Stand Up Paddle, our ultimate guide to exploring the Côte d’Azur

Stand Up Paddle, or SUP, is an activity that combines sport, relaxation and exploration. Accessible to all, it lets you sail along the coast, discover secret coves and enjoy a unique moment in the heart of nature. The Côte d’Azur’s spectacular scenery and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal playground. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, paddling off the Lérins Islands, along the red cliffs of the Massif de l’Estérel or exploring the calm waters of Saint-Tropez offers an unforgettable experience.

Why practice Stand Up Paddle?

Stand Up Paddle is a complete sport that offers many benefits:

• A complete physical workout: it trains the muscles of the trunk, legs and arms, while improving balance.
• An accessible activity: unlike other water sports, it requires no special physical condition or complex equipment.
• A connection with nature: gliding silently over the water, you can observe marine life and enjoy the surrounding calm.
• A unique way to explore the coast: paddleboarding gives you access to places inaccessible by boat, such as secret coves and secluded beaches.

Essential SUP equipment

Choosing the right equipment is essential to get the most out of your Stand Up Paddle experience.

• The board: beginners will prefer a wide, inflatable board for greater stability, while the more experienced will opt for a more powerful rigid board.
• The paddle: adjustable in height, it should be about 15 to 20 cm higher than the user’s height for better ergonomics.
• Essential accessories: a leash so you don’t lose your board in the event of a fall, a lifejacket for safety and a waterproof bag to carry your personal belongings without risk.

Stand Up Paddle basics: how to get started?

Learning to SUP requires a few adjustments, but after a few tries, the sensation of gliding becomes natural. The key is to position yourself well on the board, feet parallel to the center, and keep your knees slightly bent for better balance. To paddle effectively, you need to fully immerse the paddle blade and pull with your upper body rather than your arms alone. Turns are made by changing the position of the paddle or by shifting your weight slightly on the board. With a little practice, you’ll gain in stability and fluidity of movement.

Stand Up Paddle mistakes to avoid

Certain mistakes are common among beginners and can be detrimental to experience. An overly rigid posture or a fixed gaze on the feet quickly throws the boat off balance. Many paddle only with their arms, which leads to rapid fatigue, when the whole body should be involved. It’s also essential to always check the weather conditions before setting out, as strong winds or currents can make navigation difficult and dangerous.

The best spots for Stand Up Paddle on the Côte d’Azur

Stand Up Paddle on the Îles de Lérins

Located opposite Cannes, the Îles de Lérins are a real gem for paddleboarders. The waters are crystal-clear and the scenery sublime. Between the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you’ll find a wide variety of sailing spots. You can paddle quietly along the coast, observe the seabed and even spot a few fish or starfish. The atmosphere is peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

SUP around the Massif de l’Estérel

The Massif de l’Estérel offers a unique backdrop, with its reddish cliffs plunging straight into the sea. Leaving from Agay or Dramont, you can follow the coast and discover wild coves. The water takes on magnificent turquoise hues and the contrast with the volcanic rocks is striking. This spot is ideal for an outing at the end of the day, when the light of the setting sun sublimates the landscape even more.

Stand Up Paddle at Cap d’Antibes

Cap d’Antibes is an iconic spot for paddleboarding. Along its coastline, you’ll discover steep cliffs, sumptuous villas and small hidden beaches. The departure point from Plage de la Garoupe is particularly popular for its unobstructed view of the Mediterranean. The walk offers an exceptional blend of unspoilt nature and Mediterranean elegance.

Cap Dramont and Île d’Or

Cap Dramont and Île d’Or form a legendary SUP spot on the Côte d’Azur. The Île d’Or, made famous by Hergé in L’Île Noire, adds a touch of mystery to the area. Paddling around this island allows you to admire the shades of blue of the sea while enjoying the calm of the surroundings.

Stand Up Paddle in Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is famous for its hustle and bustle, but on the water, a completely different atmosphere prevails. Paddleboarding along the beaches of Pampelonne or in the Gulf allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful moment. At dawn or late afternoon, the experience is even more magical, with spectacular colors on the sea.

Cap Taillat: a wild jewel for SUP

Cap Taillat is a protected site between Ramatuelle and La Croix-Valmer. Its wild beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for paddleboarding. The absence of built-up areas and unspoilt nature offer a feeling of total freedom. It’s an ideal spot for a swim after a few kilometers of sailing.

Safety tips for Stand Up Paddling

Safety is paramount in Stand Up Paddle. Always check the weather forecast before setting off, to avoid unpleasant surprises in wind and currents. It’s best not to paddle alone, especially on the high seas. For longer outings, a lifejacket is recommended. Carrying a telephone in a waterproof bag is also a good way of contacting someone in case of need. Last but not least, knowing the rules of navigation and respecting other users of the sea is essential for safe paddling.

Stand Up Paddle is much more than just a sport, it’s a unique way to explore the sea and reconnect with nature. The Côte d’Azur offers incredible landscapes to discover while paddling, whether on the Îles de Lérins, Cap d’Antibes or the Massif de l’Estérel. For the ultimate experience, Nomad Catamaran offers catamaran charter in Cannes with supervised paddle excursions to the region’s most beautiful spots. Book now and set off on an adventure on the waters of the Côte d’Azur!