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Wha’SUP Thailand! Picture-perfect places to pick up a paddle

Go at your own pace with SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). iSUP Samui

Thai Escapes

Stand-Up Paddleboarding is where you can set your own pace, so it can be a high-octane competitive sport, or a leisurely pursuit

October 7, 2022

Text: Nikki Busuttil

3 min read

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Thailand makes an epic backdrop. Picture yourself standing on a big fat board, gliding over calm tropical waters. In the distance, palm trees line the shore. That distinctly chilled, cool vibe is exactly what increasing numbers of pleasure seekers are getting into, all around the country.

With basic equipment and minimal instruction, even the most uncoordinated, balance-challenged newbies can make quick headway in SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, essentially a hybrid between surfing and kayaking. Add Thailand’s balmy waters into the mix, and even falling off is enjoyable! And who cares if you never make it to the ‘stand-up’ part — you can have just as much fun while on your knees or seated on the board.

Mastering the basics is quite simple: stand up tall, establish balance by fixing your gaze on a distant point and engage your core muscles to paddle efficiently. If you’re a beginner and swimming isn’t your strong suit, then a life vest is a good idea.

Paddleboard with your doggo pals at SUP Station Bangkok. SUP Station Bangkok

With locations in Bangkok and Koh Chang, SUP Station provides full service paddle boarding expertise, catering to recreational boarders and beginners, but also training competitive SUP athletes. The SUP Station Bangkok clubhouse is a 45-minute drive northwards from the city center, sitting on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Pathum Thani, where they rent and sell all the SUP gear you could possibly need.

 

Two hours on the water, after expert instruction on land, costs THB 500/person, plus THB 500/group for a guided tour, which paddles along the river, by temples and local river life. “You gain a new perspective on life from the water this way,” according to Sirada Pungthong. They’re pet friendly too, offering dog life vests, showers and blow dryers, in addition to all the human facilities. On super windy days, with strong currents, Sirada advises beginners against taking to the waves, but a little light rain is no deterrent. Open at 7am (except on Mondays), last check-in is possible until 5.30pm.

Paddleboarding at SUP Station Koh Chang can be a fun sport for the whole family.

At Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang, the island vibe SUP Station experience costs 800Baht per two-hour session, including instruction and equipment.

Hua Hin is a watersports haven year-round, and the waters are generally calm from October to April. At Surfspot Huahin, SUP rental is available for THB 300/board/hour, including basic instruction. Sessions can begin at 6am (with 24-hour advance reservation) for the most beautiful sunrise paddleboarding from their beach, located off Huahin Road 75/1, although clubhouse/office hours run from 10am-5pm. Surfspot ambassador Fai Vongrit offers this pro-tip: When trying to stand up on the board for the first few times, hold your paddle in front of you and plant it on the board for added stability and balance.

Waters at Huahin are calm around October to April for paddleboarding. Surfspot Huahin

SUP Tao in Koh Tao, owned and run by Simon Crockett, offers board rental at THB 250/hour, with both instruction and guided trips upon request. Simon Crockett brought paddleboarding to the island eight years ago. SUP Tao operates out of Maya Beach Club, on picturesque Sairee Beach, where you’ll often find the man himself at the southernmost end, under the palm trees. His favorite paddle sites? “Some of my favorite spots to paddle to include Koh Nangyuan and Jansom Bay,” shares Simon.

A stunning sunset at Koh Tao. SUPtao

Heading southwards, iSUP Samui is run by Ian and Tammy, out of Plai Laem, in the northeast of  Koh Samui. They recommend paddling at Bangrak Beach from October to April, where you can paddle by the Big Buddha at sunset. From April to October, calmer, clear and shallower waters are found around Choeng Mon and Tongson Bay. “We make trips all over the island, and depending on the experience of our guests and weather conditions, we provide customized tours, such as Sunset & Cocktails.” This 2.5-hour tour is for more experienced paddlers, at THB 1,500/person.

Classes and guided group SUP tours with iSUP Samui.

This paddleboard tour of Thailand would not be complete without a trip to Phuket. Paddle Phuket owner Tan Thongsen is exceptionally passionate about his sport. “Guided SUP tours with Paddle Phuket allow people to see areas most tourists never see,” says Tan. He shares information with his guests about his country and culture, making it a fantastic overall experience. He picks the best locations and routes, on any given day, and instructs clients on safety, even providing local snacks and tour photos. “It’s a great way to get out, explore nature, and take in the beauty of Phuket from a different angle,” he concludes. Lessons with Tan start from THB 1,000/90mins, with all-inclusive tours beginning at THB 1,650. His pro-tip: “Don’t be afraid to fall!”

Sail past mangroves and island caverns with Paddle Phuket.

With nearly 3,000km of coastline and paddleboards popping up everywhere in Thailand, there’s never been a better time to get on board!

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