Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons, tours and advanced SUP training at Free Movement an ASI accredited learn to SUP school, located at Haarlem, a charming medieval town on the banks of the Spaarne River, and only 20 minutes from Amsterdam.

Free Movement was founded in 2012 and one of the first SUP schools in the Netherlands.  Owned and operated by Ricardo Haverschmidt and Petronella van Malsen.

They are both experienced paddlers, with extensive SUP race experience. 

As a pioneer, Ricardo Haverschmidt has contributed to developing SUP as a sport and to setting up and developing SUP (race) trainings in Haarlem and the surrounding area. He is an experienced SUP race competitor, sponsored by Mistral and rated as one of the Netherlands top competitors.

Ricardo is also an experienced trainer and ASI SUP Technical coach and holding SUP Downwind, Enclsoed waters, Exposed waters and SUP surfing qualifications.  He also holds a Degree in Sports Science.  Ricardo has instructed a range of sports including SUP, lifeguarding, ski lessons, outdoor lessons, wellness massage, personal training and group lessons and sailing lessons.

Petronella loves traveling and sporting challenges. This combo has taken me to fantastic SUP destinations. After years of intensive training, she has great achievements, including 7x Dutch Champion.  Highlight was the last World Cup in Thailand, where she became a two-time Stand Up Paddle World Champion in the 40+ category.   After working as an IBT teacher at the police academy for years, Petronella became a co-owner of Free Movement in 2022.

Ricardo and Petronella are passionate sportspeople and all-round waterman and their leisure activities have grown into a lifestyle.

Free Movement offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP ocean paddling, downwinding, SUP surfing, SUP tours, team building and rentals for kids, adults, tourists, parties, school groups, and corporates.

They will teach you the proper technique and will introduce you with different training regimes on the water. We can support you with tailor-made training schedules which include endurance and strength training from beginner to advanced levels.

Free Movement offer a range of guided SUP tours that explores the beautiful city of Haarlem.   

With first time paddlers they focus on safety and fun on the water. We guarantee that our classes are well-structured and offer a diverse set of exercises.

They help amateur SUP athletes to become ready-to-race.   Advanced race training is also available for more experienced paddlers.

Personal training SUP sessions help you get into shape   Sessions are tailored to your body type, level of mobility and lifestyle.   Boot camps and swimming training is also offered.

SUP rentals are also available to people with some paddling experience.

Various team building activities are offered, including the mega SUP,  SUP clean-ups, or a technical clinic on flat water or sea is also possible.

Free Movement is a Mistral distributor and you can also try their range of high quality SUP boards and accessories.   We test boards and have been involved in the development of high-quality new materials for years. With this knowledge we can advise  when buying your first board, paddle or apparel.

Free Movement is an ASI Instructor Training Centre (ITC) and the only approved centre in the Netherlands.  Ricardo is authorised to train others to be ASI accredited stand up paddle instructors.

Free Movement is located in the centre of Haarlem, right on the water.  Its only only 20 minutes drive from downtown Amsterdam.

Haarlem is fun for paddling because you can paddle through the calm canals and see the city or paddle to rural part of the city, with cows, sheep and other animals around you.

Haarlem offers excellent SUP paddling, the longest route is 20km , the shortest is about 6km. There’s also a 60km tour, leaving from Haarlem, to other cities and back to Haarlem, so there’s a lot of water and lots of paddling opportunities.

There are ideal water conditions for beginner level to advanced level training.  

Sessions are also held at the ocean at  Zandvoort aan Zee, The Spot and other locations depending on the conditions.  Here you can develop skills in the uneven waters with swell. 

The ocean has small waves ideal for learning to SUP surf.   There are perfect conditions for SUP downwinding sessions.

Facilities include change rooms, toilets and storage for valuables.

There are cafes nearby, perfect to relax in after you paddle.

Haarlem is a charming medieval town on the banks of the Spaarne River.  

It has a rich history dating back to pre-medieval times, and this is reflected in the architecture and cobbled streets.

From the 1630s until present day, Haarlem has been a major trading centre for tulips.