Paddleboarding at the Edge of the Earth: A Journey to the Arctic Circle

When most people think of standup paddleboarding, they picture tropical beaches or tranquil lakes. But for Laura and José, the adventurous couple behind Descubre Sin Límites, paddleboarding is a way to connect with nature in its rawest, most untamed form. Their latest journey took them across Europe and into the Arctic Circle—where icy lakes, howling blizzards, and dancing northern lights became the backdrop to an unforgettable SUP experience. In this Q&A, the duo shares how they prepared for this extreme adventure, what it was like to paddle among frozen shores and reindeer herds, and why chasing the “green lady” on a glowing SUP board might be the most magical thing they’ve ever done.

Supconnect: What inspired you to paddleboard in the Arctic Circle?
Laura & José: The remote landscapes, the ice... To sail with our board in such an unusual, unique place and enjoy the solitude and nature in its purest state is what inspires us to paddleboard. When you cross the line of the Arctic Circle, everything becomes magical—you are at one end of the globe, facing extreme conditions and overwhelming natural beauty.

Was this your first time exploring a polar region on a SUP?
Yes. This was our third trip to the Arctic, but the first one where we practiced SUP. Years ago, we explored Iceland, and another time, Finland.

Photo: Descubre Sin Límites

How did you plan and prepare for such a remote and challenging trip?
This type of trip involves a good deal of planning and researching possible locations, but we also leave room for adventure and improvisation. It's important to have some reference points marked in advance, but often it’s when you arrive that you discover a spot with the most potential.

What kind of paddleboards did you use, and how did they perform in such extreme conditions?
We currently work with Aqua Marina. We've been using and testing their equipment for many years and find it perfect for our adventures. On this occasion, we paddled with the Glow model—an incredible board with built-in lighting, which is possibly one of our favorites, as it allows us to do wonderful things at night, such as paddleboarding under the northern lights. We also used the Beast model, which, like the Glow, performed perfectly in these adverse conditions.

Photos: Descubre Sin Límites

How did you pack and transport your gear for Arctic travel—any tips for other adventurers?
We traveled to the Arctic Circle from Spain, covering most of Europe in our expedition vehicle. It was a journey of about 10,000 kilometers. Our goal was to reach North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe that can be accessed by road—weather permitting. In our van, everything is designed down to the millimeter to carry exactly what’s needed for any kind of trip. For trips like this, we highly recommend being well-informed about the weather and road conditions, and preparing for any potential unforeseen events.

What kind of clothing and accessories were essential for staying warm and safe on the water?
For this type of activity, it's crucial to wear appropriate clothing. We needed a base layer of thermal clothing for warmth and an outer layer to protect against the elements like wind and rain. Footwear is also important—waterproof but warm boots that keep us dry, allow us to walk through snow, and provide protection on the board. You can’t forget good thermal socks, gloves that allow you to paddle easily, and a warm hat.

Photos: Descubre Sin Límites

Describe the feeling of launching your boards into Arctic waters for the first time.
That feeling of finding the right spot, trudging through the snow, and being careful not to sink waist-deep is unique and truly wonderful. Throwing the board into the water and seeing ice still unmelted beside you is epic.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while paddleboarding in that environment?
The biggest challenge was finding locations that allowed us to safely enter the water. Many lakes were frozen, but in some places, the ice was beginning to thaw, making the shores dangerous—you could sink in unexpectedly. We were told everything would be frozen and it would be impossible to find a place to SUP in the Arctic... but we were sure we would find one, and we did.

Did the ice, wildlife, or tides impact your paddling routes or safety in any way?
Absolutely. This is an extreme place where weather conditions, ice, and snow dictate everything. On several occasions, we couldn’t paddle due to blizzards and extremely low temperatures.

Photos: Descubre Sin Límites

What was the most breathtaking moment on the water you’ll never forget?
When the northern lights began to dance above us! That moment was truly magical. One of our biggest goals was to do SUP under the “green lady.” We didn’t know if it would happen—but it did, and we’ll never forget it.

Did you encounter any wildlife while paddling—seals, whales, polar bears?
Our regular companions during the trip were reindeer. They’re amazing animals adapted to survive these extreme conditions. Their dense fur traps warm air, and their noses warm the air before it reaches their lungs. Even their hooves adapt with the seasons—soft and padded in summer for walking on soft ground, and hard in winter to grip ice.

Do you have a favorite photo or moment from the trip that really captures the essence of the experience?
Possibly one of our favorite photos is a zenithal shot, taken with a drone, showing us paddleboarding among Arctic ice. It’s the image that has been shared the most on social media.

How has this Arctic paddleboarding experience changed the way you see the sport—or yourselves?
We’re already thinking about repeating it... The Arctic Circle is pure magic. We've traveled all over the world, but this type of landscape and its harsh conditions challenge us to return again and again.

As a couple, what was it like sharing this type of adventure together?
We’re lucky to be able to share all of these experiences. Together, we make the perfect team—and we wouldn’t be able to achieve these kinds of challenges without each other.

What advice would you give to other couples or paddlers dreaming of a similar trip?
You have to chase your dreams. If you truly believe in them and work hard, you can achieve them. Believe in yourself and don’t let others' doubts stop you. Keep moving forward—it’s the only option.

Photo: Descubre Sin Límites

Do you have more SUP adventures planned in remote or unusual destinations?
There are still so many places we want to explore. We’re looking at a destination in Africa that’s caught our attention, and possibly a trip to Asia later this year. Northern Europe is back on our radar for next year. We’ve already done many trips with SUP as the centerpiece—Easter Island, the cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Vietnam, the Norwegian fjords, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, and the Dead Sea in Jordan. We love paddleboarding in unusual places.

Would you return to the Arctic Circle—or was this a once-in-a-lifetime paddle?
Without a doubt, we’ll return. We want to explore more areas, learn even more about the cold, and continue paddleboarding in extreme environments.

How can people follow your journey or see more of your photos and stories?
These days, social media is essential. We share our adventures daily. You can follow us on Instagram: @descubresinlimites_dsl, Facebook: Descubre Sin Límites, or visit our website: www.descubresinlimites.com