Free Monthly SUP Basic Skills Clinic
- 2 Hours
- Maximum Capacity: 6
Adult
Child
Description
Duration
2 Hours
Group Size
6
Language
English
Every last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM –  May 28th, June 25th, July 30th, Aug. 27th & Sept. 17th
This clinic is free of charge, and registrations are required to be able to attend. Limited to 6 participants. Donations are welcome, and all contributions will go directly toward the SUP Adaptive Project.
Age:  8 and up – *Kids under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent.
Equipment:. NO equipment provided. Contact us before booking to see availability. *Charges may apply
Clinic Description:Â Join us for this monthly free SUP Basic Skills clinic. Through a mix of on-water and land-based instruction, participants will learn essential skills, from equipment and safety basics to proper paddling techniques.
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 I need to sign a waiver to participate?
What should I bring to the lesson?
To make the most of your time on the water, we recommend bringing the following: Essential Items:
- Equipment:Â 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:Â Stay hydrated and keep your energy up.
- Camping Chair: Some lessons include land-based instruction—stay comfortable while learning.
- Waterproof Bag + Carabiner:Â 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 I 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 I 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.
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. Passionate about paddleboarding, they are committed to sharing their knowledge and continuously enhancing their skills to deliver top-quality instruction.
Is equipment included in the lesson?
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.
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 is The SUP Adaptive Project?
The SUP Adaptive Project is our initiative to make paddleboarding accessible to individuals with disabilities or unique needs. 100% of the donations from our free clinics and 50% of profits from our online store (soon available) will help fund specialized equipment, instructor training, and adaptive programming, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of paddleboarding in a safe and supportive environment. We hope to bring the program in 2026.
What about the motorized boats on the lake?
Ghost Lake is a shared waterway with motorized boats, and safety is always our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure a safe and positive experience. Sessions are held in designated areas near the shoreline, away from the busiest sections of the lake. Our instructors provide clear guidance on how to safely navigate around motorized boats and focus on developing water awareness, confidence, and smart decision-making on the water.
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$0.00 $70.00