Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
Lessons
"Every Body Can Belong On A Paddle Board"
Kerry Lewis - Paddle A Board Founder
Here at Paddle A Board Vacations, I provide an exciting and unique way for people to learn the exhilarating sport of paddle boarding! My experienced and fully qualified Paddle Canada paddleboard instructors will teach you all the basic to advanced flatwater skills, safety tips and processes, as well as how to correctly set up and launch into the water.
You'll learn different strokes such as forward stroke, sweep stroke, knee paddling, cross draw, pivot and prone, as well as a rescue process if you fall in. With us, you'll have loads of fun, do some exercises and even play games while paddle boarding.
Locations:
Bowness Lagoon in Bowness Park, Calgary, Alberta.
Dates starting from 1st June 2025.
Ghost Lake, Cochrane Alberta.
Upon request - please contact me
All lessons are 2 - 2.5 hours long
1-12 participants
Suitable for ages 8+ with parent consent
Lessons run to two and half hours if group size is 5+
If a storm is predicted at the time of the lesson,
it will be cancelled.
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Lessons are held on:
Monday - 10:00am / 12:30pm / 6:30pm
Thursday and Friday - 12:30pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10:00am / 12:30pm
All lessons are from June until September
Select dates and times for Advanced skills lessons
Check the calendar for availability
Prices:
Basic skill paddleboard lesson:-
$70 PER PERSON
Price is based on you providing your own equipment
Must have PDF, paddle leash and fin.​
$85 PER PERSON
Price is based on lesson, board rental and lifejacket rental
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Advanced skill paddleboard lesson:-
$80 PER PERSON
Price is based on you providing your own equipment
Must have PDF, paddle leash and fin.​​
$95 PER PERSON
Price is based on lesson, board rental and lifejacket rental
Six Weeks - Basic to Advanced Program
Transform from a novice to a seasoned paddle boarder in just six weeks with the comprehensive program, designed to elevate your skills from basic flatwater paddling to advanced techniques and confidence on the water. Join myself and embark on an exhilarating journey of growth and proficiency in paddle boarding!
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TIMES:
6:30pm
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PRICE:
Youth program = $360 per person
Adult program = $480 per person
All equipment is included with this program.
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DATES - 2025
1st Program - Thursday 5th June - Thursday 10th July
2nd Program - Thursday 17th July - Thursday 21st August
Schedule:
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Day 1 - Lesson length 1.5 hours
On land introduction - how to setup your board, safety equipment, clothing, SUP history, weather conditions.
Load in, prone paddling, knee paddling, sweep stroke from the knees, how to stand, self-rescue, load out.
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Week 2 - Lesson length 2 hours
How to stand recap, forward stroke (catch and pull), sweep stroke from standing, how to stop. Recap on self-rescue.
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Week 3 - Lesson length 1.5 hours
Recap last week's learnings. Forward stroke (recovery element), cross draw, forward stroke into cross draw, edging and bracing, flipping of paddleboards.
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Week 4 - Lesson length 1.5 hours
Forward stroke into cross draw recap, edging and bracing, surf stance, footwork.
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Week 5 - Lesson length 1.5 hours
Recap on previous weeks. Footwork and pivot turns - practice on land and on water.
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Week 6 - Lesson length 2 hours
Recap on pivot turns, speed, stroke efficiency.
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What are some things we should consider to bring with us?When planning for your paddleboard trip, there are several important items to consider bringing with you. These include a change of clothes, a towel, a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry, a waterproof phone case to protect your device, a waterproof camera like a GoPro to capture your adventure, snacks to keep your energy up, plenty of water to stay hydrated, a hat to protect you from the sun, sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays, bug spray to ward off insects, and carabiners to attach items securely to your board. These items will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable paddling experience, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of your surroundings while being prepared for any situation that may arise.
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Do you provide payment plans? What do they look like?At Paddle A Board Vacations, we understand the financial commitment that comes with booking a tour or retreat. We do offer payment plans on a case by case basis to make it more manageable for our guests. A deposit is required at the time of booking, and the payment plan is then broken down over the course of the remaining months leading up to the tour or retreat. The balance is due no later than 2 weeks before the start of your tour/retreat. Our goal is to make the booking process as flexible and convenient as possible for our guests, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to join us for an unforgettable experience. If you have specific questions or need to discuss a personalized payment plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
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Do you offer a discount for group bookings?Yes, we offer a discount for group bookings of 4 or more people. At Paddle A Board Vacations, we believe in promoting the enjoyment of paddleboarding experiences with friends and family. Therefore, we encourage group bookings by providing a discounted rate for larger groups, allowing everyone to share in the excitement and adventure of our guided paddleboard tours. This discount is our way of making our services more accessible and appealing to groups who want to explore the beauty of the natural environment and waterways together. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to create memorable experiences while paddleboarding with Paddle A Board Vacations. Please contact us with your enquiry.
