The Stand Up Paddle Guide to Amsterdam by Morene Dekker

Urban spaces are being increasingly claimed by paddleboarders. From Copenhagen to Cambridge, Venice to Wrocław, Paris to Ljubljana (to name just few), SUP enthusiasts are turning their local waterways, canals and river stretches into newly found playgrounds. Accelerated by lockdowns, these vital, “rediscovered” local SUP spaces also contribute to a wider debate on sustainable, human-centric design and planning where cities serve their communities.

TotalSUP caught up with Morene Dekker, NSP Team Rider, endurance paddler and Founder of M&M SUP Amsterdam, to chat about her venture and adding Amsterdam to your SUP bucket list.

Hi Morene, welcome to TotalSUP! You’re a waterwoman, endurance paddler, NSP Team Rider and a Coach – What was the vision behind setting up your own SUP school in Amsterdam?

I have been wakeboarding a bit and then got into wave surfing but when my kid was born (17 years ago) I missed some time and chance to drive to the beach for surfing. Then I met Anne Marie Reichman who introduced me to the sport of stand-up paddleboarding and I was hooked.

It’s easily accessible, I could paddle everywhere and my son could come along on the nose of my board. I got my own board via somebody in Australia as there weren’t any SUP boards available in Europe then – We are talking 14 years ago!

I started paddling around and more and more people talked to me and asked what I was doing and if they could also join. So after one Summer I decided to start up a little school which I did in 2011. The first two years I owned a little school where I live and then opened another one in Amsterdam which was a good thing as people want to paddle Amsterdam city!

Could you tell us more about your venture M&M SUP Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great city with hundreds of hidden canals and also surrounded by water which means there are so many places to be discovered by a paddleboard which I like to show and share with others.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by M&MSUP Amsterdam (@mmsupamsterdam)

As there is not current, high or low tide it is easy to paddle any day at any moment. I take out beginners and experienced paddlers and have routes for any level.

What’s the local SUP scene like in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam it’s mainly paddling for fun and I haven’t met anyone who is training or doing long distance paddling. I live a bit out of the city at the Markermeer and enjoy paddling the open water during early mornings. And for the last 12 years I have never met another paddler there…I actually enjoy those moments on my own in nature and having my breakfast along the route at the Muider Castle or on the Pampus Island. For me that’s what paddling is about. Being outdoor enjoying nature.

What makes paddleboarding in Amsterdam unique?

Hundreds of canals and canal houses makes you feel like you are paddling through an outdoor museum.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by M&MSUP Amsterdam (@mmsupamsterdam)

The city has a very chilled vibe and even on busy weekends when lots of boats are also out on the canals everyone can enjoy it and loves to be out there. When out on the water we always get lots of attention and people stop on bridges to take pictures or chat with us as we paddle through which looks colourful and fun.

Can anyone enter the waterways in Amsterdam? Do you need a special licence to paddleboard the canals in Amsterdam?

No, anyone can grab a board and hop on the canals. However the route can be hard and none of the canals are start-to-finish at the same spot so paddlers can get lost that’s why we offer a 2-hour private tour and share lots of highlights.

What are your top, unmissable SUP spots in Amsterdam?

The Center Canals, Red Light District, Amstel River and Prinseneiland.

Could you tell us more about your collaboration with NSP?

I worked with BOGA boards and when they stopped the NSP Team contacted me for to collab and I have been working with their boards and raced on NSP Ninja and Puma ever since.

What’s your own NSP set up? And what NSP boards do you use for coaching and touring?

For teaching at my beach centre I use the soft tops all round and flatwater and for the city I use the 10.6 LT inflatable boards.

I own the NSP Carolina 14 x 23.5 and will use it for racing the SUP 11City Tour. I also have the 11′ flatwater soft top and a 10.6 coco allround boards for fun!

Thank you for your time Morene and hopefully see you in Amsterdam!

To find out more about NSP, visit nspsurfboards.com and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook

Find out more about paddleboarding in Amsterdam via M&M SUP Amsterdam 

*Images courtesy of Morene Dekker / M&M SUP Amsterdam