FAQ's | Frequently Asked Questions
~ Before I Arrive ~
What time do I need to arrive?
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your session start time. This gives you time to get changed, pump up, pop to the loo, etc. Being late can have an impact on other clients.
What should I wear when on the water?
Being a small business, we only have a small stock of wetsuits ranging from XS-XL that we can offer our clients - please let us know your size on booking. We therefore ask you to wear swimwear topped off with shorts/leggings, t-shirt, synthetic fleece, lightweight waterproof jacket, along with old trainers or other closed toe water shoes. Plus, a towel and a spare change of clothing for when you are off the water. If you have your own wetsuit or drysuit we encourage you to bring it along and wear it for the session.
Can I use my own PFD (Personal Floatation Device)?
Yes, you can, though we will be required to inspect it to ensure that it meets industry standard and is fit for purpose. and environment. The minimum buoyancy required for our sessions is 50N and it also needs to be ISO approved. Your PFD must be in a good state of repair and fit well. We always carry spare PFD's for all of our sessions.
When do we pay for our booking?
All bookings must be paid in full, in advance of the session. This can be done online at the time of booking.
Will I get ill if I fall in?
We take water quality seriously at all of our paddle locations. As a business we regularly check the SAS release map and speak to other river users and local organisations to monitor water quality. We reserve the right to move your session to an alternative location if we feel the water quality on the day is below standard. All water has the potential to pose a health risk and therefore we recommend washing your hands or using an alcohol-based hand gel after a session. We also recommend covering any open wounds with a suitable dressing.
Can I bring my dog?
We are happy for you to bring your dog along, with prior agreement, to a one-to-one session only. Our preferred preference for group sessions is no dogs, as they tend to be a distraction.
What do I wear on my feet?
We strongly recommend closed toe footwear such as old trainers or neoprene water shoes/boots for all sessions.
Do I need to be able to swim?
When on the water, we will ensure that you are attached to your paddle board at all times through a quick release waist leash, along with wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) - both are mandatory for all of our sessions, except white water. We will ask you to disclose your swimming ability and confidence around water on your booking consent form in advance of your session.
I have my own paddle board - will it be ok for me to use it for my session?
If you have your own board we encourage you to use your own equipment, though it will need to be assessed for its suitability and safety by one of our instructors before getting on the water. If deemed unsuitable, we will provide you with our own equipment. For white water sessions we use specialised boards.
Do I need to wear a leash?
We encourage the use of quick release waist leashes over ankle leashes on all of our sessions - these are available to purchase or borrow from us, with full set up and useage instruction given. Following the guidance from Paddle UK, we do not use leashes on any of our white water sessions.
What happens if I have to cancel my session?
As a small and independent outdoor business, cancellations have a huge impact on us. We therefore ask you to let us know at the first possible opportunity if you are unable to attend your session.
Our cancellation policy:
Can we bring along friends and family to spectate?
Yes, though it is worth noting that some of our locations have limited/steep waterside accessibility that can be slippery. Spectating will be at your own risk.
How fit do I need to be?
To paddle board, you need a good level of base fitness and balance. You should be comfortable standing from a kneeling position off the water. We strongly recommend you practice at home getting to standing from kneeling before attending one of our sessions.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, we advise you not to participate in our paddle boarding sessions. This is due to the high likelihood of falling from the board.
Can people with disabilities participate in your SUP sessions?
Yes, though we do ask for you to contact us in advance to discuss any adaptations for your session. We have experience of working with a range of differently abled people and work with local charities. We also have access to a 'ZUP' SUP seat which can assist with standing and kneeling
When can we not SUP?
We sometimes we have to reschedule sessions due to the water levels being too high or it being too windy, anything over Force 3 is generally too strong for most beginners to manage. In the first instance we will seek to find an alternative location, failing that we will seek to reschedule your session.
What happens if it rains/sleets/snows?
It's a watersport - we will only cancel sessions if there is lightning forecast with the rain.
How old do you need to be?
Our minimum age to participate is 10 years old, we have no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy. Our oldest paddler to date has been 76! Our SUP Club minimum age is 16.
Do children need to be supervised?
Yes, at all times by either a parent or guardian, both on and off the water.
Can I hire a paddleboard from you?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer paddle board hire.
Where are you based?
SLPA is a fully mobile business, run from home. Because we don't have a base it means we can offer a broader range of sessions to our customers, across a variety of locations. We mostly operate across North Wales and North West England. Please check the location of your specific session and don't just follow Google maps and drive to our HQ!!
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your session start time. This gives you time to get changed, pump up, pop to the loo, etc. Being late can have an impact on other clients.
