Question 1

Do you have Waterside Hire/shop/office?

Accepted Answer

We are a mobile SUP School, so have no fixed waterside location due to the unique qualities of the Canal being common land.  Each session has its own meeting point details with parking information. 
Hire is on a DRY HIRE basis from our Basingstoke Home office  
Our shop is an online shop, with telephone advisory service, but we often have items you can try before you buy either from the home office location or we can bring along to a tour or lesson if you are interested and would like to experience in real life before purchasing.

Question 2

What months are you open?

Accepted Answer

Our main season operates from March to October, however we coach and tour all year round for people who want to stay active, have specialist coaching and have appropriate off-season clothing.

Question 3

Are there toilet/changing facilities?

Accepted Answer

Being a mobile business operating in a rural area, unfortunately there are no toilet or changing facilities at our launch sites, the nearest public toilet is located on Odiham high street, or our neighbouring businesses, The Barley Mow at Winchfield or the Waterwitch in Odiham usually allow use of facilities.  We recommend either travelling in your paddling clothing or bringing a large beach towel or change robe if you need to get changed afterwards.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Due to the shallow sheltered nature of the Basingstoke Canal between April-October we recommend wearing light, quick drying layers like sports leggings or shorts with a quick dry t-shirt or thin top layer.  A buoyancy aid will add extra warmth to your core.   
If the weather is a little bit damp or rainy, a normal dog walking waterproof jacket is perfect.  
If you own a wetsuit, you are welcome to wear it, but might find it a bit warm and sweaty when you are dry and paddling.  
You will also need something on your feet to protect them, neoprene beach shoes or soft soled plimsoles or trainers work perfectly.  Please no flipflops or crocs, they will only get lost in the water if you fall in. 
November – March – we recommend a Neoprene Solution or a semi-dry or full drysuit.

Question 5

Do you have parking?

Accepted Answer

Our main locations of Odiham and Winchfield have free public parking.   
Tour locations always have parking, but costs vary.  Full details are available in the session details.

Question 6

Public Transport Network

Accepted Answer

Many of our locations are rural and as such aren’t on the main public transport network unfortunately.  We recommend checking location details within the booking pages, and then match that with a travel app like google maps or Rome to Rio.

Question 7

Minimum Age?

Accepted Answer

Our SUP Taster, 1hr Private Group and Kids Sessions are perfect for age 8+ children on their own board, as we find stamina, co-ordination and concentration levels vary a lot before this age.  
Everything else is suitable for age 12+ Although some longer tours are 16+ or adult only.  Please check full details within the booking pages.  
We do not recommend learning to SUP with a child sat on your board at first, it is harder to balance and focus to get maximum results within the timeframe provided.  However, if your children would like to come and watch from the towpath with another adult, they are always welcome and once you are confident and going out independently, then feel free to take them on your adventures with you, just make sure they have a suitable life jacket on.

Question 8

Will I fall in?

Accepted Answer

We say – always plan to get wet, it is a water sport after all!  Due to the flat calm water and our expert tuition, a lot of people stay dry during their lesson.  However, if that is the case, we will strongly recommend that you get into the water at the end of the session to practice self rescue, so that we all know you are safe to paddle independently after your lesson with us.

Question 9

What if its raining?

Accepted Answer

If it is cloud and normal british rainy weather then we continue as planned, but recommend you bring raincoats and a peaked cap to keep the water off your face.  The trees on the canal provide a lot of shelter from the elements and the weather system on the canal seems to be uniquely better than most local areas and almost always better than the weather forecast.   
Your safety and enjoyment is our utmost priority, so if the weather or water conditions are unsafe to paddle on (High Winds, Thunderstorms, Strong Flow) then we reserve the right to rearrange, change location or refund you onto a voucher for another time.

Question 10

Do you have a maximum weight limit?

Accepted Answer

Our fleet boards are chosen for the versatility for all shapes and sizes of paddlers and we have some in the fleet with a max rider weight of 140kg’s. We ask you to complete a short questionaire after booking including your height and weight, so that we can select the correct board for your frame to give you maximum stability and enjoyment. Please be as honest as you can, it will help us to plan.

Question 11

Do I need good balance/core strength/mobility/physical fitness?

Accepted Answer

While these things help, the beauty of SUP is that it is accessible and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.   We personally find that a lot of people under-estimate their ability, but we have lots of tips and tricks that will help you to balance more effectively, and physical fitness and stamina is something that can be improved and grown over time.    
If you are worried about this, we recommend starting with a 1hr 1-1 or small group session to begin with, then you can build duration up over time as your confidence grows.   
We are all qualified Kayak and Canoe instructors too – so have kayak seats and paddles available if people need accessible options but still want to paddle with family and friends.   Please just let us know in advance.

Question 12

How many people on one board?

Accepted Answer

For lessons and tours one person per board is the best solution to allow you to learn, grow and develop.  However, for events, parties and fun sessions there are options for doubling up on boards for fun challenges.

Question 13

Must I be able to swim?

Accepted Answer

Yes – a basic level of water confidence is required to ensure your safety and comfort.  We ask that you can swim a minimum of 50 meters unaided.

Question 14

I’m running late – Will you wait?

Accepted Answer

If hiring equipment: Please plan to be 15 minutes early and ready to get on the water for your booking start time and in time for your pre-paddle briefing.  
If you are bringing your own board and equipment: please plan to be at least 30 minutes early to allow time to be fully set up.   
Please do not be late to your booking, we frequently run large groups and back to back sessions, so cannot guarantee that we will be able to wait for you.  If you are late, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and you will not be entitled to a refund.

Question 15

What if I damage equipment?

Accepted Answer

We reserve the right to charge for damaged or lost equipment.  Please see our full terms and conditions for full details.

Question 16

Can I SUP whilst pregnant?

Accepted Answer

If you are new to SUP, we recommend you wait until after you have had the baby to learn to prevent injury.   
If you are an existing paddleboarder who wishes to join a tour, we recommend you consult with your Dr or Midwife about whether they believe it is safe for you to continue paddleboarding throughout your pregnancy, before you book with us.

Question 17

Are dogs allowed?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not for lessons.  They are welcome to walk with someone along the towpath with another human and watch though.  
For hires and tours – please get in touch with us beforehand to discuss this on a case by case basis.

Question 18

Are you insured and licensed?

Accepted Answer

We are fully insured and are one of the few commercially licensed SUP businesses on the Basingstoke Canal, we also hold appropriate licences for all the waterways we paddle on during our tours.   
However it is strongly recommended that you carry your own personal accident policy for watersports/paddleboarding.  If you are using your own board, it is your responsibility to have a waterways licence and insurance.   
We recommend Paddle UK On the Water membership, which can be found here: Membership Home | Join, Renew, or Find Benefits | Paddle UK

Question 19

What are your qualifications

Accepted Answer

Our staff are all Paddle UK qualified (The governing body for SUP in the UK), whether they be Sheltered Water Coaches, Leaders or Instructors.  We only operate within our qualification remit for your safety and assurance.   
We hope this helps, but If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Frequently asked questions