SUP on Fuerteventura
STAND UP PADDLE
Stand up paddling on Fuerteventura – El Cotillo
WE’RE HOOKED – STAND UP PADDLING ON FUERTEVENTURA
Relaxation, better balance, an effective full-body workout: SUP is the perfect preparation for and follow-up to surfing.
Surfing is fun, but it can sometimes be pretty exhausting, because every beginning is often hard. Who would have thought surfing requires so much strength? All that paddling, then you also need strength to master the take-off, and ideally good balance to ride the waves. But there is a trick to prepare yourself for surfing or to build on your surf lessons: the answer is SUP – stand up paddling.
SUP is short for stand up paddling. When stand up paddling (SUP), you stand upright on a board that resembles a surfboard, but is bigger, wider and – thanks to more volume and buoyancy – much more stable. You move forward with a long paddle. You can paddle anywhere there is a suitable stretch of water: on a lake, on the sea or on a river. Young or old – stand up paddling is a sport that is easy and quick to learn and suitable for anyone who loves being on the water.
SUP – BEING IN HARMONY AND FINDING YOUR BALANCE
Once only used by surf instructors in Hawaii to reach their students faster and teach better, surfing with a paddle has now become a real trend sport.
As beautiful as it is on a lake, the sea is a whole new challenge!
Whether as a training session for surfing, for relaxing, to improve your balance or simply to have fun – SUP offers it all at once. And if you need a relaxed afternoon but still can’t do without your board, you can use stand up paddling for the ultimate relaxation.
AND ACTION: STAND UP PADDLING IN THE WAVES
What makes stand up paddling so appealing? Some say it’s easy to learn. Others appreciate that you can do it anywhere – on the sea, on canals or on rivers – and others simply like the relaxed and simple nature of this new water trend sport.
But it doesn’t always have to be a leisurely paddle trip to beautiful secret spots with crystal-clear water: SUP became really popular when extreme surfer Laird Hamilton surfed a monster wave with a paddle in his hands. If you crave more action, have a good sense of balance or already have SUP experience, you can throw yourself into the steep waves of Fuerteventura’s beach and reef breaks.
6 reasons to try stand up paddle (SUP)
1. Stand up paddle is a full-body workout
SUP is a holistic workout that engages your entire body, every single muscle as well as your ligaments and joints. When you do this kind of water sport, you can burn up to 400 calories per hour (or even more). SUP combines the benefits and effects of strength training, aerobics and cross-training in one sport. Because you constantly move your arms, shoulders and back to propel your board forward, you also improve your cardiovascular fitness. The effect of the full-body workout with stand up paddle: you will feel stronger and notice an improvement in your endurance.
2. Stand up paddle is easy to learn
Learning SUP doesn’t take long. Some beginners need very little time to pick up the technique and start paddling (in flat water at first). All you have to do is get up on your knees first, then stand up and get the board moving with your paddle. Stand up paddling is much less complicated than Surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing, which require a lot of technique and knowledge. With SUP you definitely get back on your feet much faster – if you fall at all. Even though getting started is easy, you should consider an SUP instructor who will make your first steps easier and also teach you the right technique. You will also learn the basics about currents, warm-ups, etc. that prepare you perfectly for SUPing.
3. Stand up paddle improves your balance
SUP requires constant tension in your core muscles and balancing your whole body so that you stay upright and don’t fall into the water. Stand up paddling trains your thighs and calves and strengthens your core. It also sharpens your concentration, which benefits you in everyday life. You get better at balancing your body and can react faster in dangerous situations. You become more alert and quicker to react.
4. SUP has a cleansing effect on the body
SUP in the sun – and we really have plenty of that here on Fuerteventura – boosts the synthesis of vitamin D in your body. Sunlight also has positive effects on psoriasis and acne, and it improves the production of serotonin and melatonin, which regulate your sleep rhythm and mood. If you’re out on the sea, there are even more effects: salt water can soothe dermatitis and other skin conditions. In addition, the salty air cleanses your lungs. Besides the physical effects, SUP also has psychological effects. As you glide across the water on your board, hear the water lapping and experience nature, your stress melts away all by itself. SUP boosts your self-confidence and makes you happy!
