Frequently asked questions. If you still have have a question please give us a call on 07843050888 or email info@lakedistrictpaddleboarding.co.uk. We’re always happy to help.
FAQ’s
Stand up paddle boarding or SUP is the fastest growing water sport in the UK. The boards look like surf boards and are paddled using a single blade paddle from a standing or kneeling position. The simplicity and versatility of SUP makes it one of the most accessible outdoor activities. The lake district is one of the best places to learn to paddleboard in the UK. It’s easy outdoor activity to learn and great fun as well as being an excellent low impact full body workout at your chosen intensity.
You can paddleboard on the 4 largest lakes in the lake District without a permit. Windermere, Derwent Water, Ullswater and Coniston water. To paddle on Bassenthwaite Lake you need a permit available from the LDNP at £7 per day. You also require a permit to paddle on Buttermere, Crummock water and Loweswater these are available from the National rust at £5 per day. Paddle boarding on Wastwater is allowed. Haweswater, Thirlmere and Ennerdale water all fall under United Utilities control and Stand up paddleboarding is not allowed. Paddling on Grassmere is allowed but not on Rydal water, Esthwaite water is a private fishery so no paddling allowed, Brothers water is a SSSI so again no stand up paddleboarding is permitted.
Shorts and a T shirt are fine for an introductory SUP session on a warm sunny day, although we do recommend wetsuits, you can hire these at a cost of £5. We advise require all participants to wear old trainers or water shoes as the lake shore is rocky in places.
Don’t forget to pack dry clothes and a dry shoes as well as a towel.
If your looking for guided SUP lessons and tours, Lake District paddle boarding offer sessions on Derwentwater, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Windermere.
Being able to swim is not essential as you will be wearing a buoyancy aid/PFD personal floatation device that we provide, you will also be attached to your board via the board leash.
Anyone can paddle board, the minimum age for our intro sessions is from 11 upwards and 14 years for our Tours. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. For Families with younger children you will need to book a dedicated Private Session
Half day introductory paddle board lesson: £50 pp
Half day Lake SUP Tours: £55 pp.
Half day private SUP session: £60 pp minimum 4people.
We don’t offer Board Hire however for experienced paddle boarders we do offer a down Wind Trips, Lake and River Tours as well as progression sessions and specialist trips.
Yes there are a number of good Hotels and group accommodation providers very close by, go to our accommodation page to find out more.
Our trips are all designed for existing paddleboarders or beginners a good level of fitness.
Most of the lakes in the lake District are great for SUP, Derwent Water, Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater are the most accessible and most popular. Always check the weather before you set off, especially the wind direction and strength. Anyways take a mobile phone in a dry phone case and always wear a PFD Buoyancy aid. We advise paddle boarders not to venture on to lake district rivers without a qualified instructor. Moving water paddling requires specialist river running knowledge, rivers contain many hidden and potentially life threatening dangers.
Instructors at Lake District paddle boarding hold NGB SUP instructor qualifications as well as first aid and other adventure activity qualification.
No!, we meet all our guests at our lake side Car park, Parking is not included in the session cost. If you need help getting to the meet points drop us a line , we’re always happy to help out.
Cumbria have some of the best Pubs in the country and we are blessed to have some great lake side venues right where we paddle.