Is there a city in the world with a name more evocative of water than Swansea? One part refers to the Bristol Channel, a branch of the Celtic Sea, where the city is found, and the other to that most graceful of water birds who spend their days gliding across the still surface of water in rivers, lakes and canals. As you might guess, the city is surrounded by bodies of water, and you can enjoy all of them with the elegance of a swan with one of our paddleboarding experiences

What is paddleboarding? And why is it so suited to the waterways of Wales’ second city? Also known as stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, it’s the activity of enjoying the water on a large, stable board that you control with a paddle from an upright position. It’s one of those pursuits that’s so simple at first glance, but can open up so many possibilities. If you want to take a tranquil journey across the sheltered water of a lake, it’s perfect. If you fancy exploring intricate coastlines, there’s nothing better. If you’re looking for a new and innovative way to catch the waves, you’re covered. And that’s not all! Read on to find out about these activities, and other ways that paddleboarding can make your visit extra special.

Where are the best places to go paddleboarding in Swansea?

• Swansea Bay: This region sits in a large, sheltered bay on the Bristol Channel coast. In total, 5 rivers meet the sea here and, in combination with the large tidal range, this is a dynamic area with a lot to explore. As you take your SUP out into the bay, you can start to enjoy the views that open up around you, from the Gower Peninsula, past the city to Port Talbot and the surfing beaches at Porthcawl. And, in the other direction, the horizon.

• Gower Peninsula: This spit of land was the first place in the United Kingdom to be declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it was its coastline that earned it that status. Cliffs, coves and sandy beaches alternate along the length of the peninsula until it reaches the twisted rock formations of the point, known as the Worm’s Head. Paddleboarding is popular at Mumbles Beach, Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay, but one of the best SUP experiences here, or perhaps in the whole of Wales, doesn’t begin on the coast, but on a river. You start by paddling with the current between the wooded riverbanks Pennard Pill, in the shadow of Pennard Castle, before emerging onto the sea in the dramatic surroundings of Three Cliffs Bay. If that doesn’t sound like paradise, why not time your trip to coincide with sunset?

• Lliw Reservoir: Is also within easy reach of sheltered bodies of water inland. Lliw reservoir is in the mountainous region of Mawr which, despite being less than 10 miles from Swansea city centre, makes a SUP experience here feel like a real escape from the day to day grind of urban life. The reservoir is a lake formed by a man made dam which floods the floor of a valley, where trees dot the slopes and grassy banks ring the water.

• Indoor: To have the kind of paddleboarding experience that you probably haven’t heard of, you should head to the Penlan Leisure Centre. Here,a 25 by 15 metre heated pool is the scene for two very different SUP activities. The first is SUP Yoga, where the board becomes a floating yoga mat, and the stability of the water in the pool helps you to find inner balance. The second couldn’t be more different. SUP Polo is a high intensity sport, where two teams compete against each other to get a buoyant ball into goals at either end of the pool.

Options for organising this experience

You’re probably itching to get involved in some of the more adventurous activities that are on offer in Swansea, but if you haven't tried your hand at stand up paddleboarding before, we recommend that you take a lesson first. You can find these in numerous locations around the city and they’ll give you the knowledge and confidence to move around on a paddleboard and deal with any issues that come your way. What’s more, the friendly instructor will make sure that you’re enjoying yourself as well as learning something new. You can take your pick of a 1 hour or 2 hour session

So what about those paddleboarding adventures? Well, a tour, like the one to Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula can take up to 3 hours depending on the tide. SUP Surf lessons on the sea near Swansea have a similar duration to standard paddleboarding lessons, whereas a SUP Yoga or SUP Polo session in the pool at Penlan Leisure centre lasts 1 hour.

Finally, there’s always the possibility to hire paddleboarding equipment by the hour. There are rental services at many coastal and inland locations in the area and if you’re an experienced paddler and you want to take a trip on your own terms and explore what you want to explore, this is the best option for you.

Who can get on a SUP in this area?

If you’ve ever tried surfing, you’ll know that the first time - or times - that you try it, you’ll spend far more time in the water than on the board. On a large, stable paddleboard, you’ll be out of the water from day one. As a beginner, you might spend some time on your knees before standing up, but it’s a really rewarding activity for everyone, even those who don’t have prior experience.

And SUP is a family friendly activity too. Kids often take to this sport like ducks to water - and they might even put their clumsy parents to shame! The only thing that can stop the youngest members of the family from getting involved is the equipment available. Full size paddles and boards are too big for young children, but you can find places around where everyone over 10 years old is welcome, and even locations where children as young as 8 years old can get a taste for this experience.

Make a booking today and start getting excited about a perfect aquatic activity.