Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Taster

SUP Southampton – Paddleboarding Taster Sessions at SWAC

Try Paddleboarding in Southampton Today

Looking to try SUP in Southampton? Our paddleboarding taster sessions at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) are the perfect way to get started.

Whether you’re completely new to paddleboarding in Southampton or just want a fun session on the water, this experience is designed to be easy, social, and enjoyable from the moment you arrive.

SUP-taster

Your Paddleboarding Experience

Our SUP Southampton sessions are structured to give you plenty of time to learn and enjoy the water, without feeling rushed.

  • Arrival time: 30 minutes before your session for registration and kit issue
  • Intro to paddle boarding lesson: 35 minutes
  • Free paddle boarding: 25 minutes
  • Time afloat: Around 1 hour on the water
  • Total time on site: Upto 2 hours

During your session you will:

  • Get fully equipped with paddleboard, paddle, and buoyancy aid
  • Receive a clear and friendly safety briefing
  • Learn the basics of stand up paddleboarding (SUP)
  • Practice balance, paddling, and turning techniques
  • Explore the local waterways with your instructor

By the end of the session, most participants are confidently standing and paddling.

Paddle-board-southampton

Paddleboarding Southampton – Who Is It For?

Our Southampton paddleboarding sessions are ideal for:

  • Complete beginners trying SUP for the first time
  • Families and mixed age groups
  • Friends looking for a fun activity on the water
  • Anyone wanting to experience SUP in Southampton

Minimum age unaccompanied: 16 years old
Minimum age, accompanied by an adult: 12 years old (max of three 12-15 yr olds per adult)

Sessions is likley include a mixture of adults and children, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.


Why Choose SWAC for SUP in Southampton?

If you’re searching for the best place for paddleboarding Southampton, SWAC offers a unique city-centre watersports location:

  • Direct access to the River Itchen
  • Sheltered water ideal for beginners
  • Easy launch via slipways and pontoons
  • High-quality equipment and experienced instructors
  • One of the most accessible SUP locations in Southampton

You won’t need to travel out to a lake—your paddleboarding Southampton experience starts right here in the city.


What’s Included

  • Paddleboard, leash and paddle
  • Loan of a Buoyancy aid
  • Professional SUP instruction
  • Safety briefing
  • Use of changing facilities and showers

SUP_Itchen_CharlieWhat’s Not Included

  • Wetsuit hire (£5 if required)

What to Bring

  • Swimwear or clothes you’re happy to get wet
  • Towel
  • Old trainers or water shoes (recommended)

Youth-paddleboard-tasterBook Your SUP Southampton Session

Our paddleboarding sessions in Southampton run regularly throughout the season and are a great way to try something new, build confidence on the water, and have fun.

👉 Book your paddleboarding taster session in Southampton today