GL Manado SUP School
School Summary
Locations
Sports
SUP
About
Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at GL Manado SUP, an ASI accredited learn to stand up paddle school, located at Manado, Sulawesi.
They are the first ASI-accredited SUP school in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Meet the Team
GL Manado SUP School is founded and operated by Drevy Malalantang, a passionate advocate for marine tourism, university lecturer, and an experienced stand-up paddler.
The interest in the sport is growing rapidly, with an increasing number of people eager to get involved.
As a result, Drevey decided to set up the SUP school. His vision was to offer services tailored to tourists, to showcase the scenic and marine environments, while also encouraging the local community to engage in watersports.
Located in a region surrounded by the sea and scenic waterways, the area provides an ideal setting for learning stand-up paddleboarding.
He is assisted in the SUP school with experienced and accredited ASI SUP instructors holding rescue and first aid certifications.
Services Overview
GL Manado SUP School offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours and team building for kids, adults, school groups, and corporates.
They have a range of SUP tours that takes you along the coast, catering for different levels of paddling ability.
SUP tours include local marine environmental information making it fun and interesting as you paddle along.
Kids learn to SUP classes and clinics are held all year round, with an emphasis on learning, enjoyment and progressing SUP skills, potentially to become future SUP champions!
High quality Gladiator SUP boards and equipment are provided to clients.
Location Features
SUP lessons and activities are conducted at Karangria Beach, located just 12 minutes from central Manado.
Renowned for its soft white sand—distinct from the rocky shores found elsewhere in the region—and its crystal-clear waters, Karangria offers an ideal setting for SUP. The beach also boasts stunning views of nearby islands and mountain ranges.
Additional SUP tours are available at Megamas, situated only 5 kilometres from Karangria Beach. This urban waterfront area is lined with gardens and features calm waters, offering paddlers scenic vistas of the open ocean and the city skyline.
SUP tours are also offered at Bunaken, a nearby island and marine national park. Bunaken is famous for its incredible marine biodiversity and you will paddle along seeing the stunning coral reefs, colourful fish and turtles !
Facilities
Toilets, changing rooms and showers are available.
Tourism Attractions
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that makes it a standout destination for travellers seeking both adventure and depth.
Its coastline is dotted with serene beaches like Karangria, known for soft white sand and calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding.
Just offshore lies Bunaken National Marine Park, a world-renowned diving destination teeming with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles.
Inland, lush hills and volcanic landscapes offer scenic hiking trails and panoramic views, while the surrounding islands and mangrove forests provide rich biodiversity and peaceful escapes.
Beyond its natural wonders, Manado is steeped in history and tradition. Sites like the Waruga stone tombs in nearby Sawangan Village showcase ancient Minahasan burial practices, while Watupinawetengan stands as a sacred meeting place where tribal elders once gathered to divide territories and resolve disputes.
Cultural performances, including the Kabasaran war dance and Kolintang bamboo music, reflect the region’s deep-rooted customs and communal spirit. These traditions are still celebrated today, offering visitors a chance to witness living heritage in action.
For food lovers, Manado is known for its bold and spicy dishes. You’ll find specialties like cakalang fufu (smoked skipjack tuna), tinutuan (Manado-style porridge), and nasi kuning (yellow rice).