SUP on the Biebrza River
The Biebrza River and its floodplains need no introduction. This unique place is especially well-known to wildlife enthusiasts, who can be found here in unprecedented numbers. The river itself is also very interesting, flowing gently without shallows or other navigational obstacles, meandering among reeds and meadows.
I explored the Biebrza River a few years ago, kayaking. Now it was time to explore it on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). I chose the Biebrza Valley agritourism farm https://www.dolinabiebrzy.pl in Wrocław as my base. Atmospheric rooms, a well-organized campsite, good food, and a beautiful view of the river and vast meadows. Peace and quiet, starry skies at night, and bird concerts in the morning. I highly recommend it.
Of course, as a kayak rental company, they offer transfers up and down the river, which is very important for kayaking trips. For cruising down the Biebrza, I chose my favorite touring board this year: the STARBOARD 2021 INFL TOURING DSC 12'6". The long waterline provides speed, two places to secure luggage, a fin angled to shed grass and reeds, a second handle at the stern, and a shoulder strap make kayaking on this board comfortable. With all this, Touring boards are also stable sideways and maneuverable, even on the tight bends of smaller rivers like the Biebrza.
I had two days to paddle the Biebrza. The first day I chose the route from Wroceń to the Osowiec Fortress (about 20 km). This route can be shortened by ending the trip in Goniądz after about 10 km. It's important to remember that there are few starting and ending points on this section of the Biebrza, and the river flows through wide floodplains, making it impossible to reach the mainland. If you have any problems, the Fire Department and the National Park Service are available with motorboats.
The Wroceń - Osowiec Fortress route is picturesque, with numerous rare bird species, and the river, with its numerous twists and turns, never gets boring. Of course, navigating the river with its current, bends, and sometimes even the wind, requires a bit more skill than navigating a lake, but the current helps us cover even long distances effortlessly. Of course, you should plan enough time and provisions.
On the second day, I chose the route from Osowiec Fortress to Brzostowo (about 36 km) with the option to end in Biały Grąd (about 14 km). This is the wildest section of the Biebrza River. In addition to the Biebrza National Park entrance ticket, permission from the Park Director is required for the rafting trip. 25 permits are issued daily. This isn't a problem. Suffice it to say, this Sunday in mid-May, I didn't encounter a single person along the entire route! Tickets and permits can be purchased online at https://biebrza.eparki.pl
I was familiar with the first section of the route from kayaking, and the second, from Biały Grąd to Brzostowo, was my first time paddling. Although the wind was quite strong in places, there were some rain showers, and I arrived quite tired, I was fascinated by what I saw. I haven't had such close encounters with wildlife anywhere else in Poland. Of course, the Biebrza National Park is primarily home to birds, but the sight of roe deer swimming through the stream or moose grazing in the meadows is also not uncommon. As for birds, flocks of swans, flocks of white herons, colonies of geese, and gray herons can be seen at almost every bend in the river. Thousands of smaller birds, and the occasional raptor, a white-tailed eagle, complete the natural spectacle.
Due to limited time, lack of a camera with a telephoto lens and considerable caution with birds not accustomed to humans, there are not many photos, but believe me, there is something to see here!
Practical notes:
1. Skills
-stand-up rowing
-maneuvering the board
-physical condition allowing for several hours of rowing with a few rests
2. Equipment
-board, preferably touring
-leash is a must
-additional rope for possible mooring or towing of the board
-optional life jacket
3. Clothing
-individually selected for the weather (always something waterproof in case of rain)
-recommended shoes for walking on wet shores
-protection from the sun is necessary - there are no shaded places on the river
4. Provisions
-I always recommend taking a little extra in case nature enchants you and the trip is longer
-water in large quantities because there is no possibility of replenishing supplies along the way
5.Other
-first aid kit
-knife
-insect repellents
-charged phone in Aquapac
-I recommend a separate device (e.g. Garmin watch) with GPS that records the distance traveled
It's faster to check your watch while rowing than to take your phone out of your pocket.
I recommend it to everyone, I will definitely return to Biebrza this season, more practical advice in person in the store, by email or by phone.
And if time allows and there are people interested, we will organize a trip together and then I will be happy to serve as a guide. :-)
Kind regards,
Paweł Jędrzejewski 
