Top 5 scenic stand up paddle board locations

Stand up paddle board isn’t just about waves. Of course, riding a SUP is a way to enhance your surfing experience, but the design characteristics of a stand up paddle board allows the rider to SUP on whatever stretch of water they choose – within reason.

…just waiting to be discovered – Grenada, Caribbean – pic courtesy Fi Plavenieks

To this end, using a stand up paddle board for exploring is a cracking way to see the world from a different perspective. Many scenic spots around the globe are just begging to be discovered by SUP.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 scenic places to stand up paddle board in the world. Read on for some inspiration.

Grenada, Caribbean

Stepping off the plane and being greeted by a warm blast of tropical air – with a hint of nutmeg and mace wafting on the breeze – tells you you’ve arrived in this stunning Caribbean paradise.

The Spice Isle, as Grenada is more commonly referred to, is one of the lesser visited Caribbean islands and as such boasts a relaxed vibe with super friendly locals.

Fun in the sun – Grandian SUP – pic courtesy Tez

Watersports potential on the island is mostly confined to diving, meaning there is plenty of virgin stand up paddle boarding territory just waiting for you and your stick.

Stand up paddle board - Lush tropical rain forest spilling all the way down to the coast, perfect azure coloured water and secluded nooks and crannies at every turn – Grenada is a shining gem in this part of the world. Don’t miss it!

Maui, Hawaii

It wouldn’t be right to not include the Mecca of all things watersports and the birth place of stand up paddle boarding. Maui is recognised as the spiritual home of SUP and all forms of the discipline are practiced here.

The Valley Isle is great for the hard core wave elite or paddler who loves a bit of downwind action, but the south shore also boasts some of the most beautiful tropical scenery imaginable.

South shore, Maui – stand up paddle boarding bliss – pic courtesy Fi Plavenieks

Paddling along next to the Honoapiilani Highway in the shadows of the West Maui Mountains is breath taking. The added bonus of a having a multitude of small wave breaks along this stretch of coastline just adds to the mix.

If you haven’t made the pilgrimage, then perhaps now is the time?

Scotland, UK

The Lochs and Lochans of the Scottish Highlands is where you’ll find amazing scenery that seems to have burst from the pages of a Tolkien novel.

With soaring glens and vast expanses of water, stand up paddle boarding across any of these lochs is an inspirational experience.

Scotland’s finest – pic courtesy xXone Winged Angel

The landscape in this neck of the woods has probably not changed for centuries and what better way to experience the beauty of Scotland than on a stand up paddle board?

Maldives, Indian Ocean

The Maldives are an island nation found in the Indian Ocean that consists of 26 atolls. That equates to a lot of paddling potential for stand up paddle boarders!

Maldives money shot – pic courtesy First Choice

Time and again generic images of the Maldives pop up in travel brochures as examples of idyllic tropical paradise retreats that just begs you to part with your hard earned cash. If you had to imagine what your perfect island destination would look like the then Maldives would probably be it.

Touring on your SUP between atolls or stopping off at one of the many surf breaks for a spot of stand up paddle surfing – the choice is yours.

Patagonia, South America

Located at the very southern end of South America, Patagonia is an awe inspiring country that offers a diverse amount of stand up paddle boarding opportunities.

The region is shared by both Argentina and Chile and depending on which part of this coastline you find yourself will dictate the slight differences in cultural identity.

SUP racing, Patagonian style – pic courtesy SUP Racer

It stands to reason that this region receives its fair share of swell, but with numerous sheltered bolt holes flat water stand up paddle touring is also possible.

Paddling next to icebergs and sweeping with the diverse marine life are just a few reasons to visit.

It’s in fact so good that the recent Stand Up World Series held an event in Patagonia. If that doesn’t highlight how good the place is then we don’t know what to tell you.

Patagonia – pic courtesy Google images

The next time you’re looking for stand up paddle board trip inspiration, refer back to this inspirational guide and let Loco SUP spark in your imagination.