Do you love paddle surfing? This sport, also known as ‘stand up paddle’ or SUP (for its initials), is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona which is why we’re going to tell you about the places that offer this service, where you can enjoy the sport safely and work your moves and skills. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an old-hand at this water sport, which apparently has its origin in the ancient settlements of Polynesia.

In Barcelona, there are many places that offer the paddle surfing experience. There is a place for all levels, from initiation to professional. And it has the advantage that no waves are necessary to practise it. Another advantage of paddle surfing in Barcelona is that you can contemplate the coast from a different perspective and rhythm, while you paddle.

Enjoy the sea with paddle surfing in Barcelona

There are many schools that can teach you the skills you need for this sport, but you can also dare to dive right in without any help. You simply need to buy or rent a board, a paddle and, if the weather is cold, a wetsuit. There are many companies specialised in this sport, and if you are a beginner, we suggest you sign up for classes so you don’t take on any bad habits.

 

 

The prices are usually very similar throughout the various paddle surf schools in Barcelona and, when there are differences, they are due to the location, the service offered or the quality of the material provided. Higher rates are not usually just because they want to charge more.

Below we have listed some of the schools that offer paddle surf courses and classes in Barcelona:

  • Moloka’i Sup Center (Carrer de Meer, 39). This paddle surf school is in Barceloneta. It is not on the beach itself, but it has very professional SUP instructors throughout the year. There are lockers and showers. Its managers encourage everyone to connect with the sea and feel all its energy through the waves under their feet by using a thin board.
  • Ungravity. Located on Barceloneta beach, this school has a wider sports offer, because in addition to paddle surfing they also offer surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding activities, among other sports. Its instructors are also very experienced and the school has lockers and showers. In addition, they organise group classes (Big SUP Sessions or King SUP Sessions) so that the board and paddle can be enjoyed at company events, birthdays or with a group of friends.
  • Pukas Surf Eskola (Carrer de la Marina, 3). This company is already well-known, the school came to Barcelona after having made its name as a surf school in the Basque Country. The venue is very Hawaiian and has a lot of wood. It is next to the beach and has showers, but no lockers. It gets quite busy at weekends, so keep an eye on your things.
  • Locals (Passeig Joan de Borbó, 80-84). Located a few metres from Sant Sebastià beach in Barceloneta, this was one of the first schools in Barcelona where you could also rent paddle surf boards. They offer quality material and, among their services, they have courses, guided activities and everything you need to practise Stand Up Paddle surfing.
  • Base Nàutica Municipal (Avinguda del Litoral, no number). This school is based on the Mar Bella beach and paddle surfing here is mixed with other water sports. They also offer introductory courses to the world of catamaran sailing. You must book in advance.
  • Box Surf Shop (Carrer del Rec, 44). Located next to Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, this place is simply a surf shop that also rents all the equipment you need to paddle surf.
  • Manihi Surf School (Carrer de Meer, 47-49). This school offers surf lessons for children and adults, at all levels. Here you can find beginners and experts who want to perfect their technique. Gain the confidence you need to enjoy paddle surfing safely.
  • Escola Catalana de Surf (Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 78). They have schools on the beach in Barcelona and Castelldefels with exclusive spaces for surfing without obstacles. If you have never practised this water sport, they offer you the possibility of getting started with a single two-hour long class. You will learn the basics of paddle surfing, basic safety rules, how to control the board and the skills you’ll need to stand up and catch waves properly.
  • Sup&Beach (Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, no number). Here you can practise paddle surfing in a unique way. Elisabeth Merino, the founder of this school, compares this sport with doing pilates, yoga and fitness on a paddle board. The aim is to achieve a balance between the body, the mind and the sea.
  • Blue Salt Surf & Paddle Surf School (Carrer dels Provençals, 3). This school offers original activities to enjoy nature during exceptional moments, such as sunrise or sunset. They offer beginners SUP classes, where they teach you the basics of stand up paddle, intermediate level classes and group outings. The After Work SUP sessions allow you to finish the day in a healthy and relaxed way. And on Thursdays, after the activity, they invite you to a beer and some nachos.

In short, there are quite a few ways in Barcelona to practise paddle surfing, so now it’s your turn: Are you going to sign up for a long or a short course? Or will you dive right in and rent a SUP board to go it alone? Be one of the many SUPpers who sail the seas of Barcelona with a board and a paddle, living life to the max.