Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is taking the water sports world by storm. It’s quickly becoming the water sport of choice and while it might not be the most popular (yet) it certainly is the fastest growing.
Stand Up Paddleboarding has its ancient roots in Hawaii but became popular recently among surf instructors and photographers trying to get a higher vantage point than the surface of the water. Becoming increasingly popular is flat water and inland paddling which is what makes Stand Up Paddleboards ideal for Loch Lomond.
Stand Up Paddleboarding uses a surf style board and a long paddle. In that regard it is a cross between canoeing and surfing or maybe windsurfing, but substituting the sail for a paddle.
With its numerous lochs and lochans to explore, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has something special to offer every kind of paddler. Loch Lomond has many islands which provide sheltered waters whilst the open expanse of the loch allows more competent paddlers to enjoy open water conditions. There are a variety of places to launch a paddleboard given they are so easy to put in the water, require very little space and shallow water is not an issue.
Whether you are an experienced paddler or are heading into the water for the first time; it’s essential that you’re well prepared before getting in the water. Before you head out read our guide on how to have fun and stay safe in the water.
In an emergency call 999, ask for Police and the rescue boat and provide the exact location of the emergency.
Please ensure you always wear a buoyancy aid when out on the water. For further information visit the British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy a paddleboarder’s view of Loch Lomond!
Stop the spread
Invasive non-native species are one of the key threats to nature in the National Park. Aquatic plants and animals can sometimes be unwittingly transported into a new environment on people’s equipment such as wetsuits, kayaks and fishing gear. The introduction of new species can threaten the delicate ecosystems in the National Park.
Every time you leave any body of water (in or outside of the National Park), please follow the national ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ guidance:
- Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms. Pay particular attention to damp or hard to inspect areas.
- Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them or on a hard surface to die out.
- Dry all equipment and clothing. Some species can live for many days in damp conditions.
Read the full Check, Clean and Dry guides for different water users.