Progressive 3 Day SUP Course

3-Day Progressive Paddleboarding Course

Location: River Medway, Tonbridge

Level: Beginner to Improver

Duration: 3 consecutive days (or 3 separate dates) 1.5 hours each session

Group Size: Small groups for quality coaching

Designed and delivered by an experienced paddleboarding coach, this structured three-day course builds skills progressively — from foundational confidence to advanced board control and essential rescue techniques. By the end of the course, participants will feel confident, capable and water-aware paddlers.

Day 1 – Confidence On Board

Focus: Stability, posture, and foundational paddle skills

The first day is dedicated to building comfort and confidence on the board in a supportive environment.

Course Content:

1. Equipment introduction and safety briefing
2. Understanding river conditions and awareness
3. Correct board set-up and stance
4. Kneeling to standing progression
5. Paddle grip and efficient forward stroke
6. Basic stopping techniques
7. Safe launching and landing
8. Balance drills and stability exercises
9. Short confidence journey on the river

Outcome:

Participants will be able to stand confidently, paddle forward with control, and manage basic balance challenges.

Day 2 – Turning Skills & Special Tricks

Focus: Board control, manoeuvrability, and dynamic skills

Building on day one, paddlers will develop precision and control while learning fun and practical techniques.

Course Content:

1. Recap and skill refinement
2. Sweep stroke for turning
3. Step-back turns (progressive introduction)
4. Pivot turns (for those ready)
5. Cross-bow turning techniques
6. Reverse paddling and directional control
7. Moving around the board safely
8. Introduction to “special tricks” (e.g. step-backs, nose taps, balance challenges)
9. Small obstacle navigation practice

Outcome:

Participants will confidently change direction, manoeuvre in tighter spaces, and move dynamically on their board.

Day 3 – Self-Rescues & Assisting Others

Focus: Safety, problem-solving, and rescue skills

The final day develops independence and water confidence through essential rescue techniques — an invaluable skill set for all paddleboarders.

Course Content:

1. Water safety refresher
2. Controlled fall practice
3. Deep-water self-rescue techniques
4. Re-mounting the board in moving water
5. Assisting another paddler back onto their board
6. Towing techniques
7. Managing fatigue safely
8. Basic river hazard awareness
9. Scenario-based rescue practice

Outcome:

Participants will be capable of self-rescue, assisting others, and paddling with increased awareness and responsibility.

Who This Course Is For

1. Complete beginners wanting a structured start
2. Improvers looking to refine turning and control
3. Paddlers wanting to increase safety knowledge
4. Those preparing for independent river paddling

What’s Included

1. Qualified coaching
2. All paddleboarding equipment
3. Buoyancy aids
4. Safety cover
5. Small group sizes for individual feedback

Why Train With Us on the River Medway?

The sheltered yet dynamic conditions of the River Medway in Tonbridge provide the ideal environment for skill development. Participants experience gentle current, real-world river awareness, and beautiful surroundings while learning in a safe and supportive setting.

Comfortable quick dry clothes or wetsuit

trainers

water