This Page

 should give an insight into the range of stand up paddling on rivers, from drifting down to the waves, make it easier for everyone interested to get started - and give them the opportunity to explore rivers together. So feel free to contact us, whether it's for questions or criticism.


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    Whitewater Classes WW

    indicate the level of difficulty of the river

    up to WWI

    up to WWII

    WWII+

    up to ca. WWIV

    (standuppaddler do paddle higher classes)

    How to start

  • start easy, challenge yourself step by step
  • choose a river that suits your ability and equipment.
  • Learn the most important safety and river rules.
  • Check the water level,
  • check your equipment.


  • Take a course to paddle more safely and have fun in the long run.

    • Study the river carefully before starting the tour: where do you get in, where do you have to carry around, where do you get out? Take a map with you, know where you are at all times. Rivers still have enough surprises in store.

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    Equipment


    No (normal) leash!

    Never wear a normal leash on the river. This can get tangled and drown. We recommend leash with quick release systems. This must be on the upper body so that you can pull it easily and quickly.

    Protective equipment according to own assessment.

    more about security and leashes

    more about equipment and products in Switzerland


     Provisions, water


    Weather Protection

    there are many sites about what to wear in all seasons on your board - so here just the absolute basics

    just remember: for the river it always should be with the least attachements possible and robust to survive the rock contacts

    Summer: sun protection

    Transitional period: neoprene

    Winter: dry suit (robust for river, with integrated socks)


    . Beginner

  • Board: Many rivers can be paddled well with inflatable all-round boards. in short: the wider the more stable tip: many Swiss rivers tend to be flat. Therefore, make sure that the fins can be disassembled very quickly (and / or). Many shops offer cheap, used river boards. Since river boards are particularly robust and their owners are mostly experienced and passionate paddlers, the risk of function-reducing signs of consumption is absolutely low.

  • Paddle: robust (e.g. plastic sheet)

  • Protection:
  • no leash! (see above)
  • PFD / life jacket
  • sneakers
  • Helmet as needed

  • River Map
  • Mobilfon

  • Whitewater Equipment in Switzerland

  • .. Intermediate

  • Board: Board: Buy special whitewater boards (see advanced) or simply rent them on a trial basis. We do not recommend buying cheap river boards: they are not really cheap - and if you want to paddle more demanding white water, you can quickly reach their limits. In case of doubt, it would be better to buy a simple all-round board for the beginning, which you can use to see the lake - and invest in a long-term good river board with which you can paddle all the rivers you want.

  • Paddle

  • Protection:
  • Quickrelease-Leash
  • PFD / life jacket
  • Helmet
  • Knee Pads
  • Sneakers

  • River Map
  • Mobilfon
  • Safety Knife
  • Whistle
  • Watch

  • Whitewater Equipment in Switzerland

  • ... Advanced

  • Board: Special whitewater boards
  • Favorites: Hala & Badfish
  • Airboard Whitewater
  • Tip: changeable fins (much more options for different waters), a lot of rocker (lies better in the waves)

  • Paddle

  • Protection:
  • Quickrelease-Leash
  • PFD / life jacket
  • Helmet
  • Knee / Shin Guards
  • Water shoes (robust, non-slip soles)
  • elbow pads
  • Further protection e.g. G-Form

  • Flusskarte
  • River Map
  • Mobilfon
  • Safety Knife
  • Whistle
  • Watch
  • throwbag
  • Whitewater Equipment in Switzerland

Do I always wear a helmet?

Basically yes. This information on protective equipment is a personal recommendation and must be assessed individually by everyone. I would never go on a WWII river (Reuss Bremgarten - Gnadental) without a helmet. I usually wear a helmet on the Limmat (WWI), because I can try out everything without worries and don't have to worry much about stone contact. On a mild summer evening when I just want to go down after work, on a light river (WWI), which I know very well, without taking any risks, I stay away from stones and don't wear a helmet.


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Supzero Beginners Lesson on Limmat supzero.ch
Beginners Class on Limmat with Jeroen Houttuin. image: Supzero.ch





    Forums & Groups

  • Exchange, inspiration & paddle meetings

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