Stand-up Paddleboarding:
Discover the Maas Lakes from the Water 

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the best ways to discover Hart van Limburg from a whole new perspective. As you quietly paddle across the water, you'll experience a sense of peace that's hard to find anywhere else. From your paddleboard, you can explore nature up close, spot beautiful water birds and enjoy views that are usually only visible from the shoreline. Stand-up paddleboarding is accessible, active and relaxing all at once. In this blog, I'll take you out on the water and share some tips to help you discover the Maas Lakes for yourself.

A Summer Evening at De Weerd 

It's a warm summer evening as we park the car at De Weerd in Roermond. A gentle breeze is blowing and the water is almost perfectly still. The perfect conditions for an evening of paddleboarding. As soon as we push away from the shore, the tranquillity is striking. Along the bank, a heron stands motionless among the reeds. A little farther on, two swans are resting beside a wooden jetty, where they have built a nest with two large eggs. These are the moments you only experience when you slow down and take the time to look around. It helps to head out when the water is calm, such as early in the morning or at the beginning of the evening.

An inflatable Stardupp paddleboard floating on dark, gently rippling water, with a green water bottle secured under the bungee cords at the front of the board.

Where to Paddle 

Hart van Limburg is a region shaped by water. The Maas Lakes form the largest connected water sports area in the Netherlands. Wide open stretches of water alternate with smaller, sheltered lakes. We decided to start our trip at the Noorderplas before paddling through the Hornergriend towards Hatenboer.

If you're unfamiliar with the area, it's worth planning your route in advance. Not every part of the Maas Lakes is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding. Busy navigation channels used by boats and jet skis are best avoided. The smaller lakes are generally quieter and often even more beautiful. The Asseltse Plassen, for example, are known for their rich flora and fauna. Paddle close to the shoreline and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. As always, respect local boating regulations and stay clear of protected nature reserves, especially during the breeding season.

Luchtfoto van twee mensen die aan het einde van een houten steiger zitten boven donker water, met aan weerszijden een SUP-board en peddels in het water en op de steiger.

Head Out on the Water Well Prepared 

During our trip, we always take a moment to simply drift and enjoy the surroundings. Our waterproof bags hold everything we need: a bottle of water, sunscreen, our phones and something to protect us from the sun. That way, everything stays dry and within easy reach.

A leash attached to your ankle ensures your paddleboard stays with you if you happen to fall into the water. If you're heading onto open water or you're new to stand-up paddleboarding, wearing a buoyancy aid is a sensible choice. Before setting off, always check the weather forecast. Strong winds or thunderstorms are good reasons to postpone your trip. A little preparation allows you to relax and enjoy your time on the water with confidence.

Drie foto’s naast elkaar: links een peddel die het zonlicht op het kabbelende water weerspiegelt, in het midden een luchtfoto van iemand die op een SUP-board op open water zit, rechts een SUP-board naast een houten steiger met een peddel erop en een persoon die verder het water op peddelt.

Back to Shore

Slowly, we paddle back towards our starting point. The sun sinks lower and lower, casting a warm glow across the water. We pack away our belongings, store the paddleboards and take one last look across the lake. The swans have left their nest and are calmly swimming towards the shore. Stand-up paddleboarding here never gets boring. Every route has its own character, and there's always something special to discover along the way. Today was no exception.

Luchtfoto van een lange houten steiger die vanaf de oever het water inloopt, met een aangemeerde boot en een SUP-board. In het water rondom de steiger zwemmen meerdere mensen.

profielfoto

Fleur is a content marketer and photographer at Hart van Limburg.

Growing up in Swalmen, Fleur spent much of her childhood outdoors, surrounded by nature. Over the years, that love for the natural world has only grown stronger. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for photography, she now captures the most beautiful places in the region she proudly calls home. Whether she's out on an early morning walk or photographing a special moment, she knows exactly how to showcase the beauty of Limburg that she has cherished all her life. Her mission is to inspire as many people as possible to experience Limburg's stunning landscapes for themselves, just as she did as a child.