Paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and Dorset is one of the finest places anywhere to give it a go. You’ll learn to paddle, find your balance and get up on your feet, all on calm, sheltered water with a friendly instructor guiding you every step of the way.
We paddle from Sandbanks, on the edge of Poole Harbour — the second largest natural harbour in the world — and from the beautiful beach at Swanage. Both offer flat, easy water that’s perfect for first-timers, and stunning scenery once you’re out on your board. It’s a relaxed, sociable session that suits families, groups of friends and stag and hen parties, and at just 2.5 hours from London it’s an easy escape for a weekend or midweek adventure.
We meet at North Beach Car park in Swanage.Your instructor kits you out with a wetsuit and buoyancy aid and runs through the plan for the session.
Before you head out, your instructor coaches you on how to hold the paddle, balance on the board and get up onto your feet, starting on your knees until you’re ready to stand.
Put it into practice on the water. Most people are standing and paddling within the first half hour, and if you take a dip, that’s all part of the fun.
Set off on a guided paddle to explore the harbour or bay, taking in the Dorset coastline from a whole new viewpoint.
Paddle back in, warm up and relax. Both Sandbanks and Swanage have great cafés, pubs and beaches on the doorstep for afterwards.
Friendly, qualified Land & Wave instructors who monitor conditions before and during every session.
Thick 5mm wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. Just bring swimwear, a towel and trainers you don't mind getting wet.
Each session is private to your group. This way we can tailor the session to you personally.
Swanage bay is one of the best paddling spots on the south coast
Paddle boarding suits almost everyone. Families, groups of mates, stag and hen parties and anyone who fancies a relaxed session on the water. The water we paddle is calm and sheltered, so it’s ideal for complete beginners, and our instructors will have you standing up and paddling in no time.
The minimum age is 8. You’ll need to be a confident swimmer and happy being in the sea, as you’re likely to take the occasional dip. Every session is private to your group and paced to suit you.
None at all. Your private instructor takes you from never having paddled before to standing up and developing your technique, all on calm, beginner-friendly water.
The Swanage meeting point is North Beach Car Park, look out for one of our branded vehicles (what3words: traffic.task.jumbo).
Swimwear, a towel, something for your feet (old trainers, wetsuit boots or water shoes), essential medication, snacks, a hat and sun cream. We provide the wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
A paddle boarding session lasts 2 hours.
You must be at least 8 to take part, and you must be a confident swimmer who’s happy to be in the sea.
Our instructors monitor wind, swell and tides before and during every session. If conditions aren’t right we’ll adapt the session or rearrange your booking.
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