A Guide to Poland's Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Waters
When the days get longer and the sun shines more strongly, you know it is time to get on your board. But what if this is your first season? What if you have never tried to balance on the water, never paddled across shimmering waves while watching the nose of your SUP cut through the water, and have no idea where to start? Or perhaps you are an old sea dog who has explored every nearby lake and river and is looking for fresh inspiration, and perhaps new challenges, to begin the season in bold style? Do not worry!
Poland offers endless possibilities both for beginnersand experienced paddleboarders. In this article you will find a selection of places to try, as well as tips for finding a suitable spot yourself. Shall we begin?
Can I Take My SUP onto Any Body of Water?
Yes and no.
Yes, because almost any type of water, whether a lake, river or sea, allows us to paddle. We do not need any special qualifications either.
No, because every body of water has different characteristics. It may require suitable equipment or advanced skills. Especially when you are getting to know your board, it is important to choose a location with a full understanding of the conditions. Calm waters are best for beginners, and suit an allround board.
You should also always make sure that:
- paddling is permitted at your chosen location
- it is not private property
- it is not a dangerous place avoided by experienced paddleboarders
Remember! Before every trip somewhere new, check the basic information about the location:
- current speed
- type of riverbed or lakebed
- shape of the shoreline
Where Should You Take Your Board? Your Skills Matter!
Poland has plenty of places for stand up paddleboarding. It is important to match your plans to your ability. Beginners are advised to paddle on calm water without waves. Here is a simple guide:
-
lake - good for beginners or people who enjoy relaxing on the water
-
river - suitable for more experienced paddlers, particularly on rivers with strong currents, and for those who like covering longer distances; a touring board is recommended
-
sea - suitable for more experienced paddlers, particularly in larger waves, and for those who enjoy playing in the waves; requires suitable equipment, such as a surf board
Important! Before You Go...
Stand up paddleboarding is a water sport, so we must remember to look after our safety. That way, we can enjoy our time on the water.
Children and less confident swimmers are advised to wear a life jacket.
It is important to attach a leash to your leg to keep the board from drifting away, so you can always get back on it.
Things to take care of every time include:
- checking the weather conditions, paying particular attention to wind speed and direction - waves are very dangerous for beginner paddleboarders because they make balancing much more difficult. An offshore wind is even more dangerous: it can make returning to shore difficult or, in exceptional circumstances, impossible
-
staying within 150m of the shore
- watching out for other water users
-
not paddling your board after drinking alcohol!
SUP in the City
Did you know that you can get on your board even in the city? Surprised? Or perhaps not? Maybe you have seen a flotilla of smiling paddleboarders floating through the city centre and wanted to join them. If you are lucky enough to have a river or another body of water in your city, you can probably shut your computer, pick up your board and head straight to the water. Below is a list of places where you can start your stand up paddleboarding adventure without leaving the city, or with only a short trip beyond it!
-
Warsaw: Vistula, Żerański Canal and Zegrzyński Reservoir, Lake Dziekanowskie
-
Kraków: Vistula, from the city centre as far as Tyniec, Bagry Reservoir, Na Piaskach Reservoir in Kryspinów
-
Wrocław: Żeglugowy Canal, Oder, Stara Odra, Glinianki
-
Poznań: Lake Rusałka, Lake Malta, Warta, Lake Strzeszyńskie, Lake Kierskie
If not, do not worry. You are sure to find interesting options nearby!
Movino GARDA Allround 10'10'' (navy blue-orange)
SUP on a Lake, Pond or Reservoir
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs are among the best places to start your paddleboarding adventure. The absence of currents and whirlpools provides ideal conditions for beginners. Calm water and plenty of space allow you to learn to balance and practise basic manoeuvres. At the same time, a long shoreline and sometimes islands rising from the lake provide wonderful opportunities for endless exploration.