What should I wear when on the water?
Being a small business, we only have a small stock of wetsuits ranging from XS-XL that we can offer our clients - please let us know your size on booking. We therefore ask you to wear swimwear topped off with shorts/leggings, t-shirt, synthetic fleece, lightweight waterproof jacket, along with old trainers or other closed toe water shoes. Plus, a towel and a spare change of clothing for when you are off the water. If you have your own wetsuit or drysuit we encourage you to bring it along and wear it for the session.
Can I use my own PFD (Personal Floatation Device)?
Yes, you can, though we will be required to inspect it to ensure that it meets industry standard and is fit for purpose. and environment. The minimum buoyancy required for our sessions is 50N and it also needs to be ISO approved. Your PFD must be in a good state of repair and fit well. We always carry spare PFD's for all of our sessions.
When do we pay for our booking?
All bookings must be paid in full, in advance of the session. This can be done online at the time of booking.
Will I get ill if I fall in?
We take water quality seriously at all of our paddle locations. As a business we regularly check the SAS release map and speak to other river users and local organisations to monitor water quality. We reserve the right to move your session to an alternative location if we feel the water quality on the day is below standard. All water has the potential to pose a health risk and therefore we recommend washing your hands or using an alcohol-based hand gel after a session. We also recommend covering any open wounds with a suitable dressing.
Can I bring my dog?
We are happy for you to bring your dog along, with prior agreement, to a one-to-one session only. Our preferred preference for group sessions is no dogs, as they tend to be a distraction.
What do I wear on my feet?
We strongly recommend closed toe footwear such as old trainers or neoprene water shoes/boots for all sessions.
Do I need to be able to swim?
When on the water, we will ensure that you are attached to your paddle board at all times through a quick release waist leash, along with wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) - both are mandatory for all of our sessions, except white water. We will ask you to disclose your swimming ability and confidence around water on your booking consent form in advance of your session.
I have my own paddle board - will it be ok for me to use it for my session?
If you have your own board we encourage you to use your own equipment, though it will need to be assessed for its suitability and safety by one of our instructors before getting on the water. If deemed unsuitable, we will provide you with our own equipment. For white water sessions we use specialised boards.
Do I need to wear a leash?
We encourage the use of quick release waist leashes over ankle leashes on all of our sessions - these are available to purchase or borrow from us, with full set up and useage instruction given. Following the guidance from Paddle UK, we do not use leashes on any of our white water sessions.
What happens if I have to cancel my session?
As a small and independent outdoor business, cancellations have a huge impact on us. We therefore ask you to let us know at the first possible opportunity if you are unable to attend your session.
Our cancellation policy:
- Cancellation of more than 2 weeks in advance: we are happy to offer a 75% refund or an option to switch to a future session.
- Cancellation of less than 2 weeks in advance: we are happy to offer a 50% refund or an option to switch to a future session.
- Cancellation within 48 hours of your session: we are unable to offer a refund or option to switch to a future session.
Can we bring along friends and family to spectate?
Yes, though it is worth noting that some of our locations have limited/steep waterside accessibility that can be slippery. Spectating will be at your own risk.
How fit do I need to be?
To paddle board, you need a good level of base fitness and balance. You should be comfortable standing from a kneeling position off the water. We strongly recommend you practice at home getting to standing from kneeling before attending one of our sessions.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, we advise you not to participate in our paddle boarding sessions. This is due to the high likelihood of falling from the board.
Can people with disabilities participate in your SUP sessions?
Yes, though we do ask for you to contact us in advance to discuss any adaptations for your session. We have experience of working with a range of differently abled people and work with local charities. We also have access to a 'ZUP' SUP seat which can assist with standing and kneeling
When can we not SUP?
We sometimes we have to reschedule sessions due to the water levels being too high or it being too windy, anything over Force 3 is generally too strong for most beginners to manage. In the first instance we will seek to find an alternative location, failing that we will seek to reschedule your session.
What happens if it rains/sleets/snows?
It's a watersport - we will only cancel sessions if there is lightning forecast with the rain.
How old do you need to be?
Our minimum age to participate is 10 years old, we have no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy. Our oldest paddler to date has been 76! Our SUP Club minimum age is 16.
Do children need to be supervised?
Yes, at all times by either a parent or guardian, both on and off the water.
Can I hire a paddleboard from you?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer paddle board hire.
Where are you based?
SLPA is a fully mobile business, run from home. Because we don't have a base it means we can offer a broader range of sessions to our customers, across a variety of locations. We mostly operate across North Wales and North West England. Please check the location of your specific session and don't just follow Google maps and drive to our HQ!!
~ On The Day ~
Will there be toilets I can use?
