Rhine Paddleboard and Hydrofoil

If swimming in the Rhine is not for you, there are other ways to enjoy the river. Stand up paddleboard sessions on the Rhine are a popular summer activity in Basel, with local operators offering hire and guided trips on stretches of calm water. From the board, the old town and the minster look very different, with red sandstone rising above the river, ferries gliding on their cables and swimmers drifting past with their dry bags. It is a peaceful, active way to see the city. For a bigger thrill, a hydrofoil experience lifts you above the water behind a motorboat on a board with a wing beneath it. The sensation is smooth and silent, and instructors guide beginners through the first steps. These sessions give you something to remember, and you can add them to a summer itinerary alongside swimming, the ferries and the riverside bars.

Paddleboarding sessions usually begin with a briefing on safety and technique, and a short practice in calm water. Guides explain how to stay upstream of the current and where to turn, and equipment such as boards, paddles and life jackets is supplied. Sessions normally last one to two hours, and most operators provide a lesson for beginners, so you do not need previous experience, although being able to swim is essential.

The Rhine has a strong current, so the routes are chosen carefully. Operators decide each day whether conditions are safe, and sessions may be postponed after heavy rain or when the river is running fast. Follow instructions closely, wear the life jacket provided and avoid the shipping lanes. These precautions make the activity safe for most healthy adults and teenagers.

The season is roughly May to September, with the warmest weather in July and August. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream and a change of clothes. Water shoes help on slippery steps, and a waterproof bag keeps your phone safe. Wetsuits may be offered at the start and end of the season, when the water is cool.

After a session, you will find plenty of ways to relax. The buvettes along the banks serve cold drinks and light snacks, and sunbathing steps and promenades are close by. Some visitors combine paddling with a ferry ride and a walk to the minster, which gives a complete picture of the river life. Booking ahead is important in summer, because slots on warm days fill quickly.

Consider the activity level of your group when choosing. Paddleboarding is gentle and suits most ages from teenagers, while hydrofoil sessions need more balance and have age and weight limits. Check these details when you book, and ask about group sessions if you are travelling with friends. It is one of the most enjoyable summer experiences in the city.

If you have never tried the sport, choose a morning session, when the river is calmer and the light is soft. Bring a hat and a dry change of clothes, and be ready to fall in at least once, which is part of the learning and usually the funniest moment of the day. Sessions fill quickly on sunny weekends, so a weekday booking is usually easier.