A “new” craze has captivated the Balaton in the past few years. The Hungarian sea may still not be California, but it has virtually everything – and then some – you could need to enjoy the chilled out summer vibe of the beach.
The Balaton offers several options for those looking to experience the eternal feeling of being one with the water and themselves, and for those with the less lofty aim of being active and having fun in the sun. Beachgoers are truly spoilt for choice in terms of water sports: sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kite- and windsurfing, and good old kayaking – nowadays snukis, the superb vehicles of your childhood memories, have been replaced by pro touring kayaks.
But what to choose if you cannot devote your time regularly to fads like these, you don’t need the wind to whisk you away to wonderland at 100km/h, you don’t have gazillions to spend, but you’d like to be out on the water, basking in the sun, doing something cool that works your every muscle. Time to take up SUPing!
What is SUP?
The acronym SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle, which means using a long paddle to push yourself forward on a surfboard while standing up. Lounging on a blow up mattress, you may easily mistake enthusiastic SUPers swarming all over the lake for Venetian gondoliers who have lost their way somehow. If on top of that they break out some yoga moves on their boat-sized surfboards, you may find yourself totally confused. Let us unveil the mystery.
Where does it come from?
Polynesian fishermen have paddled in their canoes in a standing up position for a long time, and the method was later adopted by surf instructors in Hawaii because it allowed them to keep an eye on students in the water, manoeuvre and give instructions more easily. Furthermore, SUP is an attractive alternative for regular and windsurfers when the weather conditions are nor favourable. SUP has become one of the most popular mass sports pursued everywhere from the polar circles to the canals of the busiest cities.
Who is it for?
Here comes the usual pitch: for anyone and everyone! Regardless of age or sex. But seriously: it is really for everyone. If you can’t swim you can stay in the shallow water, and most places supply surfers with life vests, too. Don’t let it stop you if your sense of balance is not the best because that is something you can work on. It doesn’t matter either if you are not the most athletic person in the world: you set the pace and the distance. Many do SUP as a supplementary sport or as a relaxing free time activity.
What are the pros?
First of all, you are going to love it. It helps with the development of your concentration, coordination and balance skills, and can boost your confidence as a result. It works and strengthens every muscle in your body, particularly your deep and core muscles as well as the muscles of the shoulder and arms.
And of course you can paddle to the middle of the Balaton, where you can enjoy the eternally fresh water in peace, far away from the high season bustle of the beach crowds. You can also explore the nearby reed beds where you may chance upon rare bird species, pond turtles and tucked away teahouses. Also, it can help you maintain your yoga regimen and perfect your technique while on holiday. And finally, it invigorates and relaxes at the same time, creating a harmony of body and soul.
How to start?
Find a surf school where you can rent equipment, and sign up for at least one class. Bring your bikini or boardshorts, but if your feet are firm on the board and you won’t tip over, you can keep your regular clothes on. Other handy things to bring along are a pair of sunglasses with straps, a cap and waterproof sunscreen. Out on the water you can get burnt in half an hour, and a decent SUP trip or SUP yoga class takes 60-90 minutes, or even half a day. We would also sign up for an all-day trip with paddling, sunbathing, swimming and lakeside lunch. In this case put on a lycra shirt designed for surfers especially to protect their skin against sunburn.
