learn the basics of paddling safely in a moving water environment

 
OVERVIEW

Our bespoke Intro to Rivers course is ideal for paddlers looking to learn the basics of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) within a safe and supportive environment.

Sessions are delivered by qualified and experienced Paddle Uk Coaches and take place on a grade 0-2 river which is typically sheltered from the effects of wind thus creating a safe, non-intimidating, supportive environment to learn new skills. Our venues are chosen specifically for teaching beginners and intermediate paddlers, new to the moving water environment and provides ample levels of challenge for a range of abilities.

The Introduction to Rivers course takes a practical approach to learning and covers four areas including; Planning a river journey, identifying river features and hazards, practicing skills to play the river and what specialist equipment paddlers require for paddling in moving water.

During the session, paddlers will gain practical skills in understanding a leash system appropriate to the environment, fitting a personal flotation aid and its safe uses and practice self-rescue techniques so they can safely get back on their craft unaided in moving water. Assisting others who may need help getting back to shore is also covered in the session, time permitting.

SUP equipment IS NOT INCLUDED in the total price for this course (Board, paddle, leash, fin, dry bag, changing cape and standing mat can be hired separately).  

A watersports helmet and QR belt will be provided Free of charge and is included in the course.

All  courses subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, issues with venue or high winds in excess of 12mph.

COURSE DETAILS

INTRO TO rivers

duration

3 hrs

price

40.00 pp

season

March - November

group size

Max 4 paddlers

meeting point

Millenium Bridge, Doonfoot, Ayr

parking

Free

type

Grade 0-2 River

changing

Outdoor in car park

course info

COURSE highlights

  • Meeting fellow local paddlers at a fantastic sheltered water location 2mins from main road
  • Input from a reputable and qualified SUP coach
  • Mix of theory and practical skills 
  • Learner centred approach
  • Certified by Paddle Uk
  • Welcome drinks on arrival
  • Safety collateral and FREE phone case 
  • One to one support during the course
  • Micro journey around the pond to adventure along the river

what's included

  • 3 hours delivery with a mix of on-off water content
  • Practice of key skills such as setting up equipment, risk assessing a venue, carrying equipment, what to wear, launching and access, efficient paddling, turning skills and fun balance games
  • River skills such as ferry gliding, breaking in and out of currents, surfing standing waves and flow
  • Self-rescue in moving water and how to assist others
  • Using throw bags to assist paddlers to shore 
  • Complimentary hire of watersports helmet
  • Photography capturing your course experience and sent to you electronically
  • Hot drinks and snacks on arrival and after the course
  • Complimentary use of QR belt
  • Changing cape and standing mat for outdoor changing

what to bring

  • Towel or robe for after changing
  • Old trainers or shoes suitable for walking over grass, stones and sand
  • Personal Wetsuit (min 3mm) or dry splits
  • Paddleboard, paddle, fin and leash
  • Swimwear for under wetsuits
  • Personal Flotation Device (Buoyancy Aid)
  • Kit bag for wet clothing
  • Stand Up Paddleboard, paddle, leash, fin (if you have your own and it is in suitable condition)
  • Water bottle or flask with drinks
  • Snacks
  • Personal Medication
  • Suncream 
  • Hat/gloves (Oct onwards)
  • Warm clothes for changing into afterwards
  • Phone and waterproof phone case

is this course right for you?

We recommend this course to paddlers who can self rescue and are efficient at turning their craft but who are looking for new environments to paddle, who require support in self-rescuing in moving water, who plan a paddle journey with others as a member of a group but wish to push their paddling to new levels. 

The course is also suitable for those who have just purchased equipment but need tuition in setting up the board/paddle.

Appropriate for ages 14+. Call to discuss.

course itinerary

  • Meet your tutor at advertised time in location car park
  • Welcome drinks and huddle
  • Intros and shared experiences
  • Kitting up (wetsuits, pfds, footwear)
  • Setting up a paddleboard and paddle/leash system
  • Paddling in moving water – group tasks
  • Risk assessing at venues- considerations
  • Access and launching/setting up paddle height
  • River hazards and features
  • River skills – crossing currents, eddys and flow
  • Rescue skills and use of throw bags
  • Course conclusion in outdoor seating area/leaflets/follow up

Frequently Asked Questions

In short, no but a degree of water confidence and ability to tread water is desirable for participating in a water sport. We provide a Personal Flotation Device (Pfd) suitable for a  range of client sizes and weights. Unless instructed otherwise, these are mandatory to wear during our activities as its aids a paddler to float minimising the need to swim.

