We take our waters on the back of a SUP!

Because it is easy to learn, easy to transport, but can also be rented in many places. These factors played a big role in the spread of SUP, and today they are almost mandatory elements of the landscape of our sunny waters. The sport is also excellent for children, so families can also try it out. Although it is an easy sport, it is also important to pay attention to safety aspects: it is a basic requirement that you can swim and wearing a life jacket is also strongly recommended, as this is the only way the water experience can be completely safe for everyone.

Few people think that transportation is at least as important as paddling itself. An improperly secured or poorly packed SUP can cause damage not only to the equipment but also to the car. According to Ildikó Schreiber, an expert at Euroleasing, if you pay more attention to the use of the strap, you can save yourself from a lot of inconvenience. Inflatable SUP, i.e. iSUP (inflatable SUP), is one of the most practical choices if you travel a lot or if you are short on space. When folded, it fits into a backpack-sized package, so it can even be transported in the trunk. Transporting rigid, i.e. hard SUPs requires more logistics. These cannot be packed, so they most often have to be secured to a roof rack. Proper protection is important: sponging, a fastening strap, and if you are going on a longer trip, it is worth protecting the board from sunlight and dirt with a tarpaulin or cover.

Inflatable SUPs can fit almost anywhere when packed up, but in the case of rigid SUPs, it is important how and by what kind of car you transport them. If you do not want to bother with attaching them to the roof, some minibus models can easily fit 270–300 cm SUPs. These include the Renault Trafic, Toyota ProAce Verso, Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Vito. Secure the SUP to the roof with at least two straps and protect the bottom of the board with foam pads or a special roof rack. It is good to keep a few basic rules in mind when attaching it. The nose of the board should always face forward, this is more aerodynamically stable and the wind will catch it less. The curvature (this is the part of the board called the rocker) "catches the wind" better when facing upwards, so when facing downwards, the board will lie more stably on the roof rack and will disturb the airflow less. Do not tighten the straps too tightly, as this can damage the board, but loose straps can cause the board to flap. During longer trips, it is worth stopping and checking that everything is in place. It is also important not to leave the SUP on the roof of your car for hours in the hot sun – especially not without a cover – as the heat can even deform the material.

The SUP experience becomes even richer with guided tours, which are now available nationwide. If we were to stay close to the capital, the Lower Bay of Visegrád is expressly suitable for beginner SUPers, where calm water and a small current await you to make your first paddle strokes. The Esztergom – Visegrád, Pilismarót – Visegrád and Visegrád – Tahitótfalu distances are also frequent routes here, with a beautiful view of the natural environment of the Danube Bend.

Our favourite big lake is not left behind in terms of SUP opportunities either: shallower waters, a diverse coastline and a lively tourist environment all contribute to exciting SUP adventures. On the tour of the Tihany Peninsula, you can enjoy the sight of the peninsula by cleaving the waters of Lake Balaton: the iconic towers of the abbey, the romantic villas and the wildly romantic landscape. On the shallow waters of the south coast, SUP will be our best friend as well, as we can explore territories that would be dangerous by boat due to the low water level. And for true performance seekers, there is also the option of rowing across the entire lake: the section between Tihany and Szántód is excellent for completing the challenge.  

Lake Tisza is also a popular location, where quiet water areas, coastal vegetation and birdsong make our SUP tour memorable. Natural labyrinths, closed mini-lakes, wonderful wildlife await all those who indulge in the sport here. A real specialty of the location is that there are attractions that can only be reached by water, such as the Fattyúszerkő Lookout. Tiszafüred is one of the best starting points, especially for those planning shorter distances, as there are wonderful and untouched areas very close from here.

While SUP is basically a summer sport, those who cannot wait for the warmer months do not have to be discouraged either: the Hévíz stream can be paddled in winter and summer thanks to the average water temperature of at least 20 °C. Winter tours are regularly organized in the wind-protected bed, where you can have a truly unforgettable experience as you admire the frozen world around you.  

As laymen, we might not think so, but those who have already tried it swear by it: SUP and yoga are the perfect combination for relaxation, exercise and recharging. It is recommended to practice the series of exercises that build on balance in our calmer waters, within the framework of organized sessions. You can try it either on the calm Bodrog in Tokaj or on a quieter coast of the Tihany Bay. During the yoga class, we have the opportunity to deepen, meditate, and become almost one with the pleasantly poppling water below us. This special pairing is also recommended for complete beginners, as exercises are usually performed sitting or lying on the board, so anyone who is scared of standing up at first can get used to moving with the board at their own pace.

Good news for those who love paddling but do not want to leave their beloved dog at home: you do not have to choose on the SUP, because due to its peaceful nature, the SUP is perfectly suited for our adventurous pets to join us balancing on the board, who will probably enjoy that they can be a part of the experience. And if they took a splash after the ride on the board, all they have to do is spring up and all four flippers are already splashing in the water. Owners are usually notified in advance to only participate with well-trained and water-accustomed dogs, for the safety of themselves and others.

SUP offers a unique water experience for all those who like to explore and relax on the open water. With SUP lessons, guided tours and special programmes, everyone can find the most suitable way to water tour. Whether it is Lake Balaton, the Danube Bend or Lake Tisza, SUP takes us everywhere to get to know the hidden beauties of our waters.