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The SUP Social

18:45 - 21:00 every Wednesday

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

The SUP Social

Do you have a paddle board but don’t use it enough?  Fear getting into trouble because of bad weather or tides? Want to build your confidence in the sea but don’t know where to start?

Ocean Verticals SUP Social might be for you.

As with all water sports, understanding safety, technique and good practice is key to having an enjoyable and safe experience. Paddle Boarding is no exception, and conditions can vary significantly from enclosed freshwater lochs, to moving bodies of water such as rivers and the open ocean.

At Ocean Vertical we are here to help you find your experience level and offer professional paddle boarding lessons and coaching to support you on your SUP journey. We’ve noticed a gap in most paddle boarder’s journey, and this is why we are now offering the SUP Social – an chance to get out on the water with your own equipment (or hire something from us), whilst having the reassurance of an instructor/guide and the confidence of being in a likeminded, competent group of paddlers. 

To specify, The SUP Social is for intermediate paddlers to; build a little more confidence before they head out independently; meet other local paddle boarders; and ask questions to/receive advice from our qualified instructors.

This is not a formal lesson and is not for beginners, please refer to the prerequisites below:

Prerequisite

  • Be able to self rescue in water deep water (without being able to touch the bottom)
  • Paddle proficiently while standing, straight into and across 10mph wind
  • Paddle for 1km independently/ unassisted while standing 

(if you are unsure about your ability, book onto our level 1 paddle boarding and the instructor will help to determine your level)

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

Recent Paddle boarding Trips

General information:

We meet at Gullane Beach Car Park at 6.45pm (you’ll need £2.50 or the RingGo app installed to pay for parking), collectively plan our journey (considering the weather forecast and our dynamic risk assessment) and aim to be on the water by 7pm to explore the coastline as a group. We aim to be off the water by 8.45pm (or 10 minutes before sunset whichever one is earliest).

Bring you own equipment, or rent

  • Kit rental: wetsuit, paddle board and PFD – £24.00 (limited numbers available, first come first served). 

 

 

Customer Reviews

I enjoyed a sunny and serene morning on the sea at Sea Cliff beach on a Level 2 SUP progression session with OV. I had some paddle boarding experience, mostly on inland water, and wanted to build my confidence paddling on the sea. The session was really well structured and took me through everything I needed to know from understanding the local wind and sea conditions to improving my paddling technique. We saw seals, puffins and gannets, all against the backdrop of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock. I would highly recommend OV to anyone getting into SUP and looking to enjoy the East Lothian coastline.

Fiona | 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

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

Trip Overview

Trip Overview

Availability

May - August

Trip Overview

Meeting time:

18:45

Trip Overview

Time on Water

1 hr 45 mins

Trip Overview

Experience Level

Intermediate

Trip Overview

Language

English

Trip Overview

Meeting Point

Gullane Beach Car Park. W3W/// adverbs.icicles.unsightly

Trip Overview

Minimum Age

14

Trip Overview

Group Size

Maximum 12

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
  • Group Rash Vest

Equipment to bring

  • Wetsuit
  • Paddle board (with leash and fin)
  • Paddle
  • PFD / Buoyancy Aid
  • Method of communication (in drybag)
  • Towel
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen

Hire from us

  • Kit Package (Wetsuit, SUP, Pump, Paddle, PFD) - £24 / 3 Available

What to bring with you

Towel

Lunch / snacks and liquid

Sunscreen

Your own wetsuit if you would prefer to use it

Meeting point

Gullane Beach Car Park. W3W/// adverbs.icicles.unsightly

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