 2,500 lakes and lagoons, Spain has spaces brimming with native flora and fauna that you can mingle with while enjoying a paddle surfing route in the best company.

Unlike beaches and rivers, in lakes you will find calm waters, tranquility and nature. They are perfect for practicing this sport almost all year round, they are not crowded with visitors or bathers and offer ideal conditions for learning paddle surfing.

If you are going to paddle surf in lakes, it is important to consider that:

• The depth will be greater than that of the beach and rivers. In addition, if they are mountain lakes the water temperature will be lower even in summer.
• The accesses to the lake and water may not be as well defined, so you would have to travel some distance on foot to reach them.
• Some lakes are within protected natural environments. Respect the vegetation and animals that you will find in the area.
• Be aware of the distance. Some lakes have a large surface area and it is easy to wander away from the shore.
• Not all lakes allow paddle surfing. Check if it is, if you need a permit and what are the requirements.

Paddle surfing in reservoirs and marshes: calm waters in the middle of nature

If you are looking for where to paddle surf and you are not interested in any of the above, reservoirs and marshes are a perfect choice for its calm waters and accessibility. Paddle surfing in marshes and reservoirs is allowed in Spain, although you must fill out a responsible statement and comply with current regulations determined by the Hydrographic Confederations.

These aquatic environments are ideal if you prefer tranquility in the middle of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches or the limitations presented by the rivers. In Spain there are more than 370 reservoirs and marshes, so it is easy to find a place to paddle surf near you.

In this case, you must take into account safety aspects so that nothing alters the day with your paddle surfboard:

• Depth in reservoirs and swamps can vary depending on rainfall and time of year.
• Although the water is apparently calm, temperature changes and wind can generate currents on the bottom that are not visible.
• Reservoirs attract bathers in summer. Keep a safe distance.
• At the bottom of swamps and reservoirs there are rocks, algae, roots and even mud. Watch your step so you don't get caught, trip or injure yourself.
• In some lakes and marshes the shores are not sandy. Use neoprene booties to protect your feet and to be able to use the board.

Where to paddle surf in marshes and reservoirs?

Spain's marshes and reservoirs are an excellent alternative to beaches, lakes and rivers, as well as an option for paddleboarding inland. Here are 15 reservoirs and marshes where you can experience paddleboarding:

1. San Juan reservoir (Madrid)
2. Los Ángeles de San Rafael Reservoir (Segovia)
3. Ricobayo Reservoir (Zamora)
4. Riaño Reservoir (León)
5. Agrio Reservoir (Seville)
6. Pena Reservoir (Teruel)
7. Mediano Reservoir (Huesca)
8. Entrepeñas Reservoir (Guadalajara)
9. Iznájar Reservoir (Córdoba)
10. Escales reservoir (Aragón)
11. Almendra Reservoir (Salamanca)
12. Cuerda del Pozo Reservoir (Soria)
13. Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, Cáceres (Cáceres)
14. El Atazar Reservoir (Madrid)
15. Cierva Reservoir (Murcia)

Life is a journey to be experienced!

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