Here are a few suggestions:
-
Lower Silesia: Lake Bielawskie, Lake Leśniańskie,
-
Kuyavian-Pomeranian region: Lake Chomiąskie, Lake Tarpno
-
Lubusz region: Lake Lubiąż, Lake Lubikowskie, Lake Łagowskie, Lake Paklicko Wielkie, Lake Sławskie
-
Łódź region: Jeziorsko Reservoir, Sulejowski Reservoir
-
Lesser Poland: Lake Czorsztyńskie, Lake Rożnowskie
-
Masovian region: Lake Kozienickie, Borki Reservoir
-
Podlaskie region: Lake Białe Augustowskie, Lake Necko, Dojlidzkie Ponds
-
Pomeranian region: Lake Bielkowskie, Brodno Wielkie, Lake Charzykowskie, Lake Jelenie, Lake Rychnowskie
-
Silesian region: Lake Żywieckie
-
Świętokrzyskie region: Chańcza Reservoir
-
Warmian-Masurian region: Lake Bełdany, Lake Elckie, Lake Gołdapiwo, Lake Jeziorak, Lake Lidzbarskie, Lake Niegocin, Lake Orzysz, Lake Roś, Lake Śniardwy, Lake Święcajty, Lake Wulpińskie
-
Greater Poland: Lake Budzisławskie, Lake Dominickie, Lake Grzymisławskie, Lake Jaroszewskie, Lake Kaliszańskie, Lake Kubek, Lake Mikorzyńskie, Lake Pamiątkowskie, Lake Powidzkie, Lake Rudnickie, Jeziorsko Reservoir
-
West Pomeranian region: Lake Bukowo, Lake Drawsko, Lake Kaleńskie, Lake Okrągłe, Lake Wielimie, Lake Załomie, Lake Żerdno, Kamiński Lagoon (Wrzosowska Bay)
SUP on a River or Canal
Once we have mastered the basics of paddleboarding, we are ready to head onto rivers and canals. This is an appealing option for paddlers with a little more experience, preferably on a touring board, although beginners can manage some sections too. It is important to check the following every time:
- how strong the current is and how difficult it is to enter it
- whether there are any shallows
- whether the river is too narrow
- whether you should prepare for obstacles such as fallen trees, submerged branches or dense vegetation along the banks
- how much shade there is along the route, especially during long summer trips
A trip like this is an interesting way to discover new places from the water. The river forms a natural route along which we can paddle a few or a dozen or so kilometres, admiring the passing scenery and wildlife. The current also does some of the work for us, leaving us less tired from paddling. Nothing but benefits!
A touring board is recommended for these trips, allowing faster paddling and making longer distances more enjoyable.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Augustów Canal
- Bug
- Bzura
- Krutynia
- Motława
- Nogat
- Obra
- Oder
- Okrzejka
- Omulew
- Supraśl
- Świder
- Warta
- Wieprz
- Vistula
- Wkra
Movino ONTARIO Touring 12'16'' (blue-lime)
SUP at Sea
You can also go stand up paddleboarding at sea! Remember, however, that the larger waves make this a choice for people with advanced skills and suitable equipment. In these conditions, a surf board is useful, allowing you to incorporate elements of SUP surfing while providing stability even on unsettled water.
For experienced paddleboarders, the entire Baltic coastline is a good choice.
But wait! There is something for beginners too!
Two places that are ideal for getting started are:
- Gdańsk Bay (Hel Peninsula)
- Puck Bay
Shallow water and much smaller waves than on the open sea create perfect conditions for people starting their paddleboarding adventure, helping them stay safe.
SUP in Masuria
Masuria, well known as a centre for water sports, has an enormous number of waterways that let you explore the region endlessly on your SUP. There is no need to hesitate: it really is a great spot!
How to Find a Place for Your Own SUPer Trip!
With your own SUP board you can paddle practically anywhere.
- The first step is to look at a map and find rivers or lakes with interesting shapes. Make sure your chosen spot is large enough for a satisfying trip. Beginners should remember
- Next, if possible, use information available online, such as Google Street View or satellite images, to examine the shoreline and find out how you can get into the water.
- A useful tip! Most rivers suitable for kayaking will also be interesting options for paddleboarders. Websites for kayaking enthusiasts contain plenty of detailed information to help you decide whether a place is right for you, including current speed and the type of riverbed.
Just remember that our boards are built differently: they have a fin that can become tangled or wedged underwater, or get stuck in shallow water. This may mean carrying the board and can make the trip less enjoyable. A SUP board will not cope with mountain streams either.
- Other things worth checking before setting off:
- traffic on the water: sometimes it is better to go early in the morning or in the afternoon, when it is quieter
- water level: if it is too low, the fin will drag along the bottom; if it is too high, paddling can become dangerous
- weather conditions, especially wind direction and strength
- Once everything is ready, all that remains is to take your board and head out onto the water!
