Which areas can you explore on a SUP board? Which Paddle Surf schools offer Paddle Surf courses? Can you just rent the equipment? In this guide, we will be answering all these questions and a lot more about practicing this water sport in Cantabria.

Cantabria is one of the traditional places where Paddle Surf has been now practiced for a few years. It offers a great variety of possibilities so that you can get started in this water sport, which has been very popular for the last decade in the north peninsular beaches.

Although it may seem a fairly new sport, its origin dates back to the means of transport the Waikiki people of Hawaii used during the 60s, as instructors approached their trainees aboard a SUP table while they were learning to do surf. In the year 2000, Hawaii expert surfers introduced this modality in their pieces of training, spreading paddle surf all around the world.

The main characteristic that makes paddle surf different is that waves are not required for you to practise it. This characteristic has resulted in surf schools having a perfect alternative for those days that sea conditions are not appropriate for doing surf.

We leave you a video so that you can convince yourself of its easy handling:



In general, the size of a SUP table is bigger than a surfboard, as the purpose is to gain stability in the water and stand up on the table without difficulties. If we remain on the so-called flat waters, paddle surf is not difficult at all, so a minimum age is not required to practice it. However, it is advisable to know how to swim, as well as having enough height and capacity to control the paddle.

The paddle is essential because it is our method of way of moving forward and changing direction. Before going into the water, we must make sure that the paddle is perfectly adjusted according to our physical needs since it has several positions. To do this, we will place the paddle on the ground next to us, with the paddle knob upwards. We will raise our arms up and take the measure in which the paddle knob and our wrist meet. Then we will be ready to go into the water.

If it is your time with the paddle surf, you can try to be on your knees until you become more confident to stand up. As you practice, you will be able to move through different levels of this water sport, which depend mostly on the state of water. The highest level of paddle surf is with waves, which requires a well-trained technique and previous accurate knowledge that you will be given in specific courses.

On the contrary, we find an entertaining way of doing paddle surf, the group big SUP. They are used giant SUP boards which that can fit up to 10 people who will need to paddle at the same time to experience amusing trips where coordination is essential.

But now we are going to focus on Cantabria, a place that offers all the paddle surf modalities available either in the river or the sea.

Where are the best areas to SUP in Cantabria?

- In Santander, we can find paddle surf courses from 1 hour and a half on, which take off from the bay and include a certificate of achievement. Once we have received this training, we will be ready to participate in 2-hour tours in which we will be given all the necessary material and a guiding instructor. Click here to make a reservation.

- Playa de Suances beach, which is located 20 kilometers away from the city of Santander, is one of the most popular destinations for practicing this water sport. Here you will be able to book a 2-hour paddle surf lesson that includes all the necessary knowledge to being autonomous with the SUP board and the rowing. Click here to make a reservation.

- Playa de Somo beach, which is located approximately the same distance away as Suances, and is another key spot for surfers, where you will be able to rent the paddle surfing equipment. Click here to make a reservation.

- At Noja beach, awaits a spectacular landscape with Cantabrian and Basque surfers and an entertaining rocks tour. We recommend this option if you are a beginner, as the trip bac to the shore is easier because of the favourable wind conditions. Click here to make a reservation.

- In San Vicente de la Barquera, you will find the best options for taking an paddle surf course for beginners, as its calm waters and lack of wind are perfect to get your first taste with this water sport. Click here to make a reservation.

- Descending the Deva River, we will see a possibility of practicing paddle surf in the river and putting aside the sea. The instructor will tell you which river section is the most appropriate since we don’t find waves in freshwater but we can find rapids and whirlpools that could be dangerous.

The easiest descent of Deva River is found in Tina Mayor estuary, in a circuit which goes from the town of Vilde, in Asturias, to the town of Unquera. A 90-minute tour, approximately, and a distance between 4 and 6 kilometers.

To add an extra touch of excitement, there is a river section with more moving waters: a 7-kilometer circuit from the village of Buelles, in Asturias, to Unquera too, which takes 2 hours. The longest tour requires an intermediate level of expertise of this sport. You will have to stand up at the SUP table for 3 hours for a 13-kilometer tour from Panes to Unquera.

You will be able to rent the material too, since most paddle surf schools and centers offer this service startting from 1 hour, onwards. This way, you will feel free to practise on your own too.