For a board to Veslák
You want to go paddleboarding but there’s a snag – you’re missing the board. Don’t despair and go to Sports complex Veslák in Nymburk. They’ll lend it to you here, and you can even choose from several types. Fixed or inflatable? Don’t worry, the staff will help you choose. You can rent it for the whole day, or even just 20 minutes – ideal for newbies.
Better river than gym
Even though slow paddleboarding looks like a totally relaxing experience, you’re a little wrong, this is not lazing around. When you paddle on a board your whole body is involved evenly, working large groups of muscles from the calves on your legs, through the back and oblique abdominal muscles, up to all the muscles in your arms. But your head will sweat a lot too – your brain will train itself to maintain balance. It sounds like a mega chore, but in reality you won’t even realise it because the excitement of floating on the water will overwhelm you. Just flow.
For beginners and pros
If it’s your first time on a paddleboard you’ll probably be floating around near the Nymburk rental shop, trying to figure out how to actually float on a board. But there is definitely something special about a boat trip with a view of the historic hydroelectric power plant and the tower of St. Giles Church. A more experienced paddler can then easily paddle down the Elbe towards Poděbrady. The return trip is also easier, because you sail downstream. This water route has one huge advantage – it is closely bordered by a cycle path along its entire length on both banks. If you really run out of energy, just go ashore and walk back.
Where to go by water and from water?
Going upstream on the left bank of the river, you will soon come across Kovanice. Here you can relax in the shade of the trees in the U Štiky bistro and have a bite to eat.
When you return the paddleboard, take a little walk to the bay below the historic fortifications of Nymburk. In addition to the view known from many movies, you can also come across one of the many cultural events that take place here in the summer.
Are you still wondering how Nymburk is still familiar to you? Help: it is Bohumil Hrabal. He grew up in the local brewery and captured his experiences in the book Postřižiny. Today, Postřižinské pivo is brewed in his honour, so go taste it in the bistro right in the brewery. You can meet the famous writer.
