Stand-Up-Paddling (SUP) Across Lake Zürich

In June, some friends and I decided to take a stand-up-paddle board trip across Lake Zürich and back.

Detail Summary

We started at the Oberrieden Badi (Seestrasse 47, 8942 Oberrieden), headed as straight as possible across the lake towards Herrliberg, rested a bit when we got to the other side, and then returned.

The total distance was 4.76 km and it took us 40 minutes each way for a total of 1:20 of paddling time to complete.

Note: There is a small pay parking lot at Oberrieden Badi. Paddle boards are not allowed inside the Badi but there is a grass covered public area next to the Badi you can launch from.

Paddling Across

After inflating our boards on the public grassy area next to the Oberrieden Badi, we were ready to start paddling. As we had gotten an early start, we got on the water right at 7:00. Because it is late June, the sun was already high in the sky and because it is Switzerland, we could hear the church bells ringing out the time.

We should have checked the wind forecast before heading out. The water was choppier than we would have liked. I wasn’t able to stand, and had to kneel the entire time. After 40 minutes of paddling, we reached the other side of the lake near Herrliberg and took a short break. It was still choppy when we headed back, but fortunately, the water was also very warm. (I fell in once during the trip back.)

After another 40 minutes of paddling (with a short break for me to get back on my board), we were back at the Oberrieden Badi. Paddling across the lake was a really fun experience – one I hope to do again sometime. And with any luck (or better planning really), we will have calmer conditions and I will be able to do the stand part of stand-up paddling!

Hints and Recommendations

If you want to SUP across Lake Zürich, I recommend getting an early start and going on a weekday. This is the best way to avoid traffic on the lake – weekends can get very busy! Some important things to know:

• When on Lake Zürich and thinking about right-of-way, paddle boards fall under the category of rowboat. Basically, you need to avoid everyone. In particular, pay attention to where and when the ferries run.
• You need to have a life jacket with you if you go more than 300m meters from shore.
• Your paddle board must be clearly labeled with your name, address, and telephone number.
• A leash is recommended when on the lake. The wind can pick up quickly and if you fall, your board can blow away to where you can’t catch up with it. (Leashes are NOT recommended when on rivers.)

SUP Regulations: For more information, see Stand-up-Paddling (SUP): Regeln und Sicherheitshinweise (www.stadt-zuerich.ch, official information in German).

SUP Rental: I have my own board, but if you don’t, there are several places around the lake that rent them. I can’t recommend anyone specifically as I haven’t used them, but New In Zurich has a long list.