Harrogate SUP School

Another busy weekend! A beautiful Saturday morning on the River Ure…these guys were amazing, learning and executing some great turning techniques and short paddle strokes.
On Sunday, a trip and lovely cruise along the Ouse with two ladies who absolutely smashed it …a great effort!

What a great way to spend a sunny afternoon on the river Ure doing a ready to ride course, this gentleman went from complete novice to standing up and paddling confidently in a few hours well done you were amazing great effort 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️

A super morning on the River Ure taking two lovely people through the BSUPA ready to ride course.
Well done guys you were amazing!!

A beautiful morning for a paddle board lesson on the river Ure and catching some well overdue sunshine. Well done you were all brilliant.

What a fantastic day on Saturday teaching BSUPA ready to ride paddleboard course at Thornton Steward sailing club open day. Everyone smashed it out of the park and passed the course in the morning session and the afternoon session! Well done everyone you were brilliant!
If you are looking for a great sailing club with a wide range of activities,or are interested in watersports, Thornton Steward ticks all the boxes with stunning scenery, a fantastic environment with friendly people this is the place to head for.

At last the weather is warming up time to dust off those Paddleboards and enjoy some time out on the water. ☀️☀️☀️

Our 2024 SUP season has started.

We are open for lessons and new adventures on the water and much more .

The winter has been long and wet, very wet! But the end is in sight as we enter spring, with our sights firmly set on the summer!

Here at Harrogate SUP school we are ready to welcome new beginners for lessons now the days are lighter and the water is starting to warm up.

It’s fantastic to be able to invite new people into the school that leave as paddlers with not only valuable SUP skills but having had a great experience.
We work really hard to promote the sport we are passionate about and hope to introduce as many people to SUP as we can.

This year we will be running our ready to ride lessons a great way for those keen to try the sport, master the basics and get up standing in the lessons.
Just get in touch if you’re up for learning a new skill having fun on the water in a safe friendly environment.

SAFETY

RESPECT THE WATER

If you got into trouble in the water, would you know what to do? What about if it was someone you care about in danger? Find out how to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Around 140 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water. It's important you know what to do in an emergency so you can help without putting yourself in danger.
There are two simple skills you should know that could save a life:

•• If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to increase your chances of survival.

•• If you see someone else in trouble in the water call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Float to Live

1 Tilt your head back, ears submerged.
2 Relax and try to breathe normally.
3 Move your hands to help you stay afloat.
4 It's OK if your legs sink, we all float
differently.
5 Spread your arms and legs to improve
Stability

Cold water

Cold water shock is triggered in water temperatures lower than 15⁰C. The average temperature of UK and Irish waters is 12⁰C. So even in the summer, the water temperature is cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can steal the air from your lungs and leave you helpless in seconds.
Rip currents and waves
Rip currents can travel up to the same speed as an Olympic swimmer (4.5mph) and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. And unexpected waves can quickly knock you off your feet.
Floating can increase your chances of survival from cold water shock and rip currents.

STAY SAFE , HAVE FUN ,
IF IN DOUBT , DONT GO OUT
THERES ALWAYS TOMORROW

KEEPING SAFE

Paddle boarding is great FUN for keeping fit ,socialising ,touring mindfulness or racing if that’s your thing,to name just a few.

Whatever you do on the water be safe.
heres a list of things you should always think about when you’re going out on your paddle board.

• If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.

• If you are going out alone, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Don’t leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.

• Bringing your phone to take some photos? Make sure you keep it in a waterproof pouch that way it won’t get wet, and you can use it to call for help in an emergency too.

• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly.

• Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore.

• You should wear a suitable personal flotation device. This can be a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. Choose one that still allows you plenty of movement so you can paddle freely. Not only will it keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will!

• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wetsuit or a dry suit. In the summer, you might be able to get away with a swim suit. But if you are going to be in the water for a long time, you might want to upgrade to something that keeps you warm.

• You should always use a paddleboard with a leash. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your paddleboard if you fall off. The leash quick-release-sup-waist-belt) will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.

• If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags. There should be less swimmers in this area, giving you more room to manoeuvre. Consider other water users by learning the rights of way in the surf. This can save you and others getting injured.


•. Get the appropriate level of training.You might be tempted to just buy a board and head out. Having a few training sessions can teach you the right technique, so it’s more stand-up and less fall-in paddleboarding!

Have Fun Stay safe .

if in doubt don’t go out.

There’s always tomorrow.

PADDLE- BOARDING IN COLD WEATHER

HAVE FUN 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

SAFETY COMES FIRST

Cool temperatures lead to cold water which can increase the risks involved in paddleboarding.
So it’s important to think smart, which safety tips are crucial for low temperatures.
Safety should always be a priority whatever the weather is like,the chances of an adverse reaction to the cold water are higher and conditions maybe more unpredictable in the winter.

SUITABLE LAYERS ARE ESSENTIAL

It’s important when paddling in cold weather we dress appropriately.
It’s sometimes tempting to bypass wearing the correct clothing,we all think our balance is impeccable, but the cold weather can catch out even the most experienced paddlers out,so wearing SENSIBLE LAYERS will be your best friend on the water.
Wear a warm cosy wetsuit when you get on the water the very minimum go for 3mm thickness alongside some neoprene boots 5mm some gloves and a hat / beanie to keep your head warm these tips will all help to minimising the risk of cold water shock should you fall in.

As you would throughout the year make sure you are attached to your safety leash so you don’t get seperated from your board should you fall in.
Your wearing a correctly fitting buoyancy aid (PFD) to help stay afloat in the cold water.
Remember to always tell someone where you are going.
To enjoy the cold weather and your SUP adventures why not go with others which will make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

KEEP WARM AND HYDRATED

Cool water can be deceptive and fool us into thinking we are not sweating as much as we might in hot and sunny conditions.
The truth is we will be working as hard if not harder than we do in the summer months to help maintain your body temperature and kirb your thirst take an insulated bottle or thermal flask with your favourite hot drink .
Being WARM AND HYDRATED are key to keeping us safe whilst enjoying paddle boarding in cold weather.

ITS JUST AS MUCH FUN

Lastly Paddle-boarding in cold weather can be fun if not more so than a summer sup.
The peacefulness on the water and the cool air can offer a unique experience you don’t find in the summer months.

Have FUN STAY SAFE and remember if you’re not sure or confident that the weather and conditions are safe don’t go out.
There’s always tomorrow.