Paddleboarding is rapidly growing in popularity in the Netherlands. More and more people are using it as a way to exercise outdoors, clear their heads, and stay active without the pressure of performance. Thanks to the many lakes, canals, and coastal areas, you can find a good spot to get on the board in almost every province.
A day in the life of a Dutch paddleboarder is usually simple, yet well-thought-out. It starts with checking the weather, planning a route, and setting up the gear. Then follows a mix of paddling, taking breaks, and enjoying the scenery. Sometimes with others, sometimes alone, depending on the demands of the day.
Morning: Preparation and Energy
For many paddleboarders, the day starts a little earlier than others. Not because it has to, but because the tranquility on the water around sunrise is simply irresistible. The air is cool, the wind is often still, and you'll share the water with at most a few ducks.
Before leaving, there's a little routine. No rush, but purposeful. Breakfast is something simple that's filling, yet light. A bowl of oatmeal with a banana , or a few slices of bread with an egg. Enough to give you energy without feeling sluggish.
Next comes the gear check: paddleboard, paddle, leash, dry bag. Everything is checked for wear and tear or forgotten items. The weather is also always considered, as a slight shift in the wind can decide whether you'll head to the lake or prefer to stay in a sheltered canal.
On the water: the core of the day
Once your board hits the water, the real work begins—or rather, the real fun. Those first few paddle strokes are always a bit of a trial and error. You find your rhythm, feel how your body reacts, and adjust your pace accordingly.
Many paddleboarders choose routes they're familiar with, but sometimes it's fun to branch out. In Friesland, that means exploring a new waterway. In South Holland, it can be exciting to paddle around the city, past bridges and old facades.
Afternoon: break and reflection
After hours on the water, the body starts giving signals. Time for a break.
Many paddleboarders head for a quiet spot along the water: a small beach, a deserted jetty, or just a patch of grass overlooking the reed beds.
Lunch is often light, nutritious, and easy to carry. Hydration remains important , so a full water bottle is standard equipment.
Afternoon: social connections and nature
Later in the day, the pace changes. The focus shifts from performance to connection, with people, but also with the environment.
Paddleboarding is no longer a solo activity, but a shared experience. Clubs are active in many cities, from Utrecht to Leeuwarden. You'll recognize them by the group of people with boards under their arms and a relaxed posture. Paddling together offers rhythm and camaraderie, whether you're participating in a training session or just going for a group ride.
And then, of course, there's nature itself. The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the water. The light softens. Silence takes hold again.
Evening: delay and restart
Evening falls, and the pace noticeably slows. After a day of intense physical and mental exertion, there's time for recovery.
Resting doesn't mean sitting still without a purpose; it means purposefully recharging. A popular ritual is a cold water soak, such as an ice bath or a refreshing shower at a low temperature.
There are also paddleboarders who prefer to seek out fun digitally. For them, relaxation works just as well through the screen. Some watch a documentary about travel or nature, while others prefer to immerse themselves in something interactive. For example, several paddleboarders say they enjoy playing a few games in the evening on online casino platforms without registration . The convenience of these sites and the thousands of games are the main reasons why so many people choose this form of relaxation.
A lifestyle full of balance
A day in the life of a Dutch paddleboarder revolves around balance: between exertion and relaxation, nature and social connections, adventure and tranquility. It's a lifestyle that celebrates the Netherlands' unique watery environment while promoting health and well-being.