We are pleased to post this article contributed by Kerstin Rummelhagen, a SUP'N Girl member from Hamburg, Germany.
Stand Up Paddling in Germany?
YES!
Well, soccer is still our No. 1 recreational activity. That’s understood!
 |
| SUP WorldCup –Hafencity |
But the coasts of North Sea and Baltic Sea, hundreds of inland waters as well as 10.000 kilometers of streaming water turned us into watersport enthusiasts.
So it was only a question of time SUPing has taken us by storm.
Okay honestly, it was more like a gentle breeze.
In 2009 and 2010 the SUP World Cup in Hamburg’s historic harbor was the only German tour stop at the “Stand Up World Series”
In 2009 and 2010 the SUP World Cup in Hamburg’s historic harbor was the only German tour stop at the “Stand Up World Series”
The people were interested but still not fascinated.
 |
| one of my favorite boards |
I must admit that we are a bunch of skeptic, we always critically question everything: costs, safety, sense and purpose…
It took a long time, but we are eager to learn:
The number of standies jumped up since 2012. Board rentals and SUP classes are fully booked and the range of shops, websites and magazines is growing. Local and nationwide contest are organized with an increasing number of competitors by now.
SUP yoga and SUP fitness classes are getting more popular.
 |
| I already have a bigger car and a bigger board |
SUPing gentle rapids or even downstream paddling on flatwater is a new addition to our summer activities.
As for myself I live in Hamburg. Here I race on the ‘Alster’, a big lake with lots of canals right in the heart of the city. This body of water is made up of the Außenalster (Outer Alster) and the Binnenalster (Inner Alster) whose southern part flows into the Elbe.
 |
| Aussenalster |
 |
| Canal – Innenalster |
 |
| Robby & myself |
I first heard about SUPing when I used to
live in Australia in 2008. I watched a TV
report and was hooked.
When I came back to Germany I started some research but could find only two german websites and the announcement that the SUP World Cup would take place in Hamburg. I was totally stoked, took a class the same year and bought my first board from Robby Naish himself in 2010.
I share my passion with other like-minded standees almost daily during the high season from April to October. We love to race and cruising on lakes, ride
I share my passion with other like-minded standees almost daily during the high season from April to October. We love to race and cruising on lakes, ride
breaking waves, glide over long distances along sea coasts and some of us even do SUPyoga. Unfortunately I never tried yoga but I promised myself to try it.
 |
| Santiago & his Yogaclass |
