My SUP Stories

I usually paddle in Little Venice in London. I’m excited to see if there’s any resemblance to the real Venice in Italy.

Venice is built on a group of 118 small islands with no roads or cars, making it a pedestrian-only zone. The islands are connected by canals, bridges and walkways. The transportation options are simple: on foot or by watercraft.

I booked a guided tour with “SUP in Venice” who encourage sustainable tourism. After a quick safety briefing, we hit the water. I love the close-up and personal perspective from the board. The peaceful, narrow canals of Cannaregio are a welcome contrast to the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Basin.

The leisurely SUP tour is exactly what we wanted. Our guide stops frequently to share fascinating stories about the city’s past and to point out interesting landmarks. There are colorful buildings, charming bridges and quaint alleyways. He also talks about the environmental challenges Venice is facing. Rising sea levels, flooding, erosion. And bang in the heart, overtourism.

The Grand Canal and St Mark’s are off-limits for paddleboarding. I am happy, because we get a chance to glimpse a more authentic Venice. We see laundry hanging from the windows of centuries-old buildings and a group of friends chatting on a bridge. There are small, banged-up boats parked next to people’s homes. The close relationship with water is evident everywhere.

The verdict: Little Venice in London is cute, but let’s be real: Italy is where it’s at! Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. If you get a chance to explore it, I’ve listed transportation options below.

Weird & wonderful

Modes of transportation:

• Gondolas: The OGs of Venice transportation – iconic, romantic and perfect for serenading your sweetheart.
• Vaporetti: The city’s answer to public transportation – hop on and off these water buses like a Venetian pro.
• Water Taxis: The grand dames of Venetian watercraft – roomy, posh and ready to whisk you away to your pricey hotel.
• Motoscafi: The nimbler, zippier cousins of water taxis – perfect for quick trips across the canals or for when you’re running late for your gelato fix.
• Paddleboards: The DIY option(although guided) – skip the engines and navigate Venice’s waterways with your own two arms and a whole lot of core strength.

Need to know

• Waterway: The canal system in Venice is made up of 150 canals, 42 km in total.
• Entry: Real Venetian Experience, Calle Brazzo, 3347, 30121 Venezia, Italy
• Exit: Real Venetian Experience, Calle Brazzo, 3347, 30121 Venezia, Italy
• Duration: 2 hours
• More details: The rules of navigation are regulated by the Comune di Venezia. SUP is subject to the complex navigation rules outlined in the”Codice della Navigazione” and the “Testo Unico in materia di circolazione acquea”. SUP companies do not rent out equipment.

Let’s make some waves! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.