Mike
ActivityBSUPA “Ready to Ride” – Newbury
Take your first steps into stand-up paddleboarding with a focused, hands-on BSUPA Level 1 "Ready to Ride" lesson. Designed for beginners or those wishing to improve their basic skills, this two-hour session on calm, flat water will teach you essential techniques and leave you with a BSUPA Level 1 Ready to Ride Certificate.
The lesson begins with a safety briefing and equipment check, including paddleboard, paddle, leash, and buoyancy aid. Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through fundamental techniques, from mounting the board to developing proper paddling form.
The session is tailored to your ability and experience, with 1:1 or 1:2 instruction for focused guidance. Whether you are completely new or already have some experience, you will leave the water with improved confidence, technique, and a certificate to mark your achievement. Bespoke lessons can also be arranged to meet your specific needs.
Lessons are held on calm, flat water in Newbury, providing a safe environment for learning and practising new skills. The surrounding area offers easy access, nearby parking, and a peaceful riverside setting for a relaxed learning experience.
The location also serves as a convenient base for exploring other nearby sections of the Thames, giving options for further lessons or paddleboarding tours in Oxford, Wallingford, or Abingdon.
No prior experience is needed, though a basic level of fitness and mobility will help with balance and technique. Participants should feel comfortable in the water and follow instructor guidance throughout the session.
All participants are asked to provide relevant information so the lesson can be tailored to their needs. If you are unsure about suitability, the team can offer advice and adapt the lesson accordingly.
Lessons are delivered by BSUPA-qualified instructors in a BSUPA-approved school, ensuring high-quality guidance and adherence to recognised standards. Sessions are designed for beginners and provide personalised instruction for each participant, with a maximum of two paddlers per instructor.
The programme makes paddleboarding accessible for all ages and abilities. Every participant leaves with improved confidence, skills, and technique, supported by patient, expert instruction in a welcoming environment.
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.
ActivityBSUPA “Ready to Ride” – Newbury
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.
