Introduction to SUP
£35 per person
This course is designed for complete novices or for those who have been on a SUP before but have had no or minimal instruction.
It is the gateway to SUP with The SHAC and is a pre-requisite for taking part in our Freeride sessions & SHAC SUP events. The Introduction to SUP Course lasts sixty minutes in which you will learn the fundamentals of SUP including:
- Self Rescue – this is the most important skill to learn before venturing into paddling on your own or with your family in other locations – you will be required to get in the water.
- Assisting another paddler to self rescue – this gives you the knowledge to help others in trouble whether it be someone you know or a stranger.
- Weather and environmental considerations.
- Fundamental Sup Safety equipment – what we use and why?
- Basic paddling and turning techniques.
- Dynamic risk assessment – why and how to assess personal risk in multiple locations and conditions.
Price includes full instruction and board hire in a relaxed and fun environment.
Minimum swim requirement 25m. All paddlers must be 16 or over.
We also run Family and Friends SUP sessions for younger paddlers (under 16) wanting to safely introduce their children to SUP: they can be of any age, so long as they can swim 25m but must be accompanied by an adult.
Read this before you Book
- Every SUPer must attend a SHAC Introduction to Sup Course before booking a Freeride session and before getting access to the big lake at Buckland. This can also be achieved by booking a private Family and Friends Intro to SUP Session or a Junior SUP Club course as appropriate. This applies to everyone, even those with own boards. This ensures that you can self rescue before you embark on your SUP adventure with us.
- Freeride SUP and Introduction sessions are suitable for paddlers aged 16 & above. Family and Friends sessions and 1 to 1 sessions have no minimum age limit, so long as paddlers are water confident and can swim 25m - same rules for Junior SUP Club except minimum age is 8 years old.
- Children must be accompanied on the water at all times by a responsible adult unless they are being coached 1 to 1 by us or taking part in Junior SUP Club
- Wetsuits aren’t essential during the warmer months but are available to hire on the day
- Every Freeride paddler must be checked in with a band
- Personal Floating Devices /buoyancy aids must be used on ALL. Board hire comes includes a life vest, but if you bring your own board you must either bring your own buoyancy aids or hire on the day for £5.
- Any under 16’s going onto the big lake at Buckland must be accompanied by an adult both of which must have done intro and self rescue.
- Only one person per board at all times
The Health Benefits of SUP
SUP is a low impact exercise and can therefore benefit those who are recovering from an injury as it offers a great cardiovascular and muscular workout whilst relieving joint pressure. SUP will also help to build up your balance. Not only will this mean you can apply this new skill to other sports and activities, you will strengthen your core helping you to maintain a better posture in general.
SUP is cross training as you are using almost every muscle in the body, simultaneously strengthening your muscles as well as aerobic training. The great thing about SUP is that it can be as intense or as relaxing as you want it to be, but for those looking to push themselves to the limit, that can absolutely be achieved. The cardio workout from SUP helps to burn calories, encourage weight loss and reduces your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
But the even better news is that the benefits of SUP are not limited to the body. The relaxation associated with SUP is a great form of stress release. AS we are aware stress can have many negative effects on the body but when you are out on the water, paddling in a calm environment, all of your troubles may disappear.
