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Not every water sport is about adrenaline. Exploring the coast at your own pace in Ölüdeniz’s clear water, watching fish pass under your board in the still morning hours, is just as unforgettable. SUP (stand up paddle) and canoe are the two best-loved calm, motor-free water sports. In this guide we compare them and share tips and safety rules to make your first try easier.
- SUP: You paddle standing on a wide board; it takes balance, but most people get used to it quickly.
- Canoe: You paddle seated; more stable, and the two-person option is ideal for a parent and child.
- For both, being able to swim is recommended and a life jacket is used.
- The best time is the morning; don’t go too far from shore when the wind picks up.
SUP or canoe?
| SUP (Stand Up Paddle) | Canoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Standing (kneeling at first) | Seated |
| Balance | Moderate balance needed | Easier, more stable |
| People | One per board | Single or double |
| Muscles used | Legs, core, back and arms | Mainly arms, shoulders and back |
| View | Standing, you see into the water better | A calm view close to the water |
| Best for | Those who want to try a new skill | Families with children, couples, those wary of balance |
Standing up on a SUP for the first time
- Start on your knees. Place your knees in the middle of the board, either side of the carry handle, and paddle a few strokes.
- Stand up one foot at a time. With the paddle lying across the board, bring one foot and then the other to where your knees were.
- Feet shoulder-width apart, parallel. Knees slightly bent, weight centred.
- Look ahead, not down. Staring at your feet makes balancing harder; look at the horizon.
- The paddle is balance. When the paddle is in the water the board is more stable; instead of stopping, keep paddling slowly.
The angle of the SUP paddle blade should face forward, in the direction you’re going. One hand goes on the top grip, the other in the middle of the shaft. Reach forward, put the paddle in the water and pull it back to your feet; pulling further back wastes energy.
The right paddling technique in a canoe
- Keep your back straight; power the stroke by rotating your torso slightly, not just with your arms.
- In a double canoe, the person in front sets the rhythm and the person at the back steers.
- To turn, paddle harder on the side opposite the direction you want to turn.
- To stop, put the paddle in the water and hold it still.
Where and when?
Our SUP and canoe hire is from Belcekız Beach. The bay in front of Belcekız is wide, and in the morning the sea is much calmer on most days. The Ölüdeniz Lagoon is a protected nature park; motorised craft aren’t allowed inside it, and motor-free activities are subject to the lagoon’s own rules.
The wind often picks up in the afternoon. When it does, paddling gets harder and the way back gets longer. For a detailed look by month and time of day, see our best time guide.
Safety rules
- Wear a life jacket. Falling in is a natural part of SUP.
- Paddle parallel to the shore, don’t head out to open water. An offshore wind can carry you out without you noticing.
- Start into the wind. When you tire, you’ll have the wind behind you on the way back.
- Keep away from boat and jet ski routes. Don’t enter areas used by motorised craft.
- Agree the hire time and return point with the team.
If you can’t swim, you can consider activities where you don’t get in the water instead of SUP and canoe; we list the options in our guide for non-swimmers.
If you fall off the board
- Try to fall beside the board, away from it; falling onto the board can cause injury.
- Surface with your life jacket, grab the paddle and climb back on from the side, holding the centre handle, first onto your stomach.
- Get to a kneeling position first, then stand up again.
What to wear and what to bring
- Swimwear with a thin rash vest or UV-protective T-shirt on top (your back and shoulders are in the sun all the time)
- Water-resistant sun cream and a hat (with a strap or snug-fitting)
- A strap for your sunglasses if you wear them
- A small bottle of water
- A waterproof phone case or a GoPro for recording
SUP and canoe with children
A two-person canoe is the most comfortable option for a parent and child; the child can sit in front and try paddling. On a SUP, children may be able to sit on the board with a parent; talk to the team about whether it’s suitable. More tips for families are in our Ölüdeniz with kids guide.
Final word
SUP and canoe are the most beautiful ways to get to know Ölüdeniz quietly, at your own pace. Come early in the morning, stay close to the shore and enjoy the clarity of the water. For hire and availability, drop by our stand on Belcekız Beach or message us on WhatsApp.
Planning water sports in Ölüdeniz?
