Hire a board abroad or take your own?

Both options can work brilliantly. The right choice depends on how central paddleboarding is to your trip.

Hiring a board while you are away

Good for: casual paddlers, first‑timers, city breaks and light packers.

Pros:

• No bulky kit in the airport.
• No worries about damage in transit.
• Try different shapes and sizes of boards.

Cons:

• Quality and availability can vary.
• Peak‑season prices may be higher.

Tips:

• Pre‑book in popular areas or at busy times.
• Check photos of equipment and whether instruction is included.

Taking your own paddleboard as extra luggage

Inflatable SUPs are designed to travel, so flying with one is often easier than you think.

Good for: regular paddlers, longer trips and SUP‑focused holidays.

Pros:

• You know the board and how it behaves.
• Paddle whenever you like, without hire opening hours.
• Cost‑effective if you are on the water most days.

Cons:

• Need to factor in airline baggage rules and fees.
• Extra weight and bulk to manage.

Practical pointers:

• Check sports equipment policies and weight limits before booking flights.
• Allow extra time to drop off oversized bags.
• Pad the pump and fin box; keep fins in hand luggage if possible.

“Will my own holiday insurance cover me as standard?”

The honest answer is: not always, so never assume. Policies differ a lot, so it is worth reading the wording carefully and asking questions before you travel.

Key things to check:

• Is paddleboarding specifically included?
  Some policies class it as a standard water sport, others only cover it on “calm inland waters”, and some require an extra premium.
• Where are you covered?
  Look for any difference between lakes, sheltered coastal waters and open sea or offshore trips.
• Are hire and guided tours covered?
  Many insurers expect you to use licensed operators, wear safety kit and follow local instructions.
• What is actually protected?
• Medical expenses if you are injured while paddleboarding.
• Personal liability if you accidentally injure someone else or damage property.
• Equipment cover for your own board and kit, especially in transit.

If you are unsure, contact your insurer and ask them to confirm in writing that paddleboarding, as you plan to do it, is covered. Insurance is there to back you up if something goes wrong, but it sits alongside sensible planning and safe suppliers.

Top 10 destinations for paddleboarding abroad

There are countless places to paddle, but these ten are particularly special for a holiday with SUP time built in.

1. Croatia: Dalmatian Coast & islands
   Sheltered bays, crystal‑clear water and a maze of islands make Croatia a dream for coastal paddling. Glide around quiet coves in Hvar, Korčula or Brač, explore sea caves, then stop at a waterside konoba for lunch. Early mornings and golden‑hour evenings are especially magical.
2. Greek Islands: Milos, Crete, Rhodes & more
   Greece combines warm water, dramatic coastlines and plenty of hire centres. Milos is known for its rock formations and caves, while areas of Crete and Rhodes offer calm bays perfect for beginners. You can paddle from beach to beach, then roll straight into a taverna for sunset.
3. Algarve, Portugal
   The rock arches, cliffs and caves around Lagos and Benagil are breathtaking from a paddleboard. Go early to avoid boat traffic and midday sun, and always with a guided tour if you are heading into sea caves for the first time. There are also gentler lagoon areas ideal for families.
4. Lake Garda, Italy
   For those who like their water like glass, Lake Garda can be stunning in the mornings and evenings. You can paddle with mountains all around you, then step off into pretty lakeside towns for gelato. Ideal for families and couples who want a balance of activity and relaxation.
5. The Norwegian Fjords
   Not warm, but unforgettable. Calm, sheltered water, towering cliffs and waterfalls tumbling around you: it is drama on an epic scale. Dry suits or good wetsuits are a must, and this is best done through a reputable guided operator, but the rewards are huge.
6. Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
   Alpine scenery, emerald water and a peaceful atmosphere: both lakes are fantastic for relaxed SUP sessions. Bled offers iconic views of the island church; Bohinj feels wilder and less developed. Perfect if you enjoy walking and cycling as well.
7. Maldives
   Crystal‑clear shallows, calm lagoons and reef‑fringed islands make paddleboarding here incredibly accessible. Spot rays and reef sharks gliding below you, or paddle out for sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Many resorts offer complimentary boards for guests.
8. Thailand: Phang Nga Bay & islands
   Limestone karsts rising out of turquoise water, hidden lagoons and mangroves: Thailand offers an adventurous backdrop for SUP. Choose calm, sheltered areas and guided tours, especially if you are new to the region, and avoid busy boat channels.
9. Canada: Vancouver Island & lakes of British Columbia
   For those who like a wilder, cooler feel, Canada’s lakes and coastline are spectacular. Think mirror‑flat lakes at dawn, forest all around and maybe even wildlife spotting from your board. Always go out with local advice and respect currents, tides and weather.
10. USA: Florida Keys & Gulf Coast
    Mangroves, manatees and clear, shallow water: the Keys and calmer parts of the Gulf Coast are brilliant for gentle exploration. You can paddle through mangrove tunnels, drift over seagrass beds and often spot wildlife just below the surface.

What to look for from a paddleboard supplier to stay safe

Whether you are hiring a board or joining a tour, the right operator is just as important as the right location.

Safety kit as standard
They should provide:

• A properly fitted buoyancy aid or life jacket
• A suitable leash for the environment
• Well‑maintained boards matched to your weight and experience

Good guiding and advice
Look for qualified or very experienced staff, a clear safety briefing, and obvious local knowledge of winds, tides and hazards. If you are leaving a sheltered bay, a guided tour is usually the safest choice.

Sensible group sizes and clear terms
Smaller groups mean more attention. Check that they are insured, that their terms are clear and that they explain what is at your own risk. If anything feels rushed or vague, choose someone else.

Extra safety tips for paddleboarding abroad

• Check the wind and weather, not just the waves.
• Dress for sun and water temperature, not just air temperature.
• Start within your comfort zone and build up.
• Tell someone your plan if you paddle independently.
• Take basics like water, sun protection and a waterproof phone case.

Making paddleboarding part of your next holiday

Whether you want a gentle first taste on a calm lake or a full SUP‑focused escape, paddleboarding can transform how you experience a destination. With the right planning, safe suppliers and the right insurance, it can be a highlight of your trip rather than a worry.

If you would like your next holiday to include some unforgettable time on the water, I can build a trip around it: from board‑friendly airlines and car hire to trusted local SUP centres, family‑friendly tours and the perfect place to unwind afterwards.