Author: Janet Buchan, President, BrisSUP
Overview
BrisSUP’s Beginners SUP Day held in January 2026 was designed to make stand-up paddling more accessible for people who already owned a SUP but lacked confidence or guidance to get on the water safely. The event was designed to build confidence, teach safety skills, and provide a welcoming introduction to paddling in a supportive club environment.
With 35 participants (booking out in under 4 days) ranging in age from teenagers to 78 years old, the event demonstrated the demand for beginner-friendly paddle opportunities in the community.
The Challenge
Many local paddlers were hesitant to join regular club sessions, intimidated by experienced members on sleek race boards. Inflatable SUPs are ideal for beginners, but beginners often lack confidence and guidance in a group setting.
The club identified a clear need to support people who already had their own equipment but needed help to use it safely and confidently, from board setup and paddle adjustment through to basic technique and water safety.
The Approach
The club introduced Paddle Buddies! Experienced club members volunteered and were assigned to small groups to provide guidance, support, and safety supervision.
Key elements of the day included:
- Gear setup & technique: Volunteers showed participants how to inflate boards, adjust paddle length, and use basic paddling techniques. They also offered friendly advice on common issues such as under-inflated boards, cheap or unsuitable paddles, and correct paddle length.
- Safety first: On-water sessions focused on self-rescue, getting back on the board, and understanding local conditions.
- Small group support: Beginners were grouped by experience and paired with Paddle Buddies for one-on-one mentoring.
- Accessible participation: The event was free, and online registration was taken via JustGo, PAs Membership and Events portal. The event was set up as a Come and Try, ensuring participants were covered for the appropriate insurance without incurring additional fees.
By the end of the morning, participants had learned essential skills, gained confidence on gear familiar to them, and met like-minded paddlers to continue their journey.
Outcomes & Impact
- Positive feedback from participants highlighted increased confidence and enjoyment.
- Several attendees became new club members, extending BrisSUP’s community.
- Experienced volunteers felt a renewed sense of engagement and purpose.
- The model is scalable and adaptable to other paddle disciplines and clubs.
Key Learnings for Clubs
- Mentorship works: Pairing newcomers with experienced members builds confidence and ensures safety.
- Accessibility matters: Free or low-cost introductory events attract a diverse range of participants.
- Small-group structure: Dividing participants by experience allows personalised guidance and a safer on-water experience.
- Follow-up is key: Engaging participants after the event helps convert them into regular paddlers and club members.
- Opportunity to build a partnership: While the BYO model meant people without a board could not participate on this occasion, BrisSUP has already identified opportunities for improvement. A local watersports hire provider has expressed interest in partnering for future events, opening the door to broader participation.
Inspiration & Reflection
One club member shared that five years ago, they bought their first SUP, a 10.6” inflatable, and discovered BrisSUP two months later, and they were hooked. We all take different things from a club, and the old saying rings true: “The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.” For this member, joining the club meant meeting like-minded people, having someone to paddle with and learn from, and the chance to push their boundaries in safe conditions with experienced paddlers — whether on a local paddle across the bay or their first distance race. Stand-up paddling opened up a whole new world of adventures and opportunities to explore waterways far and wide.