This entirely depends on the activity.

Our maximum participants on any given activity is 10pax.

Reducing to 6 on Instructor courses and no more than 4 on rivers per leader.

Multi-day/overnight Living Wild trips – max 4

We prefer smaller, more intimate groups, in our experience, builds better connections, it’s safer for group management and provides more time to enjoy the activity together. 

We are also mindful of our environmental impact by inviting groups of people into coastal and inter-tidal zones, wilderness areas where excessive footprints off paths can damage the soil structures, flora and create more bio cross-contaminations. We try keep this to a minimum. 

Yes. The more information about you and your health requirements the better prepared we are to cater for your needs. All your information is stored confidentially. Our medical and readiness questionnaire is contained on our booking form. Please do feel free to call us beforehand to discuss or speak to your leader prior to the session declaring any injuries or medical fitness.

Unfortunately not. We find dogs can be a distraction during safety briefs and during activity. Not all our clients are comfortable around dogs. We are happy to advice on personal paddling with pets and arrange adog-friendly activity.

We are very much governed by HSE Adventure Activities Licencing Scheme regarding working with Children and Vulnerable adults. All our staff and volunteers are PVG checked to work with Children.

On our family sessions our min age is 8years old where due to AALS licencing adults must be present on-site. The only exception is where we operate within a venue which is less than 50m wide which satisfies AALS regulations. We have equipment which will fit this age group and older.

The min age for attending a PaddleUk SUP Instructor level 1 course is 14years.

Our min age for attending our safety courses, coaching sessions and tours is 8years but it is depending on weather and experience and at our discretion. 

Whats included and what you need to bring are described in each page of the tours or courses and also within the confirmation sent prior. 

Full board packages for the activity are included in the price complimentary.

We will also provide a changing cape and standing mat, group equipment such as survival shelter, first aid kit, rewarming kit, spare paddle, pump.

For those with own SUP equipment, we also provide Pfd and wetsuit free of charge at time of booking

We also provide waterproof phone case and cag jackets as wind blockers.

Clients are able and encouraged to bring their own SUP equipment however, our instructors will check the condition and suitability on arrival and may suggest alternative board set up depending on the environment and session/tour. i.e. longer board for longer distances.

Payment transactions can be arranged in a few ways which are most convenience for you but must be paid in full prior to activity commencing.

Our booking engine will handle online payments where we absorb the merchant fee via GoCardless/Stripe on our product pages.

We can send an addressed invoice for groups and businesses payable via GoCardless secure online payment link.

Cash can be accepted on the day where prior arranged with us and receipt emailed post event.

Apologies, we cannot offer a credit or debit card transaction facility on the day of the activity.  

Absolutely. Although we love to take your picture and offer a complimentary photo service sending your highlights to you post activity, we understand it’s not for everyone.

Simply state NO on your booking form on the relevant section.

Furthermore, we also request your permission to use your images on our media accounts and hold no judgements to those who object. We build your trust in this regard.

This is a common question we are asked. Simply put. Unless it’s time critical, we take our pace from the slowest member of the group and we are fully inclusive in how we lead, guide and coach. It’s not a race and we are on an activity to have fun, connect with others and the place we are in, paddle safely and prevent fatigue. We always discuss group paddling strategy and using systems for paddler support on the water such as pairs, small groups, varying leader position etc etc. 

inspo

REVIEWS

Don’t just take our word for it

5/5
Loved the Intro to Rivers. Super informative and great fun playing in the waves.
Lesley
Ayrshire
5/5
I can thoroughly recommend the SUP Safer course with Craig. Although im a competent paddler, i learned many things that hadnt crossed my mind when it comes to safety,
Iona
Troon
5/5
Really great course. We had a fab time on Saturday.
Elizabeth
Ayr