Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Motlawa

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Motlawa river takes visitors through the historic heart of Gdansk, in Poland's Pomeranian Voivodeship. The route starts around Wyspa Spichrzow (Granary Island), opposite the Main Town, and passes the medieval Gdansk Crane, the Green Bridge quay, the rebuilt granaries and, further downstream, the old shipyard areas. The Motlawa is a slow, sheltered river branch, which makes it one of the gentlest paddling environments on the Baltic coast and a distinctive way to see Gdansk's waterfront from water level.

The activity suits beginners. No previous kayaking or SUP experience is required for short rentals, and the main prerequisites are the ability to swim, basic balance and comfort being on the water. Operators typically set minimum ages for children, often around 6 to 10 years for tandem kayaks with an adult, and sometimes ask for a weight limit on boards. Typical distances run between 3 and 8 km of river paddling, taking one to three hours, which is achievable with ordinary fitness.

Rental stands and guided-tour companies operate on Granary Island and nearby quays in season. Rentals cost about 30-60 PLN per hour, while guided tours run about 100-150 PLN and add commentary on the history of the port, the shipyards and the Solidarity-era sites nearby. Hire normally includes the kayak or board, a paddle and a buoyancy aid or life jacket. Visitors should bring swimwear or quick-dry clothes, sunscreen and a waterproof phone pouch; a spare set of dry clothes is useful for SUP, where falling in is common.

Safety briefings cover where to paddle, how to give way to larger vessels, and what to do after falling in. The Motlawa is a working harbour waterway shared with tour boats, yachts and occasional commercial craft, so paddlers are asked to keep to the river edge, avoid the central channel and follow staff instructions. Guided groups are accompanied by a leader who can assist or direct rescue if needed, and life jackets are provided for everyone. Operators usually cancel in strong wind, lightning or poor visibility.

The best season runs from May to September, when water and air are warmest. Early mornings and evenings are calmer and less busy with boat traffic, and late-evening light on the waterfront is popular with photographers. Heavy rain, strong westerly wind and thunderstorms should be avoided.