The BSUPA Level 1 “Ready to Ride” course is aimed at adults or children aged 13 and over who are looking to gain their first ever Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) qualification. Ideally you will have paddleboarded before, but beginners are welcome if they can swim and/or have other water sports experience.

The Ready to Ride certificate is your gateway to further SUP qualifications and is ideal if you are looking to hire boards at home or abroad. This is a group session - if you'd prefer a private lesson, you can book here: https://widget.eola.co/477/activities/bsupa-ready-to-ride-private-session

Your qualified BSUPA instructor will take you through this nationally recognised course. Areas covered will include...

1. How to choose your board/kit
2. How to adjust your paddle and prepare for the water
3. Assessing the environment around you and how it will affect your trip
4. How to get on the water
5. Basic paddle techniques - prone, kneeling and standing
6. Standing, stopping and turning
7. Advanced turns and manoeuvering
8. Self-rescue
9. Skills assessment and action plan
10. Safe exit from the water

The course lasts around two-hours from start to finish, and we will ensure you have all of the kit necessary for a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

At the end of the course you will be given your BSUPA Level 1 Ready to Ride certificate, or be given the tips and pointers you need to hit your target.

Is it safe on the river?

Yes - you'll be accompanied on the river by a fully qualified instructor at all times. We run these sessions at "half-tide" when there is almost no river flow at Richmond, making it very safe on the water.

Where will I paddle?

You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington, or downstream towards Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick.

Any other options?

Yes, you can buy a sunglasses strap, dry bag or phone case to help keep your stuff safe on the water - or feel free to leave it behind in our safe storage area.

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy. You have the option to add day before Flexi Rescheduling as an add-on when you book.

https://www.paddlerichmond.co.uk/cancellation-policy

You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable with falling into water while wearing a buoyancy aid.

A certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.

Before taking part, please make Paddle Richmond staff aware of any significant medical condition/disability that may affect your ability to participate, or to understand instructions. If you have any doubts regarding fitness to participate, please contact Paddle Richmond to discuss your concerns in advance, or seek medical advice from a doctor.

We advise that you do not participate in paddleboarding if you are pregnant. If you do so, it is at your own risk.

You will need to shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed, and need to ensure that any open cuts are covered. Note that we do not have shower facilities at Richmond.

We do take people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water, however please contact us before booking as you may need a private session to ensure that we are able to provide the right level of support, and that you receive the coach's full attention.

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in as we have very limited space to get changed. 

We have a safe lockable storage space for your bags and valuables.

No specialist clothing is required, but no jeans or cotton please, as cotton gets very cold when wet. In warm weather, swimwear or ordinary quick drying gym gear will be fine (shorts/leggings/T-shirt/fleece). 

We usually paddle barefoot on these sessions, but you could wear water shoes, flip flops or old sandals / trainers if you'd prefer.

If it’s sunny please bring a hat and sun cream, and a bottle of water.

In colder weather (November - March), wearing a wetsuit is advisable. We have wetsuits available if requested in advance, or bring your own. Also, please bring extra layers, a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a dip during the lesson.

You may also want to bring a small dry bag for spare waterproof/warm clothing, money, any medications you may need and your phone in a waterproof pouch. We have these for sale if you don't have one. If you are worried about losing sunglasses please use a sunglasses strap, or buy one from us for £5.

You will be using our paddleboard and paddle. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions.

Your session will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to paddleboarding. We will cover kit, safety requirements and the session plan. This typically takes 30-35 minutes on a Ready-to-Ride course.

We will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington or downstream towards Richmond Lock, Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick, depending on the tide. On the water we will work progressively through the techniques we discussed before we launched.