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ASI Paddle Boarding Instructor Workshop

Become a professional Paddle board / SUP Instructor with the globally recognised ASI qualification. Please book through the ASI in links below.

£ – Varies

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About Us

We are passionate about the natural world and its beautiful wild places.

We have a deep respect and appreciation for the environment and a love for adventure and silent human-powered sports.

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Professional Paddle Boarding Workshops in East Lothian

Ocean Vertical are an Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) accredited school, providing professional paddle board / SUP Instructor training and qualifications for; existing instructors looking to further develop their qualification; those looking to become a paddle board SUP instructor.

Please book directly through the ASI in the links below.

The Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) is a globally recognised governing body for surf and paddle board Instructors, coaches, and schools.

Ocean Vertical run a several workshops and courses each year for a variety paddle board instructor levels.  The ASI qualifications Ocean Vertical deliver for budding SUP instructors include:

Ocean Vertical also deliver the following Instructor courses for experienced paddle board instructors looking to develop their professional qualification or convert to ASI from WSA:

ASI Instructor Workshops available at Ocean Vertical in 2024 are:

April Instructor conversion course:

WSA to ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor Conversion course 

  • Apr 18th-19th – £275 – Enrol using the link above

 

May full ASI combined course:

SUP Instructor L1 & L2, SUP Rescue, SUP Wise

  • May 10th – 13th     – £540 –  Enrol using link above

or individual ASI courses:

SUP Water Safety Rescue Award (Flat Water)

  • May 10th – £85 – Enrol using link above

SUP Instructor L1 & SUP Wise

  • May 10th-12th     – £345 –  Enrol using link above

SUP Instructor L1

  • May 11th-12th    – £250 –  Enrol using link above

SUP Instructor L2

  • May 13th    – £150 –  Enrol using link above

August Full ASI Combined Course:

SUP Instructor L1 & L2, SUP Rescue, SUP Wise

  • Aug 30th – Sep 2nd   – £540 –  Enrol using link above

or Individual ASI Courses:

SUP Water Safety Rescue Award (Flat Water)

  • Aug 30th – £85 – Enrol using link above

SUP Instructor L1, SUP Rescue, SUP Wise

  • Aug 30th – Sep 1st     – £345 –  Enrol using link above

SUP Instructor L1

  • Aug 31th – Sep 1st     – £250 –  Enrol using link below:

SUP Instructor L2

  • Sep 2nd – £150 – Enrol using link above

 

ASI Tour Guide workshops run by Ocean Vertical in 2024 are:

(Please check location for touring workshops as they aren’t all in East Lothian)

  • We haven’t got any Tour Guide workshops in the pipeline for this year. Please get in touch if you’re looking to become a Tour Guide.

 

Where are the ASI courses delivered?

Ocean Vertical deliver the ASI Paddle board Instructor qualification courses at Our Base in East Lothian, Scotland. The classroom-based content is delivered around a log burning stove with complimentary tea and coffee on offer. The practical elements take place on stunning Scottish Lochs or East Lothian coastal bays – depending on the qualification.

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Recent ASI Workshops with Ocean Vertical

Customer Reviews

If you are looking for high standard, top of the line professionalism, smothered in quality time adventuring – look no further than Ocean Vertical in East Lothian!

Spent the entire weekend paddle boarding SUP, under the guidance of Stevie Boyle.
When we weren’t on the water, back at home base, Adrian welcomed us with great positive energy + coffee & HOMEMADE cookies.

Highly recommend a visit – even to stop by for a lounge and look around at the refurbished barn at Hedderwick Hill Stables they have for a base. The OceanVertical family are more than welcoming!

Kalvin | Kirkcaldy

I booked a group paddle board / SUP experience for my mums 60th in East Lothian. Stevie, Adrian and the team at Ocean Vertical went above and beyond to accommodate our group and made it such a memorable experience! Most of us had little to no experience and, due to the sea conditions being choppy, they customised our trip for a day that suited us and offered to take us to a beautiful secluded lake instead – we had such a blast and our instructors Molly and Kirsty were brilliant. Can’t recommend enough!

Mrs C Harper | Aberdeen

Wonderful morning paddle boarding by Dunbar with the Ocean Vertical guys. Felt totally safe and their skill set is second to none. Will definitely be going on another of their outings. Highly recommend!

