Frequently Asked Questions
I've never been paddleboarding before - can I join?
Absolutely! We welcome complete beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Join our What's SUP session and just make sure you tell us when you book so that we can tailor your session to your needs. Unfortunately you need experience to join our Adventure SUP, but you can get this by joining one of What's SUP sessions!
What should I bring with me?
As little as possible! Leave your valuables behind and just bring a towel in case you go for a swim. Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. If it's warm, bring some water and don't forget to put sun cream on.
Where can I find you?
Most sessions run from Coronation Park near the Higher Ferry. Head towards the Dinghy Park and you'll spot the paddle boards or a friendly instructor. We also have a kiosk on the South Embankment, but most of the time we're on the water!
Where should I park?
Parking in town is limited so we recommend the Park & Ride or the long stay car park on Mayor's Avenue. Please make sure you factor in plenty of extra time before your session to find a space. If you're late, we might not be able to wait!
Can I bring my camera?
We recommend leaving all valuables at home - but don't worry as one of friendly instructors will have a waterproof camera and can take photos for you.
Will I fall in?
If you stay on your knees then you're very unlikely to go swimming but where's the fun in that?! Don't worry if you do fall in, you'll be wearing a buoyancy aid which helps you float and we'll show you how to get back on your board. Falling in actually helps with your confidence and is the best way to get rid of jelly legs!
I had a great time - where can I leave a review?
Reviews really help small businesses like ours. You can leave a review on TripAdvisor or Facebook and feel free to share your photos on social media and remember to tag us @thepaddleshackdevon
Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
It depends! Wetsuits are designed to get wet so if you plan on spending lots of time in the water then it will keep you warm. They can chafe if you stay dry or you might overheat so we'd recommend just dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet. Definitely not jeans and your new trainers!
How old do you have to be to join a session?
You need to be a least 8 years old to join us. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There is no upper age limit - we've taken big kids in their 80s! The most important thing is that you can swim and listen to our instructions!
How many people are in a group?
We have a maximum of 6 people per instructor. For groups larger than 6, there will be 2 instructors. For a group session to go ahead, we require a minimum of 2 people. If minimum numbers are not reached, alternative options will be offered.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately not. You will want to focus on your own paddling and not worry about your four-legged furry friend! 🐾
Who are Sea Kayak Devon?
Sea Kayak Devon was started in 2011 by Founder Ben Brierley. After spending that summer scouring the British Isles (yes, including all of Ireland, Scotland and Wales!) Ben decided that the ultimate location for a Sea Kayak School was Dartmouth. Excited about all sports that involve water and a paddle Ben and his team quickly became just as obsessed about paddle boarding as they are about kayaking. From 2016 they have been running regular paddleboarding trips and courses on the river Dart and the stunning South Devon coastline. Lanny and Ben have been great friends for many years and when the opportunity came up, the time was right for the Paddle Shack to become part of the Sea Kayak Devon family!