The stretch runs from the hydroelectric power station in Smołdzino to Gardna Mała and Retowo, where you can end your kayaking trip. After passing Smołdzino, you paddle peacefully among meadows. There are two weirs to cross. On the way, there is a bridge after which peat meadows end and the Łupawa River begins to meander through the reed belt until you reach Lake Gardno. At its mouth, the Łupawa River has formed a huge muddy shoal. The lake has a bad reputation – it is shallow and located right next to the sea, with frequent strong winds stirring up high waves. For this reason, Gardno is now essentially closed for kayaking, and most of the Łupawa boating trips end at the beginning of the lake in Gardna Wielka or Retowo. Further on, the river flows into the sea in Rowy. On Gardno Lake, located within the Słowiński National Park (in the area found north of the straight line connecting the mouth of the Łupawa River at Gardno Lake with the mouth of the Grabownica River), kayaking is forbidden. It is only the southern part of the lake, bounded by the above-mentioned line, that is open for recreation.