Lessons

Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board

We offer paddle boarding lessons and deliver Paddle UK (formally known as British Canoeing) Awards, on sheltered water.

Whether you’re looking to improve your SUP skills, or you’re giving paddle boarding a go for the first time, we have you covered with instructor led sessions suitable for all ages and abilities.

We offer group sessions, private tuition, and most of our lessons are based on the non-tidal stretch of the River Thames in Shepperton/Weybridge/Chertsey, Surrey.

To see what lessons are live and ready to book, take a look at our booking page.

Because we are completely mobile, we can provide tuition in other locations, on other rivers, lakes, and canals.

Get in touch today to see how we can help develop your desired goals, whether that be standing up and paddling confidently, or fine tuning your technique.

Paddle UK (British Canoeing) Awards 🏆

Being a Paddle UK (formally known as British Canoeing) Delivery Partner, we can offer a number of Paddle UK Paddle Awards & Personal Performance Awards.

There are three Paddle Awards to choose from; Start, Discover, & Explore. The Paddle Awards are for those getting onto a paddle board for the first time, enabling you to feel confident in a sheltered water environment.

The Personal Performance Awards allow you to develop your personal paddling and decision making skills in the craft and environment of your choice. Read on to learn more about each award.

SUP Sheltered Water Award

DATES FOR 2024 NOW LIVE 4th & 25th AUG

Your SUP Sheltered Water Award will give you the ability to organise and carry out an safe and enjoyable trip on the water up to 200 metres from shore, up to force 3 in winds. This award is also designed to develop a range of skills such as the correct feet, body positioning and strokes required to keep you balanced. Learn more.

8 hours
No prerequisites
8 people
£100

Book now

SUP Safer

The SUP Safer course is designed for anyone wanting to gain knowledge and raise their awareness of their personal safety in a sheltered water environment. The course covers 4 key modules: SUP equipment, environment and weather, planning, and safety on the water. Learn more.

4 hours
No prerequisites
8 people
£65

Book now

SUP Safer Tideway Training

New for 2024. The Tidal module is an add on to the SUP Safer course. Designed for anyone wanting to gain knowledge on tidal water. The Tideway content covers:

• The Tideway code, navigation rules and river traffic
• The Thames tides and tidal flows
• Hazards and how to control risks

It will take place on the Upper Thames Tideway between Teddington and Putney. Learn more.

1 hour
This can be delivered independently to experienced Stand Up paddle boarders who only require the Tideway knowledge, but this will not be certificated. To be eligible for the certification, you must do the whole SUP Safer Course.
8 people
£30

Book now

Paddle Explore

Your Explore Award gives you ownership; allowing you to choose where you move next in the world of paddlesport. Working with your coach you will be able to develop a programme that suits what you need. Learn more.

8 hours
No prerequisites
8 people
£100

Book now

Paddle Discover

Taking you on the next steps towards becoming a more proficient and independent paddler. A session which develops your decision making and practical skills. Developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling and learn how to choose and use equipment, giving you the confidence to progress onto the Explore Award. Learn more.

6 hours
No prerequisites
8 people
£100

Book now

Paddle Start

DATES FOR 2024 NOW LIVE 26th MAY

Experience your first session on the water. A fun and enjoyable practical session, 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. Learn more.

2 hours
No prerequisites
8 people
£50

Book now

Allow us to introduce ourselves…

All sessions are run by friendly Paddle UK (formally known as British Canoeing) SUP Coaches; India and Joshua who are there to help develop your desired goals, whether that be standing up and paddling confidently, or fine tuning your forward stroke.

“Our aim is to inspire people to get out on the water to explore, discover, and enjoy our waterways as much as we do”.

Email info@paddleup.co.uk or WhatsApp 07861 916134 for more info.

We were a family group with every conceivable ability. We ranged in age up to 70’s. India & Joshua made everything wonderful for every person there. With an appropriate attention to safety, their approach was relaxed and it worked. We all stood up and paddle boarded. It was a beautiful evening in a lovely spot. I highly recommend Paddle Up lessons and club.

Beauchamp Bottoms
'Loved it' - Have tried paddle boarding a few times on my own and didn't get on with it! - (I was in the water - more than standing) - SO i treated myself to a lesson with Joshua to see what I was doing wrong - He was great. - I am a larger framed chap 114kg with a 'Dad bod' and conscious that I might be too large.. Well, Josh got me up on my feet and built my confidence so much and also taught me water safety and how to read the river conditions.. I would highly recommend Paddle up to anyone wanting to learn. 10/10

Giles
India and Joshua really put my 79 year old mum at ease with her first paddleboarding experience in a professional but friendly and warm manner! Thank you so much. We will be back. Highly recommended. 😃

Caroline
As a beginner, it was invaluable. Would totally recommend.

Ros
I had a great time on the water with India. She was a great instructor, encouraging me to figure things out for myself and feeding more instruction as I gained in confidence. She and Josh were lovely to be around. I definitely recommend for someone trying out SUP for the first time as I was.

Dan
I had a one to one lesson hour lesson with Joshua yesterday. He was very knowledgeable and a great instructor. I have never done it before and I was standing up within a couple of minutes leaving the bank - amazing as I’d expected to be on my knees for a good 10-15 minutes at least. Only fell off once, very pleased with that. A very enjoyable lesson, highly recommended to anyone considering it. Well done Joshua 😁

Stella
I’d had a go at paddle boarding before but really wanted to learn some techniques and some river etiquette. Joshua and India didn’t disappoint. They were friendly and fun but gave you enough of a gentle push to step outside your comfort zone so that you felt a real sense of achievement. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you!

Hayley