Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine - Stand Up Paddling Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Stand Up Paddling Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva, Switzerland

By: Robert Etienne

Wednesday, 20 May 2009

Stand up paddling may soon be the most original way to visit the Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon) in Switzerland. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine reader, Robert Etienne, recently got good friend of his hooked on the sport and it looks like they'll soon be taking people out on scenic historical lakeside tours. Here's his report and photos of the journey:

"The Chateaux located on the shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, at the eastern end of the lake, near Montreux (where some will remember the famous song by Deep Purple "Smoke on the water" was written.) The castle consists of 100 independent buildings that were gradually connected and now form a single unique setting. The oldest parts of the castle have not been definitively dated, but the first written record of the castle dates back to 1160 or 1005!"

"On Thursday May 6th, we enjoyed a nice calm lunch break and cruised the lake shore to get a close glimpse of the castle and noticed that we could even get inside the back of the castle without debarking from our boards. All went well until we nearly got attacked by a male swan (over)protecting his nesting female... On the way back, we had a breathtaking view of some snow covered peaks "Les Dents Blanches" amongst some of the most prestigious Swiss mountains."

Thanks again to Robert Etienne for the striking photos and update from Switzerland.

12 Comments



olivier August 22, 2011 158.232.3.98	Hi Angela, Maybe too late, but did you find a place near Montreux. If you are still around. http://supridersuisse.over-blog.com/article-35225440.html If it's too late, next time....


angelina June 30, 2011 178.114.151.107	Hi folks, I'm planning a trip through the Montreux surroundings this july/august and would love to SUP there, can you name any rental center in the area so i can find it thanx so much Angelina


Dave Cornthwaite April 30, 2010 194.209.131.192	Big thanks to Rob for this article, and for lending boards to Sebastian Terry and myself when we paddled the length of Lake Geneva in late April 2010. An amazing place to SUP. Check out www.thegreatbigpaddle.com for pictures


Brent June 27, 2009 173.19.163.228	Nice pictures. I may be moving to Lausanne soon and was thinking I would be the first to paddleboard on Lake Geneva. I am actually glad there are some that share my passion. Any 12 foot boards for sale in the area or should I bring one from Florida? I compete in the Yolo series in Santa Rosa Beach Florida


Robert E June 02, 2009 217.193.129.74	In response to Chelsea (comment of may 26th) Glad you enjoyed the report on Chateau de Chillon I have contacted the person that will be in charge of the rental center close to where the above pictures where taken. He can rent equipment and is opened to guide you if needed. There is also an amazing calm river mouth close by that would be great to explore when you come over. Please send us your contact details and I'll put you in contact. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it A bientot ! Robert


olivier May 28, 2009 82.240.2.93	Hi, Super nice ! Next time I want to test my wood paddles with you ! www.outsidereef.com Aloha , Olivier


Michka May 27, 2009 85.49.8.39	Salut Robert, Really nice pict, with the mountains and the castel. It remember us 25 years ago, still in the water, and always before the fashion. Here in Fuerte we are a few, catching waves and some down wind, I have a sup shool and renting. Hope to see you here some time, best regards, Michel www.surftechcenter.com www.oxbowsupcenter.com


michel May 27, 2009 85.49.8.39	Salut Robert, this is like 25 years ago, still in the water and before it come in fashion. Here in Fuerte we are a few addicted to sup, in waves and down wind. I have a sup school and renting, will be happy to receive you over here Michel www.oxbowsupcenter.com


chelsea May 26, 2009 64.12.117.14	this is awesome! My husband and I are heading to geneva in aug and are intrested in doing this. Did u bring your own boards or rent them nearby and how long did you have to paddle. I dont quite have the stamina for hours like my husband does.


First-Laurents-Fan May 25, 2009 217.193.129.74	T'es le plus beau Laurent !!


Michael Etienne May 24, 2009 76.245.197.118	Bro, Nice pictures and article; who would'a thought of visiting the Chateau the Chillon on a SUP... Glad to see your creative mind is still firing on all six! You'll be pleased to know that I finaly got my feet we last weekend, went for a paddle on the DesPlaines river. Not quite the serenity of Switzerland but a pleasant ride nevertheless. Hasta - mikol in chicago


mark c May 20, 2009 72.76.165.205	awesome!

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