A few years ago, most people associated SUP boards mainly with holidays abroad. Today, it turns out that some of the most beautiful places to paddle are just a few hours from home.

From the turquoise waters of Lower Silesia, through the wild river bends in Pomerania, to mountain lakes surrounded by forests – Poland can surprise even those who regularly travel across Europe.

We have prepared a list of places particularly worth visiting with a SUP board.

1. Lake Solina - Polish fjords

source: https://www.niesamowitapolska.eu/pl/blog/podkarpackie/bieszczady-solina

If there's one place made for paddleboarding, it's Solina.

The enormous surface area of the lake, forested hills descending into the water, and numerous bays give the impression of being in Norway or Croatia while paddling.

It's best to set off early in the morning when the water surface is almost perfectly smooth.

2. Lake Powidzkie 

Few people know that one of the cleanest lakes in Poland is located right here.

Clear water, sandy bottom, and bright colors make photos from Powidz often look as if they were taken abroad.

This is an ideal place for those starting their SUP adventure.

3. Czorsztyn and Lake Czorsztyńskie

source: https://jczorsztynskie.pl/

Paddling between castles, with the Tatra panorama in the background, is one of the most spectacular SUP experiences in Poland.

On windless days, the water turns into a huge mirror reflecting the mountains and medieval ruins.

4. Krutynia River - SUP through wild nature

source: https://mpk.warmia.mazury.pl/szlak-kajakowy-rzeki-krutyni/ (photo by Waldemar Bzura)

The Krutynia River has long been considered one of the most beautiful kayaking routes in Europe.

However, more and more people are discovering it from the perspective of a SUP board.

The slow current, crystal-clear water, and abundant greenery create conditions resembling paddling through a private national park.

5. Lake Drawsko

source: http://www.pojezierzedrawskie.info/jezioro-drawsko/

Poland's second deepest lake.

Its vastness, numerous islands, and exceptionally clear water make it one of the most underrated spots for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

6. Zakrzówek Lagoon in Krakow

source: https://krakow.travel/17717-krakow-zakrzowek-i-skalki-twardowskiego

Just a dozen years ago, it was a disused quarry.

Today, Zakrzówek is one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the country.

Turquoise water and limestone rocks create a landscape that would not be out of place in Southern Italy.

7. Lake Hańcza

source: https://spk.org.pl/ochrona-przyrody/rezerwaty-przyrody/rezerwat-przyrody-jezioro-hancza/

The deepest lake in Poland.

Surrounded by the hills of Suwałki Region, it offers a sense of space and tranquility that is hard to find in popular resorts.

8. Lake Niegocin

source: https://mazury24.eu/jeziora/jezioro-niegocin,216

One of the most recognizable lakes in Masuria.

Its size allows for planning both short trips and full-day SUP expeditions.

How to choose a place for your first SUP?

If you're just starting:

• choose lakes instead of the open sea,
• avoid strong winds,
• paddle in the morning,
• choose locations with easy access to the shore.

The best locations for beginners will be Powidz, Niegocin, and Solina.

Poland looks best from a paddleboard

SUP offers something that most water sports don't. It allows you to slow down. To see places inaccessible from land. To enter a bay that isn't visible from the beach.

And sometimes to discover that the most beautiful landscapes are not thousands of kilometers from home after all.