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Learn to Paddle Board [SUP] Level 1

9.30 - 12.30pm or 2 - 5pm Min Age 14

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.

More about us

Learn to paddle board / SUP in East Lothian – Level 1

Start your paddle boarding journey here: Our Learn to SUP sessions are designed for those with little to no experience on a paddle board, and those looking to gain more confidence and skills.

Paddle boarding lessons in East Lothian, Scotland

These sessions are led by professionally qualified and highly experienced (ASI) paddle board Instructors who will focus on building confidence, stability, water-safety and the participants ability to self-rescue (get back on the paddle board from the water).

It’s not all educational – before you know it you’ll have forgotten the nerves and will be reaping the benefits of blue health at a peaceful local loch.

We provide all equipment and transport – and to back our ethical mission we use high quality equipment from brands that share our passion for nature and sustainability.

Our Learn to SUP sessions take place in beautiful natural surroundings, whether that is on the sea or in an enclosed body of fresh water in rural East Lothian; locations vary based on weather conditions and will be decided by your instructor on the day of the session.

If you would like to read more details about Paddle Boarding [SUP] in Scotland you can see extensive information here.

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Experience the best coaching and paddle boarding SUP lessons

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Catching up for a chat during paddle boarding SUP lessons on a freshwater loch in East Lothian

Customer Reviews

A warm welcome awaits at Ocean Verticals base from the friendly professional team.
An offer of hot drinks and clear explanations of the session given on arrival. All equipment needed provided and all in excellent condition.
My husband and I had a sensational lesson with our instructor Jacob. A professional, thoughtful coaching style used to encourage confidence while on the Paddle Board.
Great session all round, learnt loads and built confidence and safety understanding.
We would highly recommend the Ocean Vertical Team to anyone thinking of exploring paddleboarding

Sarah | Glasgow

This was my second time out paddleboarding with Ocean Vertical and I’ll definitely be back for more sometime soon!
Due to the wind conditions, we went inland to a reservoir for the level 2 course and we had the place to ourselves. I booked onto this course to gain more skills and knowledge before buying my own kit. We had plenty time to just paddle around the reservoir with regular breaks to talk through water safety, the type of kit and learn new skills. Jacob was a fab instructor and explained things really clearly whilst really paying attention to ensure you got the hang of skills.
The base Ocean Vertical have near Belhaven allows you to get changed etc before and after sessions and chill with a tea or coffee.

Johann | Edinburgh

As a novice paddle-boarder, I loved the pace and tone of the instruction. Stevie assessed his slightly nervous clientele well and gave us all the confidence to have a go. We all felt we’d learned loads and had fun too. Beautiful premises, excellent equipment and a lovely wee loch to start on.

Monica | 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 in paddle boarding in East Lothian give it a try, you won’t find better!

Emma | Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lucky enough this year to go out with Ocean Vertical winter mountaineering in Glen Coe, paddle boarding in East Lothian and just recently rock climbing outdoors in Northumberland. Each experience has been an awesome day! Learning valuable skills like navigation in the winter to learning how to safely climb on rock from Stevie and Adrian who are both great at what they do. Loads of experience and knowledge in the outdoors. Looking forward to hopefully more adventure in Scotland soon.

Darrel | East Lothian

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

Brilliant first stand up paddle boarding – SUP lesson with Ocean Vertical tonight. Stevie’s a great instructor and had me balanced and paddling well in no time. It was a little choppy on the East Lothian coastline so we went to a long calm lake in a beautiful forest. Thanks Ocean Vertical!

 

Dene | East Lothian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We had an excellent time on our SUP / paddle-boarding adventure. Ocean Vertical are brilliant instructors and I would recommend giving it a try. It’s definitely something I will carry on with! Out on the ocean experiencing nature – nothing like it!

Aislinn | East Lothian

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

Me and my friend did the level 2 paddle barding and got to go to an awesome loch and essentially had a 1:1. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable plus the equipment is top notch! Also the centre is a beautiful renovated barn so a very nice place to dry out !

Megan | Glasgow

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

Trip Overview

Trip Overview

Availability

April - November [For December to March please contact us - we will be happy to organise a trip for you!]

Trip Overview

Duration

3 hours [meet 20 minutes before session]

Trip Overview

Difficulty

Beginner

Trip Overview

Language

English

Trip Overview

Meeting Point

Hedderwick Hill Stables, By Belhaven, Dunbar, EH42 1XF [Signposted Hedderwick Hill Farm off the A1087]

Trip Overview

Minimum Age

14

Trip Overview

Time on Water

2 hours

Trip Overview

Group Size

Maximum 6 [This can be more for private groups - please contact us]

Trip Overview

Minimum Number

4

Trip Overview

Weather

If the weather is unsafe we will reschedule or refund or offer a 12 month voucher

What’s included (and not)

Included

  • Experienced & qualified instructor
  • Paddle Board
  • Paddle
  • Leash
  • Buoyancy Aid
  • Ground transportation at the beginning & end of the trip
  • Wetsuit and Boots
  • Rash Vest
  • Toilets and changing facilities

Not Included

  • Towel
  • Lunch

What to bring with you

Towel

Lunch / snacks and liquid

Sunscreen

Your own wetsuit if you would prefer to use it

Meeting point

Hedderwick Hill Stables, By Belhaven, Dunbar, EH42 1XF [Signposted Hedderwick Hill Farm off the A1087]

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