Some of our locations have toilets nearby and some of our locations don’t. Please ask on arrival. If there are no toilets available we ask you to follow the Leave No Trace principles of ‘wild toileting’ - we always carry toilet paper, poop bags and a trowel :)
Will I get sunburn?
On hot sunny days we recommend you wear high factor sunscreen and a cap to offer protection from the rays.
Can I bring a drink and a snack?
Yes, we encourage you to bring along a drink and small snack, but we ask you not to bring glass and minimize the use of single use plastics.
How can I carry my medication?
Your medication can be carried by your instructor in a dry bag and will be accessible at all times. Please ensure you disclose any medical conditions in full ahead of your session on your consent form.
Will I get wet?
There is a high likelihood that you will get wet on your session - either from falling in or from getting on and off your board. Most beginners tend to fall in on their first SUP session.
Where can I get changed?
We ask you to arrive ready to go where possible. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the locations we operate from, changing will be next to your vehicle. We recommend using a large towel or dry robe for privacy.
Can I wear glasses/sunglasses whilst out on the water?
You can wear glasses/sunglasses on the water, but we advise you to wear a cheaper/older pair, due to the risk of damage or loss. We recommend you use a glasses water cord. Please ensure you carry spares with you if you are highly dependent on them.
Can I drink alcohol or smoke/vape when out paddle boarding?
Participants may not participate in any activities if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Smoking/vaping whilst on our sessions is prohibited.
Since booking I have sustained an injury?
Please discuss with your instructor either on the day or in advance, we can often adapt sessions and techniques to factor in minor injuries or health conditions. If it is a significant injury we would recommend that you rearrange your session.
What should I do with my valuables?
We encourage you to leave as many of your valuables at home, particularly jewellery and watches which can get lost and damaged when out on the water. Items such as car keys and mobile phones can be carried in your instructor's dry bag.
Can I bring a mobile phone or camera with us on the board?
Yes, though we strongly recommend that items are stored in a waterproof pouch or bag. We recommend the Aquapac brand. All bookings with SUP Lass Paddle Adventures are eligible to a 30% discount code - just ask! We accept no liability for loss or damage to these items.
Can you take photos of us on the water?
We are always happy to take photos on your behalf and share them via What's App or Air Drop after the session. We use a Go Pro and Insta 360 to capture the action!
Some of our locations have toilets nearby and some of our locations don’t. Please ask on arrival. If there are no toilets available we ask you to follow the Leave No Trace principles of ‘wild toileting’ - we always carry toilet paper, poop bags and a trowel :)
Will I get sunburn?
On hot sunny days we recommend you wear high factor sunscreen and a cap to offer protection from the rays.
Can I bring a drink and a snack?
Yes, we encourage you to bring along a drink and small snack, but we ask you not to bring glass and minimize the use of single use plastics.
How can I carry my medication?
Your medication can be carried by your instructor in a dry bag and will be accessible at all times. Please ensure you disclose any medical conditions in full ahead of your session on your consent form.
Will I get wet?
There is a high likelihood that you will get wet on your session - either from falling in or from getting on and off your board. Most beginners tend to fall in on their first SUP session.
Where can I get changed?
We ask you to arrive ready to go where possible. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the locations we operate from, changing will be next to your vehicle. We recommend using a large towel or dry robe for privacy.
Can I wear glasses/sunglasses whilst out on the water?
You can wear glasses/sunglasses on the water, but we advise you to wear a cheaper/older pair, due to the risk of damage or loss. We recommend you use a glasses water cord. Please ensure you carry spares with you if you are highly dependent on them.
Can I drink alcohol or smoke/vape when out paddle boarding?
Participants may not participate in any activities if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Smoking/vaping whilst on our sessions is prohibited.
Since booking I have sustained an injury?
Please discuss with your instructor either on the day or in advance, we can often adapt sessions and techniques to factor in minor injuries or health conditions. If it is a significant injury we would recommend that you rearrange your session.
What should I do with my valuables?
We encourage you to leave as many of your valuables at home, particularly jewellery and watches which can get lost and damaged when out on the water. Items such as car keys and mobile phones can be carried in your instructor's dry bag.
Can I bring a mobile phone or camera with us on the board?
Yes, though we strongly recommend that items are stored in a waterproof pouch or bag. We recommend the Aquapac brand. All bookings with SUP Lass Paddle Adventures are eligible to a 30% discount code - just ask! We accept no liability for loss or damage to these items.
Can you take photos of us on the water?
We are always happy to take photos on your behalf and share them via What's App or Air Drop after the session. We use a Go Pro and Insta 360 to capture the action!
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