Swan SUP Competition Winner

Book your complimentary paddleboard hire here today! This includes the hiring of 2 boards, along with all the necessary safety equipment, for upto 2 hours. Please read the information below regarding our requirements.

All participants must be able to swim at least 50m.

Only 1 person is permitted per board, with the exception of anyone aged 5 - 8 who may share a board with an adult and will be safely positioned sat down on the front of the board.

Anyone aged 8 - 18 years old wishing to hire a paddleboard will have their own board but must have an adult accompanying them out on the water at all times.

Our standard 10'6" boards have a 95kg weight limit and our 10'8" boards can hold slightly more for those wishing to have a young child or dog on board with them.

You will need to plan for all weathers and ultimately expect to get wet! You may or may not fall into the water, but it is always better to be prepared.

Always bring a towel and a spare set of dry clothes and shoes. If you have your own wetsuit then you are welcome to bring it (particularly in the cooler months when the water temperature is a lot lower) or wear clothes suitable for being on the water, i.e., a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, leggings, gym wear, etc. (Avoid denim, thick hoodies or jogging bottoms that will get heavy when wet.)

If you are happy and warm enough in bare feet then that is absolutely fine, but footwear, such as swim shoes or old trainers, can be useful as our launch slipway and river/lake shores are quite rocky underfoot, often making it an unpleasant walk into the shallow waters in barefoot.

Suitable additional items depending on the weather:

1. warm hats
2. extra layer underneath waterproofs
3. sun cap
4. sun cream
5. bottled water
6. neoprene booties/gloves
7. other items may also be required, although please note items such as sunglasses may be lost if you fall in the water!

Your valuables, such as car keys and phone, will obviously need to be protected, so a waterproof bag/phone case is good to bring along. If you do not have a bag then we will happily look after your items, but all valuables whether kept on land or on board are left at your own risk.

Drinks and snacks are also a great essential to take with you, especially bottled water on hot days.

Participants will start their session on land with a safety briefing and introduction into paddleboarding demonstrating the basic skills.

When everyone is comfortable and ready to go, you will attach your ankle leash, walk your board slowly out into the shallow water and hop onto your board in a kneeling down position. Once you have paddled out past the boats and into the middle of the river you can then try standing up.

You are welcome to paddle along the river towards the foot of the lake, turning around just past Fell Foot National Trust park and then paddle back down the river to base.

Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times.