Q. Is Brighton Kitesurfing & SUP Academy recognized by the UK’s governing body?
A. Yes we are a fully insured and recognized BSUPA school (British Stand Up Paddle Association). All our instructors are fully qualified, trained and experienced plus we have all the latest kit and safety equipment needed to become listed on the BSUPA Schools website. We also have exclusive permission from the Shoreham Port Authority to teach on the River Adur.
Q. Is equipment provided?
A. All equipment is provided and included in the course cost. Wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids are also provided. However, for hygiene reasons, please bring your own wetsuit boots which you can purchase before the course for around £20, or an old pair of trainers will be ok as long as you don’t mind them getting wet!
Q. How I do go about booking?
A. Once you have chosen an available date you want to book on the online calendar, you click on the ‘Book Now’ button and either use paypal or click on the ‘don’t have a paypal account’ and you can pay by credit or debit card. We will then send a booking confirmation email with times and dates to meet, what to bring and directions to the lesson.
Q. Do you offer gift vouchers?
A. Yes we offer gift vouchers for all the courses we run. Please see our Vouchers page.
Q. How many people are there in a group?
A. There are a maximum of 6 students per group, each with your own board and paddle.
Q. Do I need to be fit and have good balance to SUP?
A. SUPing is fun for everyone, young and old, to enjoy. As our lessons are on flat water and we use beginner friendly boards even people with the wobbles will be able to SUP!
Q. When do you run your courses?
A. We run courses on Saturdays and Sundays from April through to October. Group bookings can also be arranged on weekdays by request. Just give us a call.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. All you need to bring are wetsuit boots which can be purchased for around £20 from any watersports retailer, towel, warm clothes, old trainers, sun cream, and any medication you may need.
Q. Is there a minimum or maximum age to SUP?
A. Lessons can start from as young as 8 -17 if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Adult lessons start at 18 and we have taught people well into their sixties! As long as there are no medical reasons why you cannot SUP, we are happy to teach you at your own pace!
Q. What happens if the lesson is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions?
A. If the lesson is cancelled, we will reschedule your lesson for the next suitable date.
Q. If at the end of the course I am still not 100% confident going on the water as an independent SUPer, what can I do?
A. If at the end of your course, you feel that a little extra tuition is needed, there are several options available: you can take a one 2 one tuition lesson or you can choose to do the intermediate group lesson to practice and develop your skills. The most important thing with SUPing is that you feel confident in your own ability and don’t rush into going out unsupervised. We are here to help you and will give you honest feedback at the end of your lessons to help you make decisions on what is best for your progression.
Q. There are a group of us and we want to learn together, what can we do?
A. We cater for large groups – just let us know how many are in your group as we allocate one instructor per six students but you will still be training alongside your friends.
Q. Is there a SUPing club or organisation I can join at the end of my course?
A. Yes, we highly recommend you join and insure yourself through the BSUPA (insert link to BSUPA website) (the national governing body in the UK).
Q. Will I get a certificate at the end of my course?
A. Yes, at the end of your BSUPA Beginner’s Course you will receive a BSUPA Ready to Ride Card.