SUP FAQ’s

No. In fact, most of our customers are first timers. Our lessons are focused on participants who have never or hardly been on a paddle board before. The only thing required is that you are able to swim and are comfortable being on the water.

Before we head out on the water, we are starting our lesson on dry land where we go through safety rules. Our SUP instructors are WPA and PIF certified and have completed First Aid + CPR + AED + AEC courses. Every lesson starts with safety instructions. We have every intention of keeping you safe at all times. Be mindful of instruction and safety guidelines. Life jackets and ankle leashes are required.

- paddle board + paddle - PFD (Life jacket) - Ankle leash

Group lessons are for age 7 and up. Having said that, we encourage everyone at any age to try paddle boarding. Especially mature adults/seniors. It is a great way to work on your overall health and be in our great outdoors at the same time.

Ghost Lake and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island where our lessons are being held, can be windy. Usually the mornings and evenings have the least amount of wind. That is when most of our programs are scheduled. Mist or light rain won't keep us from going out on the water. Our lessons will take place on their scheduled times as long as the weather permits. However, safety is our main focus. We won't take any risks and won't go out in heavy rain or thunderstorms or when we deem the conditions are or will get dangerous in which case PaddleAway.today reserves the right to postpone/reschedule to a convenient time. If a lesson/program is canceled due to the weather, participants will be notified by the staff.

We have a variety of boards and all are very stable. We will pair you with a board that fits you best. Before we head out on the water, we are starting our lesson on dry land where we go through safety rules and how to get back on your board in case you do fall in. The truth is that most of the paddle boarders paddling on flat water, hardly ever fall off. Make sure you wear the proper clothing, footwear and that you have the board that suits your ability. We do have floaters that we can use, a sort of training wheels, that will give you extra stability. They can be taken off once you are comfortable enough on the paddle board.

It is required that you know how to swim in order to paddle board with us. This is an insurance requirement.

We do ask that you arrive 15 min. before the start of the lesson/program. If you arrive late it will not only be disruptive for other participants and the instructor but you will also miss important information you need to know about before heading out on the water.

Yes. Wearing a PFD and an ankle leash is mandatory when we're out on the water for every participant. No exceptions. You can bring your own PFD if you have one and otherwise we do have PFD's for all participants.

You can re-schedule to another time on our lesson schedule. Though we do like to know 24 hrs. in advance to be able to fill your spot since classes are limited to only 4 participants • Cancellations must be made by phone at 403.874.4214 • Cancellations per email are not accepted • Cancellations made within 24 hrs. prior to a booked lesson will be re-scheduled. No refund will be given • Any cancellations made 24 to 48 hrs. prior to a booked lesson/program will receive a refund of 50% of the paid amount • If cancellations are made more then 48 hours prior to a booked lesson/program, a refund will be given minus 15% for processing cost.

No refund or re-scheduling will be given for 'no-show ups'.

Cochrane, Ghost Lake in AB •••••••• Westwood lake, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC

Yes. At both locations where the lessons are held are public washrooms.

Be prepared for warm as well as for cold weather. Warm weather: swim suit or short and shirt, water shoes or shoes that can get wet and are non-slippery, long sleeve shirt for sun burn protection, hat, sun glasses, sunscreen (preferably environmentally safe), a towel and dry clothes. Cold weather: If you do have a wetsuit, please bring it. Wear a bathing suit, clothes that can get wet and are fast drying. Water shoes or shoes that can get wet are recommended since there are rocks on the side. A wind/rain jacket and pants that can get wet, a towel and dry clothes. Please bring a water bottle, a snack, a great attitude and be prepared for fun!

In general, leave them at home or in a secured car. Or you can use an official dry bag (NOT a zip lock bag) from a sports store to bring your belongings on your board with you.

Yes we do. After you booked your lesson a waiver will be sent to you. Or you can request it by emailing us.