We outline some of the best locations for learning to surf and stand-up paddleboard in 2022

Across the county, more and more people are getting on - ahem - board with the phenomenon and it’s even being used as a form of therapy, with medics heralding its use for improving wellbeing… yes we are talking about Stand-up Paddleboarding!

So, for anyone thinking of venturing out, here are some of Kent’s best SUP schools boasting the most proficient instructors who’ll make sure you don’t end up in France.

See the ‘cene Magazine SUP Documentary below…

Kent Surf School, Viking Bay, Broadstairs

Run by Andy Webb - known as Shaggy in the surf community - this award-winning surf and SUP school, located on Viking Bay, (@kentsurfschoolvikingbay) has been sharing its passion and knowledge of the ocean for years.

The family-owned business offers one-to-one, beginners and advanced lessons as well as board hire. It also runs a club for adults and an after school club for juniors.

Andy is a Trainer of the Water Skills Academy which specialises in watersport training and first aid qualifications.

So you really are in good hands here.

For more information about what’s on offer see https://kentsurfschool.co.uk/

Joss Bay Surf School, Broadstairs

Just a mile or two up the road you’ll find Joss Bay Surf School (@jossbaysurfing) and its team of qualified and Surf Lifesaving-trained instructors.

Launched in 1998, the surf school is a stalwart when it comes to the industry and if you’ve been to Joss it’s unlikely you will have missed them.

Group lessons are available with a number of different options from a half day lesson to a five lesson ‘Ground Swell’ experience.

Private sessions are also offered.

For more see https://www.jossbay.co.uk/

Margate SUP and Surf

Owner of Margate SUP and Surf (@margatesupandsurf) Lawrence Head has been teaching water sports for more than 20 years. The qualified instructor grew up on an activity centre in the UK so there’s no surprise at his chosen lifestyle.

From guiding canoe and kayak river descents in the Ardeche in France to coaching surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura on the Canary Islands, water is in his DNA.

His facility is a mobile SUP school, offering lessons in multiple locations across Margate and Westgate, giving the advantage of being able to offer the best location for people’s needs and the flexibility to move location depending on the weather and tides.

See https://www.margatesupandsurf.co.uk/

Oyster Coast Watersports, Whitstable

Founded in 2009, OCW (@oystercoast) was set up primarily to assist Whitstable Sea Scouts but since its inception has grown to deliver courses to a variety of water enthusiasts.

Two-hour paddle board experiences or lessons are available or you can just go for a paddle safari down the coast, with a qualified instructor to guide you,

There’s also a chance for a sunset paddle or the opportunity to try an extra-large eight person paddle board with your mates.

For more details see https://www.oystercoastwatersports.co.uk/

Herne Bay Paddle Co

This family-run SUP school based in Herne Bay (@hernebaypaddleco) offers group lessons, private sessions, coastal trips and rental hire from Hampton Pier.

From complete beginners and young paddlers to the more experienced adventurer, the school has it covered.

There are also guided trips to Old Pier Head, tours from Hampton Pier to Reculver Towers or paddles all along the coast to Minnis Bay from Herne Bay.

For information see https://www.hernebaypaddleco.com/

Dover Sea Sports Centre

Stand up paddleboarding on the foreshore of the world’s busiest passenger ferry port sounds pretty exciting. And fortunately, in the protected and sheltered environment of the harbour, you’ll also be very safe. So don’t worry about those ferries.

All ages and abilities are welcome at Dover Sea Sports Centre (@doverseasports) for fun paddles, downwinders and coast runs.

Qualified instructors are also on hand for lessons for those new to SUP’ing.

See https://www.doverwatersports.co.uk/

SUP with Us, Maidstone

Helen Matthews and Angela Luke met while paddling and their friendship - and love of SUP’ing - led to them training as instructors and launching their business (@SUPwithus).

The fact one lives in Kent and the other in Surrey hasn’t really got in the way either.

Helen gives lessons at Teston Country Park in Maidstone as well as tours down the River Medway, while Angela does the equivalent in locations in Surrey.

They also hold weekly SUPfun sessions in both counties, helping paddlers improve their balance and technique, and they run retreats in France and Spain, too.

Find out more at https://www.supwithus.org.uk/

It’s not just the sea, there are plenty of river SUP options, too...

Paddle Cabin, East Peckham

It was a shared sense of adventure that brought Jo Taylor and Hayley Browning together and led them to launch their paddleboarding venture (@paddlecabin) in Branbridge’s Leisure on the River Medway.

To them, SUP’ing is a way of life and their aim is to promote wellbeing on the water. They invite you to “find your tribe”, calm the mind through their SUP meditation and try out SUP yoga.

And there’s more. They offer the chance to sit around the campfire post paddle and prioritise time in the outdoors.

Don’t know about you, but we’re sold.

Visit https://www.paddlecabin.co.uk/ for details.

Canoe Wild, Canterbury

Canoe Wild (@canoewild) based at Grove Ferry offers the chance to try your hand at paddleboarding along the River Stour, seeing the countryside from a different perspective.

Taster sessions or one-to-one lessons with knowledgeable instructors are available and there’s also the chance for guided paddles.

There are hour-long paddles around either the Fordwich or Grove Ferry sites, or a longer one between the two areas.

See https://www.canoewild.co.uk/

Mote Park, Maidstone

Head out on the lake at the scenic Mote Park. SUP’ers can have a taster session, book a course or have one-to-one tuition.

There’s even a chance to have a go on one of the mega SUPs that can stand up to 10 people.

Introductions into paddleboarding - with a few games thrown in - are also available for kids.

For information see https://moteparkwatersports.com/sup

WHERE ARE THE BEST SUP SCHOOLS IN KENT?