Spring is here and the sun is showing itself more and more, giving us the perfect opportunity to get our paddles wet and some sunshine on our skin, and you can do it all on your doorstep.
Wales is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, with a stunning coastline stretching around 870 miles, and if you're a fan of stand up paddleboarding then you'll be happy to know it has some incredible spots for you to explore.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The Pembrokeshire coastline is a breathtakingly beautiful location and is considered a must for any paddleboarder to visit. From rugged cliffs to sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring this area! There's plenty of beaches to choose from, each with their own unique charm, with Barfundle Bay, Tenby Harbour and Freshwater West being amongst the most popular to visit.
Gower Peninsula
Another stunning location that is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding is the Gower Peninsula. With beaches around every corner, you'll have plenty of options to explore. The more popular spots surrounding this area are Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and the ever famous Rhossili Bay with it's long stretch of sandy beach and stunning views of Worms Head.
Anglesey Coastline
Next on our list is Anglesey, an island off the coast of North Wales. With clear blue waters along the stunning coastline, this location provides plenty of opportunities to explore, with the Menai Strait being a popular spot for paddleboarders as the sheltered waters are perfect for beginners and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.
Llyn Padarn
Located in Snowdonia National Parl, Llyn Padarn is a stunning lake providing the ideal place for some stand up paddleboarding. With clear and calm waters to practice your skills, and beautiful surrounding moutnain views, you'll feel like you're in another world! The lake is one of Wales' largest natural lakes and is linked to a twin lake called Llyn Peris, where you can explore further for a bit more of a challenge.
River Wye
Why not take a different approach from the usual Wye Valley Walk and try your hand at paddling down the river itself, allowing you practice with different depths and flows whilst taking in the wildlife that lives at the water. The river is calm and peaceful, but some sections will challenge you to small rapids, adding some excitement to your journey and putting your skills to the test. You can spend hours at a time on the river flowing through stunning scenery with plenty of opportunities to spot kingfishers, otters and more.
Over all Wales has some incredible spots for stand up paddleboarding, with something to suit everyones skill level, but don't just take our word for it, pack up your paddleboard and head to one of these incredible locations to see for yourself.