COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR / BRING WITH ME?
For our coastal tours and training sessions it is down to personal choice but we recommend:
Full length wetsuits are best even on sunny days as the water can be very cold. Shortie wetsuits however can be worn during the hot summer months.
We also recommend bringing a small dry bag containing a wind proof jacket, hat, gloves, dry robe, sunscreen & towel.
Summer: a shortie wetsuit is ideal, but plenty of us paddle in summer with a full length wetsuit on.
Autumn / Winter: We recommend a full length wetsuit, wetsuit boots, waterproof jacket, hat & gloves.
On your feet: We highly recommend purchasing & paddling in wetsuit shoes or boots when launching off rocky shores.
We will give you the option to hand in any car keys, cameras or phones etc. at the start of each session so they can be stored safely in a locked vehicle. However if you do chose to take any of these items with you this will be at your own risk. We highly recommend they are kept in a sealed dry case or bag.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO STAND UP PADDLEBOARD?
The beauty of SUP is that it is an accessible sport catering to all levels of fitness, from the leisure cruiser taking it easy in calm conditions through to the elite athlete toughing it out in swell and strong winds.
As a beginner, we’ll be taking you out in gentle conditions that require a basic level of balance and strength. If you can walk and lift a paddle, then you can SUP. The most challenging aspect for some beginners, however, is transitioning from kneeling to standing, which requires some hip flexibility. Prior to your class we recommend you practice kneeling on all fours, then drawing your leg forward to place one foot as close as possible to your hands, then bring the other foot parallel to this and stand up from there.
Whatever your entry point, if you make SUP a regular practice it will improve muscular strength, your balance and your cardiovascular fitness. It’s the perfect all-round workout.
I HAVE NEVER STAND UP PADDLE BOARDED BEFORE, CAN I COME ON A TOUR?
We always ask that you attend a beginner’s lesson prior to touring in order to acquire the paddle skills necessary for your tour to be both safe and enjoyable. However, in gentle conditions, we can incorporate this lesson into the start of your tour for you. For more advanced tours we recommend you attend our Ocean SUP Skills class first.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD ON MY BOOKING DATE
We’ll give you three options:
- A refund
- A reschedule
- If conditions allow elsewhere, an alternative location (e.g. inland estuary).
WHAT IF I FALL IN?
We understand the idea of falling can be a nerve wracking one for some, but please be reassured that falling is a safe and natural part of learning to stand. You’ll be wearing a wetsuit to deal with the cold and attached to your board by a leash. At most, you’re only a couple of swim strokes back to your board should you fall. We’ll teach you self-rescue techniques to quickly get yourself back on board and if you’re still struggling, your instructor will use a rescue technique to get you back on your board in no time. Falling means you’re trying, we embrace it!