Stand up paddling is a popular sport on Lake Annecy. It is practiced with a large floating board and a paddle. It is a gentle, calm and ecological way to discover the lake and its banks.
Paddling: a sport open to all
Accessible to all, even children, paddle boarding can be hired from the many boat hire companies if you do not have the equipment. The board is very stable and the balance is easier to find than on a sailboard or surfboard.
This activity is well suited for leisurely strolls on Lake Annecy, but also for faster trips to build physical endurance.
All you need to do is to know how to swim and attach a rope from the board to your ankle. This prevents the board from drifting away from you in case of a fall or wind. A life jacket is also desirable on the paddle board.
For those who are not so cold, you can take part in the annual Glagla Race, which takes place from 17 to 19 January, where you can paddle in 4°C water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The best time of day to paddle is early morning, as the mountains are reflected in the lake. Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons with fewer waves caused by the many boats in summer. This is a good opportunity to see the different species of birds that inhabit the lake, such as the swan and the green-necked duck, which are part of the fauna of the Haute-Savoie.
Paddle rental on Lake Annecy
Paddle hire companies are located around Lake Annecy. You can choose formulas according to the duration, but also family or group formulas. Paddle hire will allow your dog to be part of the trip if it enjoys the water. The ports of Sévrier and Veyrier-du-Lac are convenient starting points to discover the bay of Annecy.
There is also a “wind at your back” rental option: you can go for a ride with the wind at your back and the return trip will be made by a boat from the rental company.
As far as prices are concerned, it is not a very expensive sport, you should count around 10 € for a simple ride.
Advice and regulations
Before starting, it is advisable to check that the weather is good and that the lake is not agitated to facilitate the balance. If you want to try it out of the summer season, you will need to wear a full wetsuit. Wearing a lifejacket is compulsory under penalty of a fine.
Beware: checks by the gendarmerie are frequent.
The most visited sites are: the bay of Annecy, the Roc de Chère, the end of the lake and the castle of Duingt.
Lake Annecy has its own navigation regulations which must be respected.
The Crazy Paddle Games
As part of the Alpine Lake Tour, a paddle competition is organised in mid-June on Lake Annecy. In 2021, this event took place on the 12th and 13th of June, starting from the beach at Talloires.
The programme includes: an 11.5 km mini-fat race, a 3 km very mini-fat race, a 4 km beach race at sunset, team races on giant paddles and an introduction to yoga paddle. It is also an opportunity to meet stars of the discipline like Titouan Puyo in 2021.
