Is it hard to balance?

Less than it looks. The boards are big and stable, and most people are standing and paddling within their first few minutes on calm water.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You should be comfortable in water, and you wear a buoyancy aid or leash. Beginner sessions stay on calm, shallow water.

How fit do I need to be?

Not very. A gentle paddle is easy going. It quietly works your core and balance, but you set the pace.

Something you do not mind getting wet and that moves freely. A wetsuit helps in cooler water and is often provided.

Where can I paddleboard?

Calm lakes, canals, sheltered bays and slow rivers are ideal for learning. Open coast and surf come later once you are steady.

Probably, at some point, and it is no drama. Falling off a SUP is a gentle business and climbing back on is easy.

Paddleboarding (SUP) in Italy

Italy stretches from the Dolomites down the Apennines to volcanic islands, with thousands of kilometres of coast. Via-ferrata and ski-tour the Alps, sail and powerboat the seas, climb in Sicily, wild-swim and sea-kayak the coast and cycle iconic passes. Italian instructors and centres on Adventuro run mountain and water trips year-round.

Stand-up paddleboarding is the gateway watersport. You stand on a big stable board and paddle along, and on calm water most people are doing exactly that within a few minutes. The wobble settles fast, and then it is just you, the water and a nice view.

From there it goes wherever you want. A gentle paddle on a flat lake, a longer tour along the coast, a bit of SUP yoga, or even small surf once you are confident. It is as relaxed or as active as you fancy on the day.

The instructors on adventuro run tasters, tours and technique sessions. A quick lesson sorts your stance and paddle stroke, which keeps you upright and saves a lot of unplanned swimming.