A Guide to Poland's Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Waters
When the days get longer and the sun shines more strongly, you know it is time to get on your board. But what if this is your first season? What if you have never tried to balance on the water, never paddled across shimmering waves while watching the nose of your SUP cut through the water, and have no idea where to start? Or perhaps you are an old sea dog who has explored every nearby lake and river and is looking for fresh inspiration, and perhaps new challenges, to begin the season in bold style? Do not worry!
Poland offers endless possibilities both for beginnersand experienced paddleboarders. In this article you will find a selection of places to try, as well as tips for finding a suitable spot yourself. Shall we begin?
Can I Take My SUP onto Any Body of Water?
Yes and no.
Yes, because almost any type of water, whether a lake, river or sea, allows us to paddle. We do not need any special qualifications either.
No, because every body of water has different characteristics. It may require suitable equipment or advanced skills. Especially when you are getting to know your board, it is important to choose a location with a full understanding of the conditions. Calm waters are best for beginners, and suit an allround board.
You should also always make sure that:
Remember! Before every trip somewhere new, check the basic information about the location:
Where Should You Take Your Board? Your Skills Matter!
Poland has plenty of places for stand up paddleboarding. It is important to match your plans to your ability. Beginners are advised to paddle on calm water without waves. Here is a simple guide:
Important! Before You Go...
Stand up paddleboarding is a water sport, so we must remember to look after our safety. That way, we can enjoy our time on the water.
Children and less confident swimmers are advised to wear a life jacket.
It is important to attach a leash to your leg to keep the board from drifting away, so you can always get back on it.
Things to take care of every time include:
SUP in the City
Did you know that you can get on your board even in the city? Surprised? Or perhaps not? Maybe you have seen a flotilla of smiling paddleboarders floating through the city centre and wanted to join them. If you are lucky enough to have a river or another body of water in your city, you can probably shut your computer, pick up your board and head straight to the water. Below is a list of places where you can start your stand up paddleboarding adventure without leaving the city, or with only a short trip beyond it!
If not, do not worry. You are sure to find interesting options nearby!
Movino GARDA Allround 10'10'' (navy blue-orange)
SUP on a Lake, Pond or Reservoir
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs are among the best places to start your paddleboarding adventure. The absence of currents and whirlpools provides ideal conditions for beginners. Calm water and plenty of space allow you to learn to balance and practise basic manoeuvres. At the same time, a long shoreline and sometimes islands rising from the lake provide wonderful opportunities for endless exploration.
Here are a few suggestions:
SUP on a River or Canal
Once we have mastered the basics of paddleboarding, we are ready to head onto rivers and canals. This is an appealing option for paddlers with a little more experience, preferably on a touring board, although beginners can manage some sections too. It is important to check the following every time:
A trip like this is an interesting way to discover new places from the water. The river forms a natural route along which we can paddle a few or a dozen or so kilometres, admiring the passing scenery and wildlife. The current also does some of the work for us, leaving us less tired from paddling. Nothing but benefits!
A touring board is recommended for these trips, allowing faster paddling and making longer distances more enjoyable.
Here are a few suggestions:
Movino ONTARIO Touring 12'16'' (blue-lime)
SUP at Sea
You can also go stand up paddleboarding at sea! Remember, however, that the larger waves make this a choice for people with advanced skills and suitable equipment. In these conditions, a surf board is useful, allowing you to incorporate elements of SUP surfing while providing stability even on unsettled water.
For experienced paddleboarders, the entire Baltic coastline is a good choice.
But wait! There is something for beginners too!
Two places that are ideal for getting started are:
Shallow water and much smaller waves than on the open sea create perfect conditions for people starting their paddleboarding adventure, helping them stay safe.
SUP in Masuria
Masuria, well known as a centre for water sports, has an enormous number of waterways that let you explore the region endlessly on your SUP. There is no need to hesitate: it really is a great spot!
How to Find a Place for Your Own SUPer Trip!
With your own SUP board you can paddle practically anywhere.
Just remember that our boards are built differently: they have a fin that can become tangled or wedged underwater, or get stuck in shallow water. This may mean carrying the board and can make the trip less enjoyable. A SUP board will not cope with mountain streams either.