Cara | Edinburgh

Great morning paddle boarding with Ocean Vertical. Felt safe, was really informative and learned loads. Would recommend for anyone wanting to get into paddle boarding in East Lothian.

Debbie | Glasgow

Dolphins! We spent this morning out paddle boarding with Ocean Vertical off Seacliff Beach in East Lothian. It was just incredible – once in a lifetime – a pod of around 20 dolphins went right past us about 20 meters away! Just so incredibly privileged to see this. Cant recommend Ocean Vertical enough – the ethical adventure company!

Emily

Emily Karen Sam | Edinburgh

With Ocean Vertical we knew immediately that we were in good hands. Stevie was an excellent and encouraging coach who had us standing, turning and well balanced pretty quickly. Not a wet wetsuit in sight.

Time slowed right down as we paddled down a long lake taking in the stunning views with plenty of encouragement from Adrian. If you are interested to give paddle boarding in East Lothian a try you won’t find better.

Emma | Edinbrgh

With Ocean Vertical we knew immediately that we were in good hands. Stevie was an excellent and encouraging coach who had us standing, turning and well balanced pretty quickly. Not a wet wetsuit in sight.

Time slowed right down as we paddled down a long lake taking in the stunning views with plenty of encouragement from Adrian. If you are interested in paddle boarding in East Lothian give it a try, you won’t find better!

Emma | Edinburgh

Paddle Boarding Lessons – Well organised, focus on safety and really fun. We did paddle boarding and Sally was our instructor. Recommend this to anyone wanting a couple of hours trying something new in a beautiful coastal location. We will be going back upon our next return to East Lothian! Thank you Ocean Vertical.

Euan | Yorkshire

Just want to say a huge thank you to Kirsty and Rick for yesterday’s SUP paddle boarding lesson. I had a great time and learnt so much. Kirsty is an excellent teacher and gives all her students time to think and try as well as giving positive and constructive feedback.
I will be singing your praises and recommending Ocean Vertical to friends and family.

Hazel | Edinburgh

Just back from a fantastic afternoon paddle boarding. Stevie was a fantastic instructor and super patient when my son felt unwell. Learned loads, had fun on a beautiful afternoon in East Lothian. Would have no hesitation recommending – focus on safety, learning and having fun. Also excellent cleaning and distancing throughout [COVID-19]. Thanks guys we had a blast.

Jennifer | Leeds

Sally was our brilliant SUP instructor on Sunday for our family & friend lesson. She was very professional, patient and enthusiastic and we all learnt a great deal. What an amazing adventure too – beautiful! Would definitely recommend. We’ll be back!

Jill | Manchester

Had a brilliant day doing Level 1 paddle boarding on Saturday (level 2 already booked) on a peaceful private loch. I was quite apprehensive at the start but our instructor Kirsty was amazing and by the end of the lesson I loved it!

Karen | Edinburgh

Had an awesome time SUP / paddle boarding with the family in East Lothian. Ocean Vertical were great and got us out onto the sea which we had never done before, always felt safe and great instructors! [Thanks Stevie]. And they supplied everything too from boards to wetsuits and equipment. Cant recommend enough, and we saw seals!

Katherine and family | East Lothian

Just spent the morning learning to paddle board off Seacliff Beach in East Lothian. I couldn’t recommend the experience more. The chance to try something new, in beautiful surroundings with expert tuition.

Getting up close to wildlife, finding out more about the area from Stevie and learning to cope with different conditions both sea and sky (the haar set in for a wee while). It was a wonderful experience from start to finish.

Kathryn | Glasgow

Had a great afternoon out paddle boarding / SUP today. We were absolute beginners – great instructors, felt really safe and supported. Lovely wee adventure for anyone looking to try something new. Lots of safe, clear instruction but mostly in the water so didn’t spend lots of time on the beach – nearly all if it on the boards out at sea!

Kirsty | London

Had a fab time stand up paddle boarding in East Lothian with Stevie, Adrian and friends. It was brilliant feeling more confident as the time went on and I felt like it was enough time spent on the water.

Stevie is a great coach! It wasn’t exactly a warm day but I didn’t feel cold, the wetsuit coupled with the exercise did the job at keeping me comfortable.

