Start award / Beginners group lesson ✨

Paddle Start Award 🏆

Your Start Award is one of your first sessions on the water. Suitable for beginners, it's a fun and enjoyable practical experience, introducing you to stand up paddle boarding. It aims to provide you with the basic knowledge to enable you to safely get on and off your paddle board, make it move and return to your start point, giving you the skills to progress to the Discover Award.

£45 pp | 90 min | No prerequisites | Group size: 8 | Chertsey/Addlestone

Whats included

1. A focus on both safety and fun
2. Friendly and supportive learning environment
3. Expert coaching and tuition from knowledgeable SUP Coaches 👫
4. Photos! So you can put your phone away and enjoy the session
5. Use of all paddle kit (or feel free to bring your own). We will provide you with a SUP, paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag, QR belt

What will I learn?

Things you can expect to learn include:

1. Identifying and setting up suitable equipment 
2. Carrying and launching 
3. Safety and rescue skills 
4. Environment
5. Identifying hazards 
6. Efficient forward paddling
7. Turning, including step back and cross bow rudder  
8. Basic trip planning 
9. Navigation rules, river traffic

Not included

1. Food & drink
2. Parking fees
3. We will meet at a riverside car park - no facilities
4. Certification fee
5. If you'd like the award certification, the only prerequisite is to be a Paddle UK (British Canoeing) on the water membership. You can purchase your membership here. Please note that you do not have to do this, anyone can join the session.

Cancellations

7 days notice or less: You will not be entitled to a refund. Please carefully read the cancellation policy here. By booking you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.

FAQ’S

1. Can I come solo? Absolutely
2. Do I need to be a Paddle Up member? Nope
3. Do I need my own kit? No, paddle kit is included in all our courses
4. Age requirements? Suitable for ages 14+, however anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied in the session by a parent / legal guardian 21 years and over. No more than 2 under 18’s per guardian.
5. Can I do this course privately? You absolutely can. 1:1 is a great way to learn. Please get in touch to discuss costs for private tuition.
6. Do I get a discount if I book as a group? Yes, please get in touch
7. What should I wear? Wear weather appropriate clothing for SUP, quick drying active wear, wetsuit or drysuit. & shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Not sure if this is the right course for you?

If you are new to paddling, you may wish to look at the Paddle Start, Discover and Explore Awards. We are also providers of the The SUP Safer course along with the SUP Safer Tideway Training & SUP Sheltered Water Award. Read our website to learn more.

✨ If you have a group of between 6 and 10 of you. Get in touch for a group discount.

🩹 The quality of our local waterways is something to always be aware of and it’s important to do your own research regarding this. When paddle boarding with us we ask that you cover up any minor cuts and abrasions, and to wash once you are home if you fall/swim in the river, this is to reduce the risk of disease such as weil's disease. Paddle Up strongly recommends not to participate in paddling if I have any open wounds, and instead to reschedule. Read our FAQ's here.

This award is open to all but we do ask that you are...

1. Fit for a 90 min of paddling
2. Can get from kneeling to standing on land
3. Confident swimmer
4. Suitable for ages 14+, however anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied in the session by a parent / legal guardian 21 years and over.
5. If you'd like the Award certification, the only prerequisite is to be a Paddle UK (British Canoeing) on the water membership.
6. If you are unsure of anything, please email us to discuss: info@paddleup.co.uk

What to wear: Wear weather appropriate clothing for SUP, quick drying active wear, wetsuit or drysuit. & shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Remember to bring the following; Bottle of water, sun cream, hat, waterproofs, snacks & any medication eg inhaler. And don't forget to pack a towel and a change of warm clothes.

All SUP kit is available to use, but feel free to bring your own.

1. Meet at Laleham Reach, Chertsey
2. If bringing your own kit please arrive 30 min early to give time to set up