Should I buy this experience?
Who it's for
Paddle boarding is ideal for anyone who wants to get out on the water. In fact, it’s one of the easiest water sports to take up and you don’t have to be super sporty to really enjoy it.
Who it's not for
If you hate even the idea that you could possibly get your hair wet, or (shudder the thought) actually fall in the water, paddle boarding probably isn’t for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fresh sea air though, as we’ve got a range of
sailing and yachting experiences, including ones where you just chill on the deck with a glass of vino and enjoy the cruise!
Stand up paddle boarding FAQs
What's the difference between SUPing and paddle boarding?
For the sake of these experiences, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and paddle boarding is the same thing. Sure, some die hard paddlers will probably tell us why that’s not technically correct, but for us (and the experiences we offer), there’s no difference.
Do I need to be able to swim to paddle board?
No. If you can swim it will help with confidence in the water, but it’s not a requirement for our taster experiences. You will be wearing a buoyancy aid too, which helps with flotation.
Will I fall in?
Generally, no. If you are really unstable and get a proper wobble on, you could fall in, especially at the start when you are getting on the board for the first few times, or when trying to go from kneeling to standing up. It’s not as wobbly on the board as you might think though. Of course, if it’s really hot you might just fancy a splash in the water anyway!
What do I need to bring with me for paddle boarding?
You’ll need your swim gear and towel. All the gear like wetsuits (where applicable) are included for you, along with the safety stuff and the actual board and paddle.
What do I do with bags and things whilst I'm out on the water?
Most venues offer changing rooms with toilets, showers and lockers where you can lock up your valuables.
What should I wear to go paddleboarding?
In the UK, it’s usually swimwear underneath a wetsuit, but you can go paddle boarding in any casual sports gear really. As for shoes, you can either go barefoot, with wetsuit boots or wear trainers you don’t mind getting wet.
Is all the gear you need included in the cost of the voucher?
Some locations may make a small charge (payable locally) for the hire of wetsuits. Please check each individual SUP school’s page for more details on whether they charge or not.
Will I be able to go paddle boarding by myself after these taster experiences?
In theory yes, if all goes well on your experience! Once you’ve got the basics, you’ll be well-prepared for hiring Stand Up Paddleboards, or even investing in your own gear.
How much does paddle boarding cost?
It’s one of the most cost effective water sports out there, compared to wakeboarding, jet skiing and the like. This is also what makes paddle boarding so accessible. We have paddleboarding vouchers starting from just £15 per person.
Can you paddle board in London?
You can, but not on the busy shipping lanes of the Thames in central London. Whilst we don’t currently have any SUP schools in London, we do have an operator who offers
canoe tours on the Thames from Richmond.
I'm a big bloke. Are there different sized paddle boards?
Most hire places use standard size boards. They really are quite sturdy and are suitable for all sizes and weights. What does make a difference is the size of the paddle you’re using. The length is determined according to your height, which is what our operators will work out when doing the kit hand out.
I'm not great at balancing on things. Will I manage it?
Yes! Think positively and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. And it sounds obvious but listen to the instructors, they’ll have some good tips on how to progress from kneeling to standing up and, more importantly, staying up!
Are these paddle board experiences on the open seas?
They can be, but many of our operators prefer to show beginners the ropes on calmer in-land waters. Some centres even use training lakes, where the water is only waist deep, which is brilliant for building up your confidence.
What happens if the weather is rubbish?
Rain won’t stop play unless it’s really windy with it. The theory is you won’t really mind the rain as you'll be getting wet anyway!
Do I have to be really fit to enjoy stand up paddle boarding?
You will need to be able to get on and off the board by yourself, but apart from that, no, not really! Like any new sport it can be really tiring learning how to do it, so you’ll probably sleep well after your stand up boarding lesson.
I can already paddle board. Do you have an experience for me?
Yes we do. How about getting a group of you together to go on a
giant paddle board for eight? Or why not take the adrenaline factor up a notch by
paddle boarding along white water rapids?
Where can I go stand up paddle boarding near me?
With lakes and rivers coursing through the whole of the UK and our island coastline all around us, there are loads of places to go paddle boarding. Just some of our locations are:
- Gloucs
- Beds
- N Wales
- Bristol
- Scotland
- E Sussex
- Warks
