Gain confidence on the water with our BSUPA Level 1 "Ready to Ride" lessons, designed for complete beginners or those with some prior paddleboarding experience who want to master the fundamentals. This two-hour course provides structured, hands-on guidance to help you learn essential skills safely while having fun.
Your session begins with a brief safety and equipment overview, ensuring you understand how to handle your board and paddle. On calm, flat water, your instructor will guide you through basic movements, gradually building your confidence and stability on the board.
During the lesson, you'll focus on core techniques such as turning, stopping, and moving efficiently. The instructor will provide individual feedback and corrections, so you leave with solid skills and a clear understanding of paddleboarding fundamentals. By the end of the session, you'll receive your BSUPA Level 1 Ready to Ride Certificate, confirming your achievement.
To create a truly tailored experience, use the booking form to share your details, and we’ll provide a customised lesson plan and price. If you prefer to learn in Oxford, Newbury, or Wallingford, scroll down to see ‘more courses by this centre’.
The lessons take place on calm, flat water in Abingdon, ideal for building confidence and learning in a safe environment. The surrounding area features open countryside and easy access for participants, providing a relaxed backdrop for your first paddleboarding experience.
For those seeking other options, nearby towns along the Thames offer alternative locations for Level 1 lessons or guided tours, giving flexibility for scheduling and travel.
No prior experience is required, though a reasonable level of fitness and mobility will help you get the most from the lesson. All participants must complete a "Consent and Declaration" form before taking part.
The lessons are delivered by instructors affiliated with BSUPA (British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association), ensuring expert guidance and adherence to recognised standards. The team has developed a range of lessons, tours, paddleboard hire, and sales in prime locations across West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.
Sessions are designed to make stand-up paddleboarding accessible for all ages and abilities. Every participant leaves with improved confidence and skills on the water, having received personalised instruction tailored to their level and learning style.
We recommend water shoes or old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. For cooler days we offer the option of hiring wetsuits, but leggings and base layers work well. On warmer days, swimwear, shorts and t-shirts. Bring a towel/changing robe and sun cream. Most importantly…bring your sense of fun and adventure!
Check List:
No, but you do need to be able to swim! Most of our guests have no previous experience of paddle boarding. At all of our launch sites we will start with a safety briefing and make you familiar with all of the equipment that you will use. Regardless of your age or skill level, you will find our sessions to be safe and rewarding.
Anyone in average physical condition can enjoy SUP. The only prerequisite is a spirit of adventure and the ability to swim. Our tours and lessons are not considered to be physically demanding, therefore you do not require a high level of fitness. However, If you have any physical impairments that require special services, please notify us so that we can discuss them.
We are happy for under-18s to join our tours if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We will provide a buoyancy aid, which must be worn. They should be able to confidently swim 50m unaided. There is no upper age limit.
There is car parking at all our departure points. Charges vary according to location.
We recommend that you bring your own bungie cords for your glasses. Although it is safe to wear glasses, there is a risk of loss, for which we cannot be held responsible for.
Falling in is part of the learning experience! Most of the time, you will just get back on the board and carry on. If the weather is cool, we may recommend a change of clothing.
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own board to our lessons or tours. However, please arrive at least 20mins before the start time to set up the board and let us know in advance that you are bringing your own equipment.
We recommend that you do not bring valuables onto the water with you. All keys and small valuables can be locked in our van whilst we are on the water.
In the interest of safety, we do not head onto the water in high winds or if there is thunder and lightning in the weather forecast. We will inform you at the earliest opportunity if we need to cancel a session and will endeavor to reschedule to the next available date. Your safety and enjoyment will be our first priority when assessing the weather conditions.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Blue Lemon Paddleboarding, a partner of adventuro.
