Paddleboarding on the Costa del Sol

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has become the most popular water activity on the Costa del Sol, and for good reason: you can learn in fifteen minutes, you don’t need any particular fitness, and the Málaga Mediterranean is flat calm for most of the summer — which is exactly what this sport needs.

Where to do it

There are hire points and schools all along the coast. The best spots:

• Marbella and Puerto Banús: calm water sheltered by groynes, and plenty of hire operators.
• Benalmádena (Puerto Marina) and Malapesquera: the largest concentration of water sports operators in the province.
• Burriana (Nerja): for paddling out towards the Maro coves — the prettiest option by far.
• Caleta de Vélez: water sheltered by the harbour wall, ideal for a first go.

How it works

Two options. Hire by the hour (around €15-20 per hour) if you already know how or fancy working it out yourself, or a lesson with an instructor (around €30-40 for a 1.5-2 hour session) if you’d rather be taught the paddling technique and balance properly. With children, always take the lesson.

Tips for beginners

• Go out first thing in the morning. The sea is flatter and there is less wind. From noon onwards a breeze usually picks up and everything gets harder.
• Start on your knees and stand up once you have your balance.
• Look at the horizon, not at your feet. That is the classic day-one mistake.
• Always wear the leash: the board drifts away very fast in an offshore wind.
• Plenty of sun cream: standing on the water you get direct and reflected sun at once.

With children

It works well from around 7-8 years old, and younger children can sit on the board with an adult. It’s one of the few water activities where the whole family genuinely takes part.

When

May to October without a wetsuit. With one, you can paddle all year: the sea temperature in Málaga rarely drops below 15 °C in winter.