Description
SUP en Meer, in the Amsterdamse Bos (Forest), is a lovely spot to paddle, even though you’re only a short trip from the city center. Glide across the Nieuwe Meer, with greenery all around and little more than birdsong and the swish of your paddle for company. It’s a proper break from city life.
I’ve tried SUP spots around the world, but SUP en Meer has a particular charm. Maybe it’s the laid-back Dutch feel, or the way the staff make you feel at home as soon as you arrive. Either way, it’s easy to see why paddlers come back.
The SUP center has a cozy clubhouse and a terrace where you can sit down for a drink after your paddle. Watching the sun set over the Nieuwe Meer with a cold Heineken is hard to beat. You might find yourself thinking, “Is this real life?”
There’s more to SUP en Meer than a relaxed paddle and a drink afterwards. The team takes stand-up paddleboarding seriously, with lessons for beginners and guided tours for anyone keen to explore the quieter corners of the Amsterdamse Bos and Nieuwe Meer.
And there’s no need to worry about equipment. SUP en Meer has a range of boards for different skill levels and preferences, whether you’re a beginner finding your balance or an experienced paddler looking for a challenge.
One thing I like about SUP en Meer is its focus on health and wellness. The center offers a program to help you get fitter, lose weight, and build your energy, all while spending time on the water. It’s a nice change from the usual gym routine.
Key Features
Here’s what makes SUP en Meer stand out among Amsterdam’s SUP spots:
1. Location, location, location: You’re surrounded by nature in the Amsterdamse Bos, but still close to the city. Best of both worlds, really.
2. Stellar equipment: Their SUP boards are well-maintained and good quality. I’ve paddled on a few questionable boards in my time, but these are the real deal.
3. Expert instruction: Whether you’re new to SUP or looking to improve, the instructors know their stuff. They’re patient, too, which always helps.
4. Guided tours: Not sure where to explore? The guided tours show you around the area, with a local’s eye for the good spots.
5. Fitness programs: SUP en Meer makes exercise part of the fun, with programs that help you get fit outdoors.
6. Cozy clubhouse: The clubhouse is a good place to relax before or after your paddle. It has that “gezellig” feel the Dutch do so well.
7. Sunset paddles: Being out on the water at sunset is a treat, and yes, it makes for a lovely photo.
8. Group activities: From corporate team-building events to birthday parties, SUP en Meer can host a get-together on the water.
9. All-inclusive packages: Some packages cover everything from board rental to lunch or drinks, so you can keep the planning simple.
10. Year-round operation: Summer is the main SUP season, but the team runs sessions throughout the year. Just dress warmly when the weather turns.
I’ll admit, when I first heard about SUP en Meer, I was skeptical. Stand-up paddleboarding in Amsterdam? Isn’t the city all bikes and canals? But the Amsterdamse Bos offers a different side of the city, and SUP is a lovely way to see it.
I was also impressed by how accessible they make the sport. Some SUP spots seem aimed at the super-fit Instagram crowd, but SUP en Meer welcomes everyone, from first-timers to experienced paddlers.
And the atmosphere is a big part of it. Being on the water has a way of taking the edge off a stressful day, whether it’s the soft lap of the waves against your board or the steady rhythm of paddling. SUP en Meer gets that relaxed feeling just right.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the best-known time to visit SUP en Meer. The weather’s warm, the days are long, and the water feels inviting. From June through August, the place gets busy, especially when the sun’s out.
Here’s a local tip: don’t overlook May and September. The weather can still be pleasant, and there are fewer people around. Early autumn is especially nice, when the leaves in the Amsterdamse Bos start to change color.
If you’re an early riser, try one of their sunrise paddles. Getting up before dawn might not sound like holiday fun, but watching the mist lift from the Nieuwe Meer as sunlight comes through the trees is something else. You’ll be glad you made the effort.
The sunset paddles are just as lovely. The sky turns pink and orange, and the city lights begin to twinkle in the distance. It feels wonderfully peaceful out there, and it’s a sweet option for a date, too.
Winter SUPping isn’t for everyone. The water’s cold, the air’s colder, and you’ll want to bundle up properly. SUP en Meer does run winter sessions, though, and there’s something exhilarating about paddling past frosty trees with your breath clouding in the air. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate for afterwards.
Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you head out. You can get four seasons in a day here. SUP en Meer shares current conditions on social media, so it’s worth following them for updates.
If you’re visiting during a major Dutch holiday or event, such as King’s Day, book ahead. Sunny weekends in peak season can get busy. Even when it’s crowded, the staff do their best to make sure everyone has a good time.
How to Get There
Here’s how to get to SUP en Meer. Even a great spot can be tricky to enjoy if you can’t find it, right?
SUP en Meer is in the Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam’s huge city forest, just south of the city. The area is technically in Amstelveen, a suburb of Amsterdam.
If you’re coming from central Amsterdam, you’ve got a few options:
1. Bike it: Cycling is the most Dutch way to get there, and it’s a pleasant ride. From the city center, allow about 45 minutes. Follow the signs to the Amsterdamse Bos, then look for signs to the Nieuwe Meer. The forest’s well-maintained bike paths make for a nice warm-up before your paddle.
2. Public transport: Take tram 5 from Amsterdam Central Station towards Amstelveen Stadshart and get off at “De Zonnestein” in Amstelveen. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk through the Amsterdamse Bos to SUP en Meer. The 9292 app is handy for checking public transport updates in the Netherlands.
3. Car: Driving is straightforward. Enter “SUP en Meer” into your GPS and follow the directions. There’s parking near the clubhouse, but it can fill up quickly on sunny days, so try to arrive early.
4. Uber/Taxi: This is probably the easiest option, though it’ll cost more. A driver can take you to the Amsterdamse Bos, then you can point them towards SUP en Meer.
Once you’re in the Amsterdamse Bos, follow the signs to the Nieuwe Meer. SUP en Meer is right on the shore, and its colorful boards and clubhouse are easy to spot.
The first time I went, I got a little turned around in the forest. But getting lost in the Amsterdamse Bos isn’t the worst thing. It’s a lovely place to wander, and you might come across a spot you wouldn’t have found otherwise. If you need directions, just ask someone; people are generally happy to help.
One more tip: if you’re coming from Schiphol Airport, the Amsterdamse Bos is nearby. You could land in Amsterdam and be out on the water within an hour, traffic and timing permitting. Not a bad way to start your trip.
