As if Haarlem needed another reason to fall head-over-heels for its Dutch-city charm. The quintessential canals now offer a fresh, fun way to explore. SUPing is a no-fuss, on-the-water means to get around town at your own pace. With board, paddle and adventurous enthusiasm, you’ll discover Haarlem in a brand new light. Whether you’re looking to push yourself physically, or want a relaxing way to spend some time outdoors; Stand-Up Paddling is a uniquely immersive experience.
There’s no denying that Haarlem (sitting pretty just 20 km west of Amsterdam) has a quaint-town allure, masterfully mixed in with the hubbub of countless colourful bars and restaurants, postcard-perfect cobbled roads and an historic offering of medieval and culturally-rich landmarks. But this teeming district also offers accessible opportunities for activities on and beside the water. From misty mornings to early evenings when the sun softens, you’ll find locals taking full advantage of running routes, walking trails and curving canals whether on foot, by bike or boat. Now added to that mix: the stand-up paddleboard.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding (SUPing, for short) is a family-friendly, inexpensive way to get a taste of the true heart of Haarlem while absorbing the calming benefits of being on the water. How lucky we are to have the chance to see the historic 13th-century canals in a new way. While the local community of SUPers grows steadily, there’s more than enough room on the Spaarne River and surrounds for visitors to also get their feet wet. And don’t worry: if all goes to plan, your feet really should be the only thing getting wet, if at all.
Haarlem’s canals meander and connect throughout the city. It is this feature that offers SUPers a variety of settings to paddle past. Notably, the Spaarne is a wide and bustling waterway that offers an invigorating challenge on the board; the water traffic needs to be carefully navigated and this is perhaps the only spot where you’ll find the current of the water arduous enough to work up a sweat. You will find plenty of cafes and restaurants with tables set up right along the water's edge, a few bridges to coast under and all kinds of city-life comings and goings along this stretch, making for a mentally stimulating route as well as an active one.
Contrarily, the Schotersingel is a much more narrow section of the waterways, and it zigzags beautifully through lush scenery, quaint neighbourhoods and big burly trees. Grassy banks on either side allow picnickers to set up close to the water, and with footpaths close by, dog walkers can be seen enjoying the outdoors. This popular route provides SUPers fascinating insight into life as a local right from the board. It’s also a perfect place to hop on land, secure your ride and enjoy a packed lunch or flask of hot tea on a break from the paddling life. If you have too much time on your hands, moor your boards and pay a visit to Het Dolhuys; set in a 16th-century former mental institution, the exhibits on psychiatry might give you some food for thought when you jump back on your board.
Another way to enjoy SUPing in Haarlem is an out-and-back journey along the straight and long Leidsevaart. Its length and lack of windy bends means more opportunities to flex those SUPing skills; with more than 28km of water connecting Haarlem and Leiden, this historical route is a great place to practice technique and stamina. Depending on how far you’re willing to head out, you may even find yourself paddling amidst the breathtaking tulip fields in Hillegom. Just make sure you have enough energy to paddle yourself all the way back. Heads up! The tulip fields are fiercely in bloom between March and May; plan your SUP adventures during this time if you’re looking to take in the rows upon rows of the iconic flower.
More and more, you’ll find SUPers on solo missions, or engaging in group journeys along the water in Haarlem. With such a strong community of SUPers growing within the city limits, it’s not surprising that Haarlem also boasts a varied agenda of paddleboarding themed meetups throughout the year.
TIP: join a paddling group in your area to meet new people and enjoy SUPing as a group activity, and to learn new routes.
Of course, the best times to hop on a board are Spring and Summertime. The weather is sweet, the flora is blooming and the locals are light-hearted and out in full force along the canals. But Autumn and Winter SUPing are not to be entirely excluded. Slight headwind? Makes for a better workout. Light rainfall? Keeps you cooler as you put in the work. Just make sure you use weather-appropriate gear to ensure you are warm enough or cool enough, depending on the climate. It’s a pastime that can be adapted to many weather changes, should you have the determination to get out there and paddle.
It’s a low impact sport that suits any fitness level, making it a bonding family experience, a wonderfully fun team-building adventure or even a cute first or second date activity.
TIP: for a unique gift-giving option, get your loved one a SUP lesson for two so you can enjoy a new experience together.
There are several local rental stores and SUP schools offering individual lessons, group guided tours and curated routes to suit beginners and experienced paddlers. You can rent your boards and paddles from them too, if you prefer to go it alone. New SUPing? Then it’s a great idea to sign up for a beginner’s lesson: get the hang of being on a board, learn the tricks of the trade, and pick up key tips for navigating the canals safely.
Here are some great Haarlem SUPing schools:
SUP Flow https://supflow.nl/
Kiteflow https://kiteflow.nl/
Sup Adventures https://supadventures.nl/
Free Movement https://freemovement.nl/
Hartje Haarlem https://hartjehaarlem.nl/en/activiteiten/sup-tours/
Tip: many of the SUP schools/rental shops offer group discounts, so try round up your friends and family members for a fun weekend of SUPing.
The versatility of SUPing in Haarlem means there are plenty of ways for all types of people to enjoy the sport. SUP racing events allow dedicated paddlers the chance to test their skills in a competitive, yet fun setting. Yoga while SUPing entails good balance and patience for those looking to challenge themselves mentally and physically in a peaceful environment. Social meetups on boards is a good way to disguise exercise behind catch ups on the water. You can even add sightseeing with your camera to the mix.
Tip: while out there on the water, why not play SUP Bingo. Try to spot some iconic landmarks such as the Grote Kerk (St. Bavo Church), Haarlem’s windmill De Adriaan, Netherlands oldest museum, The Teylers and The Bridge of Gravestones. You can personalise your game by including Haarlem’s local birdlife, tandem cyclists and young lovers, and more.
One of the best developments amongst the SUP community is the sustainability and green initiatives by impassioned paddlers wanting to keep their SUPing routes clean. There are movements by SUP enthusiasts that head clean-up efforts and encourage eco-friendly lifestyle changes throughout the city. One such group is SUPMission.
Haarlem is a hub for paddle boarders - whether they enjoy the energetic urban hustle or prefer the soothing sounds and sights of nature. Its canals are ready to be explored, whether by beginner or pro. Don’t wait; bring your board, rent one or sign up for a session with SUP Mission; we want to see you out there on the water.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant life of Haarlem. For more stories, tips, and local insights, keep exploring HaarlemToday. Don’t forget to share your favorite articles with friends and join the conversation on our social media channels. Until next time, keep discovering the unique flavors and experiences that make our city special.
