Paddling near Criciúma, Santa Catarina

Criciúma sits in the coal-mining heartland of southern Santa Catarina, surrounded by a network of rivers draining toward the coast. The region's paddling scene centers on flatwater river runs and coastal SUP, with Praia de Itapirubá serving as a known spot for stand-up paddle sessions. Several rivers — including the Rio Araranguá and Rio das Antas — thread through the surrounding landscape and attract recreational paddlers.