Before sunrise

Lake Sils nestles amid the landscape like a mirror. It is still early morning and there is a wonderful calm on the water. Soon, the sun will climb over the tops of the mountains and light up the lakes with a magical glow. This is what the local ladies are waiting for. They slip their SUP boards into the water and paddle out onto the lake in pursuit of happiness.

Serenity for the soul

«The feeling you get when you are out there on the board shrouded by the early morning light is indescribable.» For Fabia Leoni, stand up paddling in Sils is more than just a sport; it is her way of experiencing the magic of Lake Sils. «It's about being in harmony with nature: there is no other place where I experience this feeling so intensely than Lake Sils.» Surrounded by nothing but nature, light and wonderful serenity – you can leave everyday life far behind on the shore.

Easy to learn

To stand so sublimely on the board and glide across the water is more than just a great feeling. It is also a sport, which uses every single muscle in your body. Stand up paddling is not difficult to learn. After just a few hundred metres, you discover the charm of the rhythmic paddling. You wear a leash around your ankle for safety, which is attached to the board to prevent your board from drifting away should you happen to fall off.

Numerous possibilities

For Fabia, Seraina, Simona and Felicitas, the SUP experiences are part and parcel of summer in the Engadin. They meet once a week at the Murtaröl restaurant in Plaun da Lej at 6.30 am. You can also rent the SUP boards here. Simply rent a board, get changed and off you go. It's as easy as that on Lake Sils in the Engadin.

Depending on their mood and how much time they have, the four ladies paddle across the lake to Isola, to Maloja, or up to the Chastè peninsula. Sometimes they are in the mood for a more strenuous workout, while other times they stop amid the dazzling splendour to chat and enjoy the sun. They always return to the shore and their everyday life full of energy. «To experience SUP in this way on Lake Sils is good for the body and soul», enthuses Seraina as she heads off to start her day.

Rental stations

Tips from Fabia, Simona, Seraina and Felicitas

• Fabia's tip
  «It's worth getting up early before the Maloja wind kicks up, because you really shouldn't underestimate that wind.»
• Simona's tip
  «After crossing the lake, enjoy a morning coffee at the Ristorante Pensione Lagrev in Isola or at the restaurant Murtaröl in Plaun da Lej.»
• Seraina's tip
  «Paddling from Plaun da Lej past the steep cliff faces towards Maloja is a true adventure.»
• Felicita's tip
  «Jump into the crystal-clear water: it really does you good even if it takes some doing.»