SUP touring
SUP touring: book an experience shaped to what you want. Checked providers in the finest parts of the country.
Experience level
Beginner to intermediate
Duration
1–5 hours
Group
2–20 people
Season
Spring to autumn
What is a SUP tour?
A SUP tour is an outing on the water on a paddleboard, along a set route.
You get to see the country, local landmarks and places you can only reach from the water.
Tours can be run on lakes, quiet rivers, sea areas or protected wild country.
A guide may come along to talk about the route, the natural world and staying safe.
How does it work?
Meeting the group
You are told about the route and the programme.
Getting the gear ready
The board, the paddle and the safety kit are handed out.
A quick start
The guide shows you how to stand and the basics of paddling.
Covering the route
The group explores the area along the set route.
Stops and finds
There may be stops for photographs, a rest or a look around.
Who is a SUP tour for?
Visitors
A different way of getting to know a place.
Beginners
Routes can be set for people with no experience.
Families
Something to do together.
People who photograph
It gives you angles on the landscape you get nowhere else.
SUP touring — adventure level
An easy outing
Short routes on still water, with stops for the country and for photographs.
An exploring tour
Longer routes, for finding wild country or local landmarks.
An adventurous SUP tour
Harder routes, for active people and those who have paddled before.
At a glance
Duration
Most tours run between 1 and 5 hours.
Distance
How far you go depends on the route and on the level of the group.
Difficulty
From easy routes right through to sporting ones.
Guide
May come along with the group and talk about the area.
Gear
The board and the bits that go with it may come from the organiser.
Location
Lakes, rivers, the sea or wild country.
Weather
It depends on the wind, the waves and the temperature.
SUP touring gear
SUP board
A board built for touring and exploring.
Paddle
Used to move and to hold your course.
Buoyancy aid
Worth having, depending on the conditions on the route.
Leash
Keeps you attached to the board.
Dry bag
It keeps your phone and your things dry.
Sun protection
Sun cream, a cap and clothes that keep the sun off.
Camera
Worth having for the landscape.
SUP touring safety
SUP tours have to take account of the water and of the level of the people taking part.
SUP touring — frequently asked questions
An outing on the water on a paddleboard, along an organised route.
No. Beginner tours usually start with a short introduction.
You should feel at ease in the water and keep to the safety rules.
Yes, on the right routes and with the organiser's say-so.
Yes. SUP tours lend themselves well to nature photography.
Yes — many can be made to order for groups or for couples.
Yes. Sunset tours are popular for the mood they bring.