STAND UP PADDLE (SUP)
LEARN TO SUP
Learn to stand up paddleboard (SUP) or improve your SUP skills on a group session led by an ASI-qualified instructor, from our fully-equipped base at Liverpool Watersports Centre. We cater for all abilities and fitness levels. Whether you are paddling for the first time (on a taster session), looking to develop your skills (with our improver coaching) or want to tailor a session to your needs (with 1-2-1 and private group coaching).
- L3 4DG - a 15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from the city centre
- Free on-site parking (subject to availability)
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See the sights of Liverpool's historic docks from a unique perspective
- Limited to groups of 6 paddlers with social distancing
*Update 8/5/21: Group sessions and private/1-2-1 coaching available to book online 7 days a week! (booking essential – max 6 paddlers)*
from £20 per person
GROUP EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
Arrange a group stand up paddleboard session with a Sun Turtle instructor at Liverpool Watersports Centre. We can tailor sessions to your group’s requirements, whether you are paddling with team-mates, stags/hens, family, colleagues, or just a group of mates.
A large fleet of boards are available to suit all abilities – including three giant inflatable ‘supzillas’ which can take up to 8 paddlers and are great for fun group activities.
*COVID update: Max 6 paddlers*
Sessions can include:
- Briefing and equipment familiarisation
- Basic paddle technique – turning, standing up, getting on and off the board
- Fun games, races or competitions
- Training and coaching (ideal for spots teams, clubs or SUP crews!)
- Touring Liverpool’s UNESCO world heritage landmarks from the water, including the Albert Dock.
enquire to let us know your requirements
COACHING
Sun Turtle instructors are available for one-to-one coaching at Liverpool Watersports Centre. Our ‘Level 2’ (exposed water) instructors can also offer coached sessions off the North Wirral coast.
Our instructors boast over 15 years’ combined SUP experience, include race, touring, downwind, whitewater and surf – alongside qualifications and a wealth of experience in a host of other water, surf and adventure sports. Janek, our Chief Instructor (and all-round “waterman”), is also a qualified personal trainer who specialises in functional fitness. So whatever level you’re at or SUP discipline your interested in – we can tailor a session for you!
Our 1-2-1 or private group coaching sessions offer a great opportunity for us to share our SUP knowledge and experience – whether you are a beginner, an improver, or training for your next race/surf event.
Our fleet includes a range of ‘intermediate’ hard and inflatable ‘isup’ boards, as well as race boards and surf/wave SUPs (we even have a foil board for 2021!).
Sessions are tailored to your requirements, but can include:
- Introductory lessons
- Intermediate technique or fitness coaching
- Advanced technical training and event preparation
- Race, surf, distancing or whitewater coaching
- Or just book a session for a fun SUP tour through the docks!
enquire to let us know your requirements
COASTAL, TOURING & SURF
No other Merseyside SUP crew boast two ASI-qualified ‘level 2’ coaches – who are fully trained, licensed and insured to operate sessions in ‘exposed water’ (coastal) locations. Indeed, Sun Turtle began life on the North Wirral coast (as ‘Perch Rock Paddlers’!) and the crew regularly play in the sea, surf, lakes and rivers around the North West, North Wales and as far afield as Morocco and Australia!
We can offer private, small-group, sessions off the North Wirral beaches upon request. These are heavily dependent on tide times, so contact us well in advance so we can plan a session around the tides – as well as your requirements.
We can take beginners (using lightweight, floating, ‘throw lines’ to ensure you don’t float off across the Mersey!) up to experienced paddlers. Our fleet includes a range of wave, surf and coastal touring boards. We even have our own safety boat to support larger groups. All our instructors are qualified in board rescues and first aid (one of our instructors is qualified surf lifeguard!).
Sessions are tailored to your requirements, but can include:
- Introductions to ‘exposed water’ paddling (ideal to ensure you’re safe to paddle before taking your new board off the coast)
- Touring or downwind sessions
- Away days and expeditions
- Surf or wave paddling technique (including surf trips further afield)
enquire to let us know your requirements
SUP FAQs
We welcome paddlers of all abilities. A SUP ‘taster’ session involves light exercise and can be done sitting down. We can also support paddlers with disabilities to get out on the water. We can advise on the specialist equipment that is available. So go on, give it a try!
SUP is not a ‘dry’ sport, so it is important to wear kit that will still be comfortable and keep you warm when you get wet!
Wetsuits are available to hire (£5) in all sizes and are included in the price of our SUP lessons, making them even greater value! Swimwear should be worn under wetsuits.
Some paddlers prefer to wear lightweight and quick-drying sportswear (such as running gear) when the weather is warmer. In the summer, water temperatures can reach 20°C so you can paddle in beach or swim wear (such as board shorts and a rash vest).
Shoes are not required! If you would prefer to use shoes, make sure they can get wet. In the colder months, wetsuit boots can help keep your feet toasty! No footwear is allowed on our inflatable boards (including the giant sups).
If you plan to wear glasses, we recommend using a cord, lanyard or float so they don’t sink! We advise against wearing expensive jewelry or watches. There’s a sunken Rolex somewhere under the swim course!
Buoyancy aids are provided for all paddlers (this is a requirement for all users of Liverpool Watersports Centre).
A towel! (You’d be amazed how many people forget!)
All other equipment is available at the Centre.
Sure! You are welcome to join a session with your own board. This can be a great way to familiarise yourself with your new SUP before taking it out on the water solo.
You can also launch from Liverpool Watersports Centre during opening hours for £7.
Please note, you cannot launch from anywhere else in the dock system or when the Centre is closed. It is unsafe to do so and is prohibited by the Canal and River Trust.
Yes! It is important to be ‘water confident’ when undertaking any watersport. Buoyancy aids are provided.
Yes! We provide buoyancy aids and leashes. We will brief you in the safe use of all the equipment and the safe navigation of the dock system. Our instructors are trained lifeguards (inc. water rescue and first aid). Liverpool Watersports Centre has safety boats available at all times.
