Paddlefast’s SUP Club

The Where

Paddlefast‘s SUP Club are spoilt for choice when it comes to where to paddle. From lochs to canals and rivers too, the Central Belt region is criss-crossed with paddling opportunities.

We aim to choose venues that are easy to launch, are fairly sheltered (so easy for beginners) and most importantly, have some kind of après-paddle facilities! Car parking is also a consideration.

On occasion, we may even go ‘on tour’, this usually coincides with the Paddlefast team’s other commitments, but it does mean we have been to Tarbert on Loch Fyne, Largs, Dalgety Bay, Nairn, even Paris!

Feel free to make suggestions if you have somewhere you would like us all to try.

Who are the sessions for?

The majority of the sessions are suitable for beginners, however, one or two will be for more experienced paddleboarders due to distance or weather conditions. Details will be in the event description.

How do I book a space?

Tickets are available through the website – head to Paddle, then click on ‘SUP Club Events’ under the Events Section, or click here.

Board-hire package starts from £20 for the evening session, or £30 for a session at the weekend. Board-hire includes, the board, paddle, leash and buoyancy aid.

Boards are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you are planning to come along, please book yourself a board by contacting the office 01324 861 756 or [email protected]

Do you cancel if the weather is rubbish?

The short answer is NO! We make alternative plans for example, the exploring route across the open Loch might not work but we may adapt the session and work on some water rescue practice instead.

In 8 years, I have only cancelled once, and we retired to the pub (it was October and howling a gale) for a good chinwag about future adventures and happy memories of that year.

What to wear?

Obviously, this is an outdoor activity so there’s an element of ‘keep your eye on the forecast and dress appropriately’. Generally, you can wear whatever you might wear to go running or to the gym, as long as you don’t mind getting it wet (remember a spare change of clothes and a towel just in case).

If you think you’ll be spending a prolonged amount of time in the water, then wetsuit up (Paddlefast do not hire wetsuits at this stage).

As for your feet, barefoot is usually the norm so you feel connected to your board, but you’re welcome to wear trainers or neoprene boots if you prefer.

Anything else I should know?

Paddlefast SUP Club members love biscuits, especially cookies, so bring some along and be prepared to share! We very much hope you can join us on the water and look forward to meeting you.

Cheers, Emma and the Paddlefast Team.