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How much should we be tipping our tour guide/instructor at Paddle A Board Vacations?At Paddle A Board Vacations, we strive to provide exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for our customers. We recommend tipping your tour guide/instructor as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to show your gratitude by giving 5% of the total value of the tour per person as a minimum. However, if you feel that the service exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by our team, and it helps us continue to provide top-notch experiences for all our customers. Thank you for considering tipping your tour guide/instructor at Paddle A Board Vacations.
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What qualifications do the paddleboard instructors at Paddle A Board have?Our paddleboard instructors at Paddle A Board are certified by Paddle Canada and hold current CPR and first aid certifications. In addition to their professional qualifications, our instructors are passionate about sharing their love for paddle boarding and have extensive experience in teaching students of all skill levels. They are dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our clients, and always prioritize their students' learning and enjoyment on the water. If you have any specific questions about our instructors' qualifications or teaching approach, please feel free to reach out to us and we'll be happy to provide more detailed information.
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My question hasn't been answeredIf your question is not listed in our FAQ, please head to our contact page to message us directly and we will be sure to respond within 24 hours.
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What is the cancelation policy for Paddle A Board Vacations Lessons?At Paddle A Board Vacations, we understand that circumstances can change. If you need to cancel your lesson, we ask that you provide at least 72 hours notice so that we can offer the spot to another participant. If you cancel within 72 hours of the lesson, the booking is non-refundable. The 6 week lesson program is non-refundable at the time of booking. We want you to be committed. If you miss the first lesson, you would be required to book a basic skills lesson prior to the second lesson. Please reach out to our team as soon as possible to discuss any changes to your booking.
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What happens if the minimum number of participants for a paddleboard lesson is not met?If your paddleboard lesson does not meet the minimum number of participants, the lesson will be cancelled and rescheduled. Alternatively, you will have the option to upgrade to a 1-1 lesson for an additional cost of $20 per person, with a maximum of 2 people for the price increase. This ensures that you still have the opportunity to enjoy a personalized lesson, even if it does not meet the initial group requirement. We strive to provide a tailored and high-quality experience for all our customers, and the option to upgrade to a 1-1 lesson reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional paddleboard instruction.
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What is the minimum number of participants required for paddleboard lessons with Paddle A Board Vacations?At Paddle A Board Vacations, we require a minimum of 3 participants for our paddleboard lessons. This ensures that our instructors can provide personalized attention and guidance to each participant, creating a safe and enjoyable learning experience. We believe in the importance of small group sizes to maximize learning and ensure that every participant receives the necessary support and instruction. If you have a group of less than 3 people, we can discuss options for private lessons or find suitable alternatives to accommodate your needs. Our focus is on delivering high-quality paddleboard instruction tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each participant.
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Will we be getting wet on a lesson?Yes, during our paddleboard lessons, you can expect to get wet as part of the learning process. Learning how to paddleboard involves practicing self-rescue techniques, which are important for safety and confidence while out on the water. Our instructors will guide you through the process of falling off the board and getting back on, ensuring that you feel comfortable and prepared for any situation that may arise. Embracing the possibility of getting wet is all part of the fun and adventure of paddleboarding, and our lessons are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable learning experience for everyone.
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Will you do a lesson on a different date and time to what is available?Absolutely! At Paddle A Board Vacations, we understand that scheduling can be tricky, so we strive to be as flexible as possible. If the available lesson times don't work for you, simply get in touch with us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your preferred date and time. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of paddle boarding with our expert instructors, so don't hesitate to reach out and discuss alternative lesson times. Your satisfaction and enjoyment are our top priorities.
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Do you teach children and adults with special needs/disabilities?Yes, at Paddle A Board Vacations, we are committed to making paddle boarding accessible to everyone. We have certified instructors who are trained to work with individuals of all ages and abilities, including children and adults with special needs or disabilities. Our instructors are skilled at adapting their teaching methods to accommodate each individual's unique needs and provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. If you or a family member have special requirements, please feel free to contact us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure a positive and fulfilling paddleboarding experience.
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What reasons would Paddle A Board Vacations cancel our paddleboard lesson?The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority. There are a few reasons why we may need to cancel a paddleboard lesson, with the primary factor being adverse weather conditions. We closely monitor the weather and will cancel a lesson if there are thunderstorms, lightning, hail, or tornado warnings in the area. These conditions pose significant risks to our customers and our staff. In the event of a cancellation, we will make every effort to reschedule your lesson for a later date or issue a refund as per our cancellation policy. We will not cancel the lesson if it is raining.