M&M SUP Amsterdam

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I used to work as a journalist and got the chance to interview Anne Marie Reichman founder of the SUP 11 city tour in 2008. She was paddling the route alone to see if it was even possible. She let me join her and gave me a big bathtub of a board my first time out. Honestly, struggled to get into it. Lots of falling in! Months later we went to paddle again in Amsterdam and it was a lovely day and I was hooked. I used to wakeboard but there is always so much to get everything ready and SUP just made getting on the water more accessible. I have done the SUP 11 City Tour several times and the first was in 2010 with a team of friends. Actually, before they had a team category, I asked Anna Marie if we could do it as a team and she said not a bad idea and she added a team category right then.

What about your experience with paddling? There was no SUP in holland when i first started paddling and but I eventually found a board and started to SUP on my own. I live right on a canal – go figure  -and can just drop in any time. The industry I used  to work in, Journalism, was going through changes and so SUP and I found each other at the right time. It started with a Facebook page and has gone on from there. In 2014 I got my ASI credentials, Paddlefit, etc.  I was teaching all the classes for the first 3 years and now I have a team with two locations - downtown Amsterdam and Ljburg lake. The lake can get high winds and be choppy but I love it. We can paddle out to Muidercastle, Durgerdam, Lighthouse Island and Pampus Island - all very special places.

Location Overview:

Tell us about a bit more about your business and the surrounding area? Lots of boat traffic in the canals, give boats the right of way – we start at a windmill with a brewery (what’s more Amsterdam than that? No Beer before paddle, though), past an old shipyard, past rows of old storage from the spices trades, go through the locks, past the classic canal houses built in the 15 and 1600’s, past the red light district, Oudewaal, and the 7 bridges. Paddling through Amsterdam is like paddling in a museum!

Do you have any signature services or paddle activities? We do it all! Bootcamps, sup yoga, Pilates, retreats, and the tours - one semi-private group scheduled a week but mostly private groups

What is the best season to come check you out? April - October is our official season but I prefer the Fall and Early Spring. We do offer wetsuits, and boots in the slower season. Come out to paddle in the winter too, so quiet, and you get the place to yourself. In the spring you see all the trees along the canals - very beautiful! Canals are not as dirty as people think. The water is super clean actually and always flowing.

Any key local attractions for paddlers to check out? The Castle and guide houses on the lake - great spot but can be a bit rougher - rental bikes and guided bike tours. It really feels like you are a part of the city

Any cool or interesting activities after a paddle? Beer brewery in the windmill with a restaurant. Great walk along the houseboats 20 minutes from central station.

Buddy Deals? 10% off all services

What are your favorite breaks for those looking to go solo and favorite places to camp?

There is Camping near our location at the lake (Ljburg) and it is a great SUP spot. The Camping area near us is called Camping Zeeburg (Amsterdam) and is located right at the water. But, FYI, it’s not possible to get into the City Center by paddle board from there as it is out past the big lock shutting Amsterdam from the lake https://www.campingzeeburg.com