FAQs

Do I need SUP Coaching?

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into the sport or an accomplished paddle surfer, coaching is a quick route to progression. Our beginner courses focus on essential safety and weather information alongside establishing good basic technique. Our paddle surfing courses and private tuition options try to remove hrs of time spent learning the performance end of the sport (as we’ve done over the last 5yrs), breaking concepts down into bite-size chunks. Progression is usually governed by consistent conditions to practice in so if you’re looking to make some solid improvement we suggest you attend one of our Winter SUP Camps.

What qualifications do your instructors have?

In terms of windsurfing qualifications Joe possesses RYA certification and Nick is a former semi-pro with years of experience of teaching abroad. For more information on the RYA please visit www.rya.org.uk  
All of our paddleboard instructors have completed the BSUPA level one instructor course and Joe is hoping to become an instructor’s instructor in 2012. For more information on BSUPA please visit www.bsupa.org.uk

Will I be taught SUP Surfing?

Our Ready to Ride Course is designed for flat water so generally speaking you’ll not be taught to SUP surf first time out. We do tailor our stag / hen courses to incorporate some paddle surfing at Tynemouth / West Coast although the majority of the session will be providing them with the basics as we would do on flat water.

How many people can you take in one class?

We normally limit coastal SUP courses/lessons to a 1:6 ratio. For our flat water locations we’ll occasionally take up to 8 adults per instructor provided the conditions warranty this.

Where do you conduct lessons?

We teach windsurfing at a variety of location including Derwent Reservoir, Pooley Bridge, QE2 Lake Ashington, Budle Bay, Druridge Bay & Redcar. 
We teach SUP at a variety of locations including our main sites in the Lake District & Newcastle (Tynemouth/River Wansbeck) alongside the River Wear at Durham and The River Tees at Yarm where we’re available for group bookings of 8+.

Will I be warm enough?

We provide quality wetsuits from Pro Limit and Animal so unless you want to learn in Dec-Feb you’ll be super toasty! Both activities get the heart pumping so expect to be overly warm in the depths of the summer months.

What equipment is used?

Please refer to our equipment section for SUP information. Windsurfing clients should provide their own kit in the main although we do have hire options at some of our locations. Please message us for more information.

Do you need previous water experience?

No previous experience necessary, ideally you’ll be able to swim but sufficient water confidence is also fine as we insist on buoyancy aids anyway.

What are my chances of being able to SUP first time?

For 90% of all beginners we recommend doing our Ready to Ride Course. Conducting the courses on flat water makes for instant success with 100% of clients managing to stand up and paddle on their first session.

When are lessons available?

We’re available to teach SUP or Windsurfing year round although our main season is April through October. We have group SUP lesson/course options most weekends available either at Tynemouth, the Lake District, Northumberland or Durham. We operate a first come first served policy so pre-booking is best if you have a Birthday, Stag Do or similar.

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