5. Stand up paddle is suitable for everyone
SUP is a great activity for everyone – regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Beginners usually start on their knees and quickly get a feel for balance when they soon try standing up. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler: you can pursue your sporting and exploring goals in your own individual way. SUP gives you the opportunity to discover nature and connect with your inner self. You get closer to nature, feel the calm, and by practising SUP you will grow personally, see things from a different perspective, and the experience on the paddle board will sharpen your senses.
6. With stand up paddle you will explore the world
Once you’re out on your own as an independent paddler after a few training sessions, you’ll develop a passion for discovering new places where you can put your SUP skills to use. Wherever you set off on your own, you’ll do it for all kinds of reasons. These can range from funto fitness to experiencing nature . Set off on a journey of discovery. Another great thing is that stand up paddling stands out from other water sports such as surfing or windsurfing. Stand up paddle is a social activity! You can chat with friends while paddling or enjoy the whole thing with the whole Family . You’ll probably never get bored, because you can take part in tours, SUP fitness classes or races. Lots of possibilities await you with SUP!
Safety when SUPing
Our different stand up paddle offers and PRICES
4 h – Day trip Stand Up Paddle
to enjoy this beautiful sport.
Level: Beginner (with inflatable SUP)
Time in the water: approx. 2 h
Price: 1 pers. 55 €, from 2 pers. 40 € per person
4 h – Wave, Race & Downwind Stand Up Paddle
To use a wave or race stand up paddle board, you already need very good “board control” and experience. We will help you reach the next level.
Level: All levels
Time in the water: approx. 4 h
Price: 1 pers. 80 €, from 2 pers. 65 € per person
trip (1 pers.)
trip (2 pers.)
wave / race SUP (1 pers.)
wave / race SUP (2 pers.)
Basic Stand Up Paddle Course – 3 or 5 days
In this course we’ll get you to the point where you can go out on a stand up paddle board on your own. This will allow you to keep exploring this great sport and improve.
3 days is the minimum you need at the start to internalise the basics. Topics covered include safety, balance, quick turns and changes of direction, etc.
5 days give us the opportunity to test different types of stand up paddle boards and, for example, try out a race SUP board.
Basic SUP - 3-day course (1 pers.)
- Level: All levels
- Duration: 3 days, 12 h
Basic SUP - 5-day course (1 pers.)
- Level: All levels
- Duration: 5 days, 20 h
Basic SUP - 3-day course (2 pers.)
- Level: All levels
- Duration: 3 days, 12 h
Basic SUP - 5-day course (2 pers.)
- Level: All levels
- Duration: 5 days, 20 h
Our stand up paddle instructor Narcy
My name is Narcy, I’m 39 years old and grew up in Sardinia (Italy), where I had my first contact with salt water. I’m a surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer, wakeboarder and SUP instructor with more than 15 years of teaching experience. I love passing on and sharing my passion for the elements of water, wind, waves and sun with other people. I love the look of joy on my students’ faces when they experience the adrenaline rush that nothing else in this world can give you.
Ever since I was a child, sport has always played a huge role for me. I grew up with gymnastics, basketball and martial arts. But actually I was interested in all ball sports, including volleyball, football and other team sports such as sailing. I lead a very healthy life and train every day – surrounded by water whenever possible.
I love training, I love teaching others and I love passing on my passion and love.
Over the years I wanted to learn more and more about my passion. That’s why I became a “personal trainer” and studied nutritional science. I’ve been living on Fuerteventura for 10 years and look forward to meeting you!
Here you can see me in action stand up paddling (SUP)
LET YOURSELF DRIFT WITH US
Want to float across the water and relax? Then stand up paddling is just right for you! SUP is also a full-body workout: your upper arms, back muscles and core are trained and strengthened. There is also an intensive workout for your abs, glutes and thighs. An all-round workout in the middle of the water, with sunshine and nice conversations. With SUP you can unwind and do something for your body at the same time.
What will you learn during SUP training?
- How to find the right, optimal stance
- How to hold your paddle correctly
- How to paddle properly and how the right paddling technique works
- How to turn on the water
- What to look out for (safety aspects, currents, etc.)
WHERE DOES THE SUP LESSON TAKE PLACE?
We organise the SUP course for you together with one of our partners in Corralejo.
HOW DO I GET TO THE SUP LESSON?
You travel there on your own by bus (approx. 40 minutes) or by rental car (approx. 25 minutes). We’ll send you exact travel details and further information in good time before your stand up paddling course.