Stand Up Paddling
Hawaiian hang-loose feeling
Aloha spirit on Lake Davos
What made work easier for Polynesian fishermen has become a popular pastime in Davos Klosters: stand-up paddling (SUP). The new trend sport is easy to practice, fun and keeps you fit. Beat Conrad from the surf center on Lake Davos reveals how it's done.
Beat Conrad pulls the paddle through the water with apparent ease and glides across Lake Davos standing on his surfboard. Early in the morning, no wind, no waves. The lake is as smooth as a mirror. You can see that Conrad is having a lot of fun with the new trend sport of stand-up paddling. No wonder: the conditions are great here. Hang-loose feeling like in Hawaii.
Glide over Lake Davos like a king
Speaking of Hawaii: SUP was inspired by, among other things, the Polynesian fishermen who used to go fishing standing up in their canoes. "The indigenous people of Hawaii also moved around on boards," adds Beat Conrad, who runs the surf center on Lake Davos. But only one person had the privilege of paddling standing up: the king. Today, guests in Davos Klosters also feel a little elevated when they glide silently over the water's surface on a SUP board. And with good reason: "You have a great view of the underwater world, the shore and the surrounding mountains," says Conrad, explaining his fascination with this sport and adding: "It's like a kind of meditative workout."
Workout like Cindy Crawford or Eva Longoria
Stand up paddling is easy to learn. Nevertheless, a private lesson is worthwhile to practice the basics. "You do have to be able to swim, but not row or surf," continues Conrad. His eyes light up. It doesn't matter how old or fit you are. Everyone chooses their own pace and takes breaks in between. Stand up paddling uses many muscles: from the feet, thighs, torso and arms to the fingertips. In short: a great fitness workout that celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Eva Longoria have also discovered for themselves. "Well then, have fun," says Conrad and paddles leisurely on to a bay that is aptly named Hawaii Bay.
4 tips for your first attempts on the water
- 01
Get on and start paddling
Place the paddle across the board. Kneel on the board and try to get into a stable position. Place your feet roughly in the middle of the board and slowly stand up. Let's go.
- 02
Suitable material is crucial
Don't just grab a board and go. It's important that you have enough buoyancy. A man needs a different board than a woman or a child because of his weight.
- 03
Paddle properly
Grab the paddle with both hands and stretch your arms forward. Dip the paddle far into the water. The entire paddle blade should be in the water. Then pull the paddle through the water until it reaches your heel. The power comes from your upper body.
- 04
Don't be afraid of the water
Venture out onto the water. Even if the board feels a little wobbly and strange at first, you'll quickly get used to it - and nothing will stand in the way of paddling fun. We promise.
SUP rental and courses
If you're now interested in stand-up paddling in Davos, contact the Davosersee Surf Center directly in the summer. They offer SUP courses, individual and group lessons, SUP events such as SUP yoga, and the rental of SUP boards and paddles. Tip: After the SUP tour, relax at the Davos lido. So pack a towel.
