Family SUP Basic Skills – 5 to 8 years old
- 2 Hours
- Maximum Capacity: 6
Adult
Child
Description
Duration
2 Hours
Group Size
6
Language
English
Date & Time:* Additional dates may be added based on interest.
- June - 8th, 15th & 22nd – 8 AM – 10 AM
- July - 3rd & 17th – 1h30 PM – 3h30 PM
Course Description: Our Family SUP Basics lesson is perfect for families new to paddleboarding, especially those with young kids aged 5–8. A chance to learn together, laugh together, and create memories that last well beyond the shoreline. From safety and equipment basics to proper paddling techniques—through a fun mix of land and on-water instruction designed to build confidence and get everyone comfortable on the board.
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See you on the water!!
Disclaimer: Not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Each person has a different capacity for participating in exercises. Before commencing this exercise program, you should know your fitness, health status, and skill level. Part of the risk involved in undertaking any physical activity or exercise is relative to your own state of fitness or health status. If you are concerned about whether the exercises in this program are right for you, please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before beginning the program.
Course Topics
- Safety Skills
- Falling off safely
- Remounting the board
- Use of a leash
- Understanding weather and paddling conditions
- Paddling Skills
- Lifting and carrying a board
- Choosing and holding a paddle
- Mounting a board at a beach or a dock
- Prone paddling
- Paddling while kneeling
- Standing up
- Paddling in a straight line
- Forward stroke
- Braking stroke
- Sweep strokes
- Paddling in windy or turbulent conditions
- Knowledge
- Board design
- Board outfitting
- Clothing
- Safety equipment
- Paddles
- Injury prevention
- Equipment care
- SUP resources
- Transporting a SUP
- SUP heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to sign a waiver to participate?
What should we bring to the lesson?
To make the most of your time on the water, we recommend bringing the following: Essential Items:
- Equipment: Paddleboard, leash, paddle, life jacket, and pump (if using your own gear, ensure you have everything).
- Appropriate Clothing: Quick-dry clothing, swimsuit, rash guard, or wetsuit—dress for the water temperature.
- Towel & Change of Clothes: You’ll likely get wet, so bring a towel and dry, warm clothes for after your lesson.
- Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and keep your energy up.
- Camping Chair: Some lessons include land-based instruction—stay comfortable while learning.
- Waterproof Bag + Carabiner: Keep personal items dry and secure on your board.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Capture moments safely on the water.
- Hat & Sunglasses: Sun protection is key—secure them with a strap to prevent loss.
- Sunscreen: Choose a waterproof option for all-day protection.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We paddle rain or shine! However, if there is a weather alert, the lesson may be postponed or canceled at the time of the session. We closely monitor conditions—including weather, smoke, and wind speed—several times leading up to your lesson: a few days before, the night before, the morning of, two hours before, and at the time of the lesson. We use multiple weather apps and on-site observations to ensure safety at all times.
Do we need prior paddleboarding experience?
No prior experience is required! The Basic Skills is designed for all skill levels. However, being comfortable in and around deep water will help you enjoy the experience to the fullest.
What should we wear for the lesson?
We recommend dressing for the water temperature, not just the air temperature. Early season (cold water below 65°F): Wearing immersion-appropriate gear is mandatory, such as a wetsuit, drysuit, or layered quick-dry clothing—Anything BUT cotton! Warmer months: If you're comfortable with cold water, a light wetsuit, swimsuit, rash guard, or quick-dry clothing works well. We continuously monitor water conditions and will send an email before your lesson with specific recommendations.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A) Group Lessons, Private Lessons & Coaching:
- Cancellations made 7 days prior to the activity start date will receive a full refund or credit.
- Cancellations made 48 hours prior will receive a 50% refund or credit.
- No refund or credit will be issued for same-day cancellations or no-shows.
- Cancellations made 2 weeks prior will receive a full refund or credit.
- Cancellations made 1 week prior will receive a 50% refund or credit.
- No refund or credit will be issued for cancellations within 5 days of the activity.
Are the instructors certified?
Our instructors are fully certified for the courses they teach. They hold a Paddle Canada Flatwater SUP Instructor certification and a valid First Aid with CPR/AED certification. The Lead Instructor is also certified as a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator. Passionate about paddleboarding, they are committed to sharing their knowledge and continuously enhancing their skills to deliver top-quality instruction.
What is your participants to Instructor ratio?
We have a ratio of 1 instructor for 6 participants.
Is equipment included in the lesson price?
No equipment is included in the listed lesson price. Please bring your own life jacket (no PFD belts), board, pump (if inflatable), paddle, leash, and fin. If you don’t have your own equipment, please contact us before booking to check availability. *Additional charges may apply.
Can my child ride on the same board with me during the lesson?
We recommend that each participant have their own equipment, but for family lessons with younger children (ages 5–8), a child can ride on the same board as an adult.
If you choose this option, we’ll include additional safety skills in the lesson to make sure both paddlers feel confident and secure on the water. Contact us to let us know in advance!
Can siblings share the same board during the lesson?
For safety and skill development, we recommend that each participant use their own board or ride with their guardian/parent.
I would like to book a family lesson, but my children are in different age groups. Can they participate together?
We understand that family dynamics vary, and we're happy to accommodate your needs. If your group has unique requirements, please reach out to us. We're more than willing to discuss and arrange a custom booking that works best for your family.
Is there a discount for multiple bookings?
Yes! We offer a 10% discount when booking three or more sessions in the same transaction. This applies to any combination of eligible lessons, camps, or programs. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Having trouble booking your family for a lesson?
The Family Basic Skills lesson has a maximum capacity of 6 participants. If you're having trouble booking, it might be because the group size exceeds that limit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’ll be happy to help arrange a custom booking that works for your family!
Do you have a waitlist if a session is full?
Yes! If a session is full, you can join the waitlist by contacting us directly. We’ll let you know as soon as a spot becomes available and do our best to accommodate your request.
Feel free to reach out here to get on the list!
What about the motorized boats on the lake?
Ghost Lake is a shared waterway with motorized boats, but we take every precaution to ensure a safe and fun experience for our participants. Sessions are held in designated areas, close to the shoreline, away from heavy boat traffic, and our instructors provide clear safety guidelines on navigating around motorized vessels. We also focus on building water awareness and confidence to help campers feel secure on the lake.
From $50.00