We went on the lake because the surf wasn’t suitable for beginners today. Being on the lake surrounded by trees and wildlife was just wonderful and I’d love to try this in the sea as well.
Can’t recommend these guys enough!

Louise | Dunbar

My husband and I had an absolutely brilliant afternoon paddle boarding / SUP. I was very nervous but put completely at ease as the experience went on. I loved that a tutor was with us but not constantly telling us what to do all the time! Beautiful setting at Seacliff Beach in East Lothian too. Highly recommend xx

Mhairi | Edinburgh

Such a great afternoon paddle boarding with the best instructor! I was a beginner and had such a friendly group to give me confidence, will definitely be going again!
Thank you Ocean Vertical!

Molly | Edinburgh

Fantastic day! We booked paddle boarding / SUP in East Lothian – the wind was too strong to head out to sea but the girls took us to a beautiful Loch instead. We were all beginners and they were great guides – we all managed to stand up and had loads of fun in the process!
Thanks to all the team for the hospitality afterwards too – would HIGHLY recommend booking with them.

Pathfinder | Edinburgh

I signed up for SUP with Ocean Vertical. Steve and Adrian took us to the most stunning of Locations at Seacliff beach in East Lothian. With the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle as the backdrop, dolphins jumping in the distance, a cheeky appearance from a seal and graceful low flying swans.

It’s so peaceful – I had never SUP before but with the excellent coaching and guidance was soon up on my feet enjoying that lovely scenery- wetsuits, boards all provided

I came away feeling both privileged and humbled by this amazing experience… I will definitely be back!

Ronnie | East Lothian

I went out paddle boarding at the stunning Seacliff beach in East Lothian with Ocean Vertical last week, superb evening on the water, great tuition, the weather cleared up and we were joined by a grey seal and puffins!

Adrian and Stevie are both full of enthusiasm and you all need to give it a try 10/10.

Ross | Hong Kong

Five stars. Had a brilliant paddle board session with coach Stevie. The advice helped so much, in particular, the video analysis I would recommend, it made a huge difference to my technique.

I’d highly recommend Ocean Vertical if you want to go paddle boarding in East Lothian. The coach made me feel so positive and able to try harder skills than I thought I could. So patient with me.

Love the knowledge and skills I gained and will be back for sure.
Thanks so much.

Ruth | Edinbrgh

Huge thanks to Ocean Vertical for a fab day paddle boarding exploring the East Lothian coastline by Seacliff Beach and seal spotting! Great guiding by Stevie. Highly recommend this professional eco tourism company who adapted throughout with excellent COVID-19 measures on place.

Sally | Glasgow

Just did the paddle boarding in East Lothian today, couldn’t enjoy it more! Had an early start to make the most of the morning, a bit windy to go to the sea but the guys took us to a loch which was great, all protected by the wood.

Had a good lesson with a good technique approach and lots and lots of fun. Really enjoy it, both of our coaches were brilliant. Thank you guys, looking forward to the next outing!

Tere | London

Workshop Overview

Workshop Overview

Availability

Year Round

Workshop Overview

Duration

Varies

Workshop Overview

Difficulty

Professional Qualification

Workshop Overview

Language

English

Workshop Overview

Meeting Point

Ocean Vertical - Hedderwick Hill Stables - 9am

Workshop Overview

Minimum Age

16

Workshop Overview

Day duration

9 - 5pm

Workshop Overview

Group Size

Maximum 12

Workshop Overview

Minimum Number

No minimum

Workshop Overview

Weather

If the weather is unsafe your Guide will choose an alternative water location

What’s included (and not)

Included

  • ASI Training Manuals
  • ASI Instructor T-shirt
  • Tea / Coffee / water
  • Drying facilities
  • WiFi
  • Equipment rental [upon request]

Not Included

  • Paddle boarding equipment
  • Wetsuit
  • Lunch

Optional extras

  • Equipment rental

What to bring with you

Appropriate paddle boarding kit

Paddle board

Paddle

Coiled leash

Personal flotation device

Wetsuit

Footwear

Warm clothes for classroom based workshop

Pack lunch [can be purchased locally]

Pen / paper

Ocean Vertical HQ at Hedderwick Hill Stables, by Dunbar in East Lothian

We are just 40 minutes from Edinburgh

Accreditations
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ASI Accredited School - Stand Up Paddle ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors NCC Promoting Safe Coasteering