Brighton & Hove: Stand Up Paddleboarding Taster Session

If you’re curious about trying stand-up paddleboarding but unsure where to start, this Taster Session at Hove Lagoon offers an approachable way to dip your toes into the water. It’s a short but well-rounded introduction suitable for beginners, led by a BSUPA-trained instructor who ensures safety and fun. Whether you’re visiting Brighton & Hove or lucky enough to live nearby, this experience is a fantastic way to get on the water with confidence and learn a new skill.

Two things we particularly like about this paddleboarding session are its location in Hove Lagoon—a calm, shallow water setting perfect for beginners—and the inclusive, friendly atmosphere fostered by knowledgeable guides. The equipment is all provided, which means no fuss about gear, and the full instruction helps make the experience accessible even for complete newcomers.

A possible consideration is the weather—since sessions run rain or shine, windy days could make learning trickier or less enjoyable. But if you’re flexible with weather conditions, you’ll likely find this a rewarding experience. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a hands-on, active adventure that’s safe, social, and memorable, especially those new to paddleboarding or water sports.

Key Points

• Ideal for beginners with step-by-step instruction in a shallow, calm lagoon setting
• All equipment supplied including wetsuits, paddles, and buoyancy aids for convenience
• Small group sizes (limited to 6 participants) enhance personalized attention
• Learn key skills such as paddling techniques, turns, self-rescue, and safety protocols
• Flexibility with booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Suitable for ages 14 and up, making it accessible for teens and adults alike

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Introduction to Paddleboarding in Brighton & Hove

This paddleboarding taster session offers a solid, no-pressure introduction to standing on a board and gliding across water—perfect if you’re new to the sport or want a gentle, guided experience. The focus on safety and clear instruction means you won’t feel overwhelmed, even if you’ve never been on a board before. It’s a practical way to learn some basics, like how to stand, paddle, and recover if you fall—skills that would serve you well for future paddling adventures.

The location at Hove Lagoon is a real advantage. It’s a flat and shallow environment, ideal for beginners to practice without the intimidating waves or currents found at more open waters. The lagoon’s calm surface makes it easier to focus on your balance and paddling technique. Plus, the lagoon setting offers a peaceful, scenic backdrop that adds to the relaxed vibe of your lesson.

We love the expert guidance from instructors trained by BSUPA, the British Stand Up Paddleboard Association. Their clear, friendly advice helps build confidence quickly, and many reviews mention how knowledgeable and helpful the guides are. You’ll appreciate the safety briefing and the focus on environmental awareness, which adds a layer of responsible fun to the activity.

However, keep in mind that this is a short session—about 1.5 hours—so it’s perfect for a quick introduction or a fun day activity but not a full-day course. If you’re after a more intensive or advanced paddleboarding experience, you might want to look for longer courses. For most visitors, though, this is an ideal way to try out the sport without a huge time commitment.

What to Expect from the Session

Your experience begins with a warm welcome and a brief on-land demonstration, which covers getting up on the board, paddling techniques, and safety instructions. The instructors ensure everyone understands how to carry the equipment and what environmental considerations to take into account, fostering an awareness of Paddleboard etiquette and safety.

Next, it’s time to take to the water. The shallow waters of Hove Lagoon are perfect for practicing kneeling, standing, and balancing. You’ll learn to paddle in straight lines and execute basic turns, which are foundational skills for staying in control and enjoying the ride. The guides will also teach you how to perform a self-rescue—an essential skill that boosts confidence for future paddling adventures.

Most of the time is spent on the water, with plenty of opportunity to practice your new skills. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and you’ll find the instruction relaxed but thorough. Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated the patience and expertise of the instructor, noting that even complete beginners felt more at ease by the end of the session.

Facilities and Extras

Post-paddle, you can make use of the clubhouse facilities, which include hot showers, changing rooms, lockers, and a cafe—a welcome addition after your water adventure. The environment is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to change and relax before heading off.

All necessary equipment, such as wetsuits, paddles, and buoyancy aids, are included in the price, meaning you only need to show up in comfortable clothing, perhaps with a swimwear underneath, and your essentials like sunscreen and water shoes.

Pricing and Value

Compared to more extensive courses or water sports experiences, this taster session offers good value. For about 1.5 hours of instruction, you receive all equipment, expert guidance, and access to facilities—making it a cost-effective introduction to paddleboarding. Many visitors find it a worthwhile expense for the fun and skills gained, especially since it’s suitable for all ages 14 and up.

The option to reserve now and pay later provides flexibility, which is handy for travelers with unpredictable schedules. Plus, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan confidently knowing you can reschedule if necessary.

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Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive prepared with a hat, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, and water shoes. The equipment is provided, but bringing your own footwear can improve comfort.
• Weather considerations: Sessions run rain or shine, but extremely windy conditions or lightning storms may cancel or delay the activity for safety reasons.
• Group size: Limited to six participants, so booking early ensures you secure a spot, especially during peak times.
• Age restrictions: Suitable for ages 14 and above, so teens and adults will find this accessible.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Feedback from previous participants consistently highlights the knowledgeable instructors as a major positive. One review mentioned, “The guides were very friendly and explained everything clearly, which made me feel very safe.” Others appreciated the calm environment—“Hove Lagoon is perfect for learning,” said one reviewer, “I never felt out of my depth, and I really enjoyed trying something new.”

Some commented on the fun and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great activity for families, friends, or solo travelers looking for a gentle adventure. The balance between instruction and free paddling time seems just right to keep everyone engaged without feeling rushed.

This paddleboarding taster session is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-pressure introduction to the sport in a safe, scenic setting. If you’re visiting Brighton & Hove and want to combine outdoor activity with a chance to learn a new skill, this activity fits well into a day of sightseeing. It’s also suitable for active teens (14+) and adults looking for a light, fun water-based activity.

Travelers who enjoy small group experiences, personal attention, and sensible safety measures will find this session especially appealing. It offers an authentic, hands-on way to experience the coast beyond standard sightseeing, providing memories and skills that could inspire future paddleboarding adventures.

This Brighton & Hove paddleboarding taster session stands out as a practical, enjoyable, and well-organized introduction to water sports. Its prime location in Hove Lagoon ensures beginners can learn without stress, and the instruction from qualified guides makes all the difference in feeling safe and confident on the water. The inclusion of all gear, facilities, and flexible booking options means you can focus on having fun without hassle.

Whether you’re an active traveler eager to try something new or someone looking for a gentle outdoor experience, this session offers good value and genuine engagement with the local environment. It’s a perfect way to add a splash of adventure to your visit, leaving you with new skills and a fresh perspective on the Sussex coast.

Is this paddleboarding experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s designed for beginners with no prior experience needed. The instructor will guide you through each step, and the lagoon’s calm waters make it easy to learn.

What is included in the price?
All necessary equipment, including wetsuits, paddles, buoyancy aids, and instruction, is included. You only need to bring essentials like swimwear, towel, and water shoes.

How long does the session last?
The activity runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short activity that fits into a busy day of sightseeing.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 14 years old, but this makes it suitable for teens and adults alike.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities—most bring swimwear underneath. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes for comfort and safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, offering additional flexibility.

What if the weather isn’t ideal?
The sessions generally run rain or shine. However, in cases of extreme wind or lightning, the activity may be canceled for safety reasons.

Is this activity suitable for families?
While mainly for ages 14 and up, it can be enjoyed by families with teenagers, especially those looking for a shared outdoor adventure.

This paddleboarding experience is a genuine chance to enjoy the coast, improve your water skills, and have a memorable day on the water—all within a safe, friendly environment that emphasizes learning and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: