SUP Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to Stand up?

A: Yes and no, 99% of participants that come to our general Learn to SUP sessions are standing upright within the first 10-15 minutes out on the water. We use very wide stable, latest construction SUP boards. We give you all the right guidance and pointers to have you paddling confidently your first time out. You also learn at your own pace with us there to support you all the way. The very, very few who do not stand up in their first session are encouraged to return for a bit more guided time thats if it’s not related to a physical impairment that has inhibited them.

Do I need good balance to be able to Standup Paddle (SUP)?

A: No, this develops in time, even the most wobbly, nervous person manages to get used to the feeling of a SUP board underneath them. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your body adjusts to the new activity, balance comes naturally with it over time and at the end of your first session, you will be surprised at how far you have come.

Will I fall off/get wet?

A: Yes & no, some people do and some people don’t, but it is not a measure of your skill or ability either way. We encourage everyone in the right conditions to fall in at least once. That way we can instruct on the safest way to fall and most importantly how to get back on. It is definitely more fun once that part is out of the way. Getting wet is not mandatory, it is just so much more fun once you have. We as instructors fall in all the time, there is always a new challenge and skills to be honed so we advise taking advantage of all your water time to achieve this.

Do I need to be able to swim to Standup Paddle (SUP)

A: No, not necessarily we provide PFD’s for non or not confident swimmers, and you are always attached to your board with a leg rope. However, if you are extremely frightened of water and the fear of getting wet or falling in is too great that it will affect your enjoyment, maybe you need to rethink the activity before booking a session. In a supervised and instructed environment with an accredited SUP school your safety is our number one priority. So keep us informed either way and never ever paddle alone if you can not swim.

What do I wear to do Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)

A: This is the easiest FAQ, whatever you feel comfortable in. Non-restrictive gear, like your sports clothes or swimwear, anything you feel most comfortable in and are happy to get wet without weighing you down. Layers are good to cater for weather changes, if in the very hot summer be prepared with hats and sunscreen, as with cooler days wetsuits are only advisable in really cold conditions where you know you’ll be getting wet. Once stable wetsuits become very hot and you will most likely want to get wet to cool off. Learning SUP is definitely more enjoyable in the warmer months but don’t be dictated by the weather as most keen SUPers will be out every month of the year regardless of conditions, that’s the joys of standing up!