Paddleboarding Macedonia

Lake Matka, Macedonia. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Even though N. Macedonia is landlocked, it boasts an abundance of water. With over 50 mountain and glacial lakes, countless rivers and waterfalls, more than 15 artificial lakes and 3 big naturals lakes, North Macedonia is a true paddlers’ paradise. This country is a land of contrasts: high snowy mountains reflected in calm translucent waters, fast running rivers flowing into tranquil and deep lakes, long steamy summers and fun frosty winters.

Places like ‘Snake Isnand’ on Lake Prespa, the ‘Marble Lake’ in Prilep, the Isolated Church of St. Zaum on Lake Ohrid or even the sunken church in Lake Mavrovo seem like places made to be explored by SUP, leaving nature and its beauty undisturbed. With the help of the local expert guides, anyone can get a better appreciation and feel the true beauty of our country and its diverse nature.

It was a matter of time before this new trend of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) made its way to our country. This fairly new sport is a great way of bringing people closer to nature, getting them outdoors and away from the everyday fast paced life, in the company of fun-loving, adventurous people. People started wanting to experience something new and exciting, something that they have never done before, as well as go and explore places that were previously not available to them. The ability to ‘walk’ on water, overlooking the crystal clear watery surface of our lakes and rivers, can leave anyone speechless. Truly a unique way of exploring the country. Most of the lakes and rivers in the country usually play host to the occasional fishermen, while only a few are used for recreational purposes.

It was 9 years ago that we began with our adventures around our lakes and rivers. Many of these adventures, campouts, organized cleanings, cookouts and bbq-s, Paddle Klub organized in these unique locations, most only accessible by water. With paddleboarding, we found a new perspective to somewhat familiar places, while calmly and gently “walking” on water. Other times we explore places no one has ever paddled before, let alone paddleboarded there. These locations filled with beautiful and untouched nature, greenery and wildlife, will definitely give you an experience of a lifetime. Paddle Klub is the only registered SUP Club in the country.

Photo: Damjan Petreski

Best Seasons for Paddleboarders

Macedonia has all 4 seasons in full effect so having the right equipment can get you on the water at any time of the year. Every year Paddle Klub's season starts on the 15th of April and closes on the 15th of October.

• Winter: During these months (Nov-Feb) we only get on the water when we get some sunny or snowy days. With no crowds on the lake, this makes paddling a bit more special and enjoyable.
• Spring: Since the weather is starting to get warmer and high temperatures getting to 15 degrees Celsius you can see the quick change in scenery, everything starts to blossom and we begin to see the beautiful colors of nature. This time of the season is still low with tourists or travelers and potentially the best time to visit the small country of Macedonia.
• Summer: Is without a doubt the busiest time of the year. Most of the 'SUP Expeditions' are pre-booked and we're mostly left with daily tours around the lakes in the country. But since we organize SUP tours around all the lakes in the country people can easily avoid the crowds and choose a different place to visit every day of the month.
• Fall: Like in the months during Spring, the end of the season can deliver a proper SUP adventure. Leaves changing colors, the weather cooling down, the crowds slowly clearing will make for a perfect getaway.

Photo: Damjan Petreski

Hot Spots

Macedonian lakes are remarkable. Landscapes around these lakes are mostly mountainous with colorful and untouched nature rich with endemic species and plants. For example Lake Ohrid is part of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, and it’s one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes with clarity over 20m (65 feet), making it one of the clearest as well. This place is host to one of the biggest SUP events in the region called 'LAKE OHRID SUP CROSSING' happening every year in July attracting paddlers from all over the World. The 2023 edition had +100 registered paddlers joining the event from 15 different countries.

Lake Ohrid. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Lake Prespa

On the other side of National Park Galicica is our second largest natural lake, Lake Prespa, most famous for it’s ‘Snake Island’ or Golem Grad. These two lakes are connected through underground karstic channels, with Lake Prespa siting 150m (490 feet) higher then Lake Ohrid.

Lake Prespa. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Lake Kozjak

Lake Kozjak in Skopje is the largest artificial lake in the country, stretching for 35km (21 miles), surrounded by the natural reserve ‘Jasen’. The lake itself is quite unique. Throughout the year it changes three colors, green, blue and red, depending on the type of algae in bloom.

Lake Kozjak. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Lake Matka

On the other hand, Lake Matka is the smallest artificial lake in a range of three continuous lakes that use up the same water from river Treska, and it has one of the deepest underwater caves in the World, Cave ‘Vrelo’. The lake is 6km (3.7 miles) long and comes right after Lake ‘Sv. Petka’ which is almost twice the size of Lake Matka. All three are cascade lakes, divided by three dams starting on top with Kozjak, and continuing all along the length of the magnificent Canyon Matka.

Cave in Lake Matka. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Lake Mavrovo

Located an hour’s drive from the capitol city Skopje is Lake Mavrovo, again, a man made lake that sits on an altitude of 1220m (4000 feet) in National Park Mavrovo, a true challenge to every nature lover. Thanks to the view of the green shades of mountain Bistra, fresh air and the famous flooded church St. Nicolas, this lake is one of the top SUP destinations in the country.

A view of the flooded church St. Nicolas. | Photo: Damjan Petreski

Local Paddlers

Paddle Klub is the only registered SUP School in the country and offers its services around the whole country. The club visits a minimum of 3 lakes in a week, making it great for people that are wanting new and diverse spots. Macedonia is a land of contrasts: high snowy mountains reflected in calm translucent waters, fast running rivers flowing into tranquil and deep lakes, long steamy summers and fun frosty winters... Whenever and wherever you decide to explore, be adventurous and enjoy a completely new and unseen side of nature, be sure paddling on water marries all these contrasts into one unforgettable Macedonian adventure!

Photo: Damjan Petreski

To explore more SUP destinations, click HERE.