Frequently Asked Questions

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

Paddle boarding is an all inclusive sport, at Gaia SUP we try to make it  accessible to everyone. Our basic beginners lessons and a 1-1 session are for all fitness levels, from here you can progress on to either a 1-1 session  to build on the skills you have just gained, or an intermediate session.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?

If you are unable to swim, please mention this when you book, a reminder on the day to the instructor would be gratefully received.

DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A WAIVER FORM?

This should have come out to you automatically on your booking, if you can't see it please check your junk before contacting us. Failure to fill this in before your session may result in you not being able to join us on the water.

I TAKE MEDICATION, DO I NEED TO BRING IT?

Yes please! Instructors have dry bags with them to carry inhalers or epipens. Please note we will not take you out on the water without them if you need them.

I AM PREGNANT, CAN I STILL DO IT?

We understand that fitness in pregnancy is paramount, we would however  ask that you are an intermediate paddler and understand the dangers of falling off your board, cold water shock and injury to you and your unborn child.

CAN I BRING MY DOG ON THE PADDLEBOARD?

Nope, we have Red paddle boards, which are an expensive bit of equipment, we do not want them damaged. However if you have your own board we can provide a 1-1 session for you both.

CAN MY CHILDREN BOOK ONTO AN ACTIVITY WITHOUT ME DOING IT?

For children under 18, a parent or guardian will need to be on the water with them.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE THAT CAN JOIN A SESSION?

We ask that your child is 9 and over and accompanied on the water with an adult.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT YOU ALLOW ON THE PADDLEBOARDS?

We often get messages from people wondering if they are too big for our boards, we don’t judge and we are thrilled that you have chosen to come and exercise in nature with us. We used Red Paddle co boards and our voyager can hold up to 110kgs.

WHAT KIT AND EQUIPMENT DO YOU PROVIDE?

We paddle on the river so a wetsuit isn’t needed. Dress for the weather, gym type leggings, shorts, t shirt, light thin layers. Hats and gloves if it’s cold, cap if it’s sunny.

Please note that there are no toilets or changing rooms on the river, if you feel like you might say hello to the water (which is really rare btw)please bring a change of clothes and a towel.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

• Old trainers, wetsuit boots or beach/water shoes.

• Water to drink.

• You are more than welcome to bring your own paddleboard providing it is suitable, Please email us to let us know. All instructors have the right to refuse and unsuitable board on the water, you may not be allowed out on the session and you will lose the money you have paid. Please let us know if you need to use one of our PFD’s or quick release belts.

• Suncream, sun hat and sunglasses if you are going to wear them then please make sure sunglasses are tied to a glasses leash.

• Personal medication

CAN I WEAR SPECTACLES?

If you wear glasses, please make sure they are attached to a sports glasses leash. We are not responsible for the loss of spectacles. Please be aware that injury can occur from spectacles and the wearer should accept full responsibility for any injury. 

CAN I WEAR SUNGLASSES?

If wearing glasses, please ensure they are on leash to avoid loosing them on the water, we don’t want you to loose your expensive Ray Bans. If you need a leash for your glasses, 

CAN I BRING AND USE MY OWN KIT AND EQUIPMENT?

Yes, providing it is fit for purpose and safe to use. All instructors reserve the right to refuse any board that they deem unfit on the water. You will also lose your payment for the session. Please check with us beforehand if you are unsure. Please make sure that your board is pumped up and ready for your session time slot, if you are late from pumping up your board, this time will be taken out of your session as we run to a schedule.

CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON FOR JUST ME AND MY FRIENDS?

Of course, we offer private lessons. Please get in touch to find dates. Please do not book yourself in online for a 1-1 session and hope to be able to add more peopl

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING?

We live in England We still go out when it is raining.

WHAT IF ITS REALLY WINDY?

There could be an occasion when it’s really windy that we have to cancel your session. We attempt to give 24 hours notice. However if the session is postponed because the weather has changed unexpectedly, you will be called or sent a text to rearrange. Please note there has been instances where a session has been cancelled mid lesson, because of river levels changing rapidly and thunderstorms. We will rearrange the session for you. Because this session can be rearranged, we are unable to offer a refund.Towards the end of the season, we will offer a refund if we can't get you back out on the water. The refund, will be issued  minus the card payment or PayPal charges.

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CAN I CANCEL?

We are all human and we understand that sometimes things just go wrong. However due to a large amount of cancellations, we have to implement a non returnable booking fee of 50% per person which will be retained by us.

Refunds minus any bank/paypal charges we have incurred will be returned to you per person, dependent on this time criteria.

Time Before Session

Up to 15 days | 50%Refund

14 days to 8 days | 25% Refund

Less than 7 days | 0% Refund

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CAN I HIRE A BOARD FROM YOU?

Nope, we are lessons only.

I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A GIFT VOUCHER, HOW DO I REDEEM IT?

Please send an email to hello@gaiastanduppaddleboard.com 

MY GIFT VOUCHER HAS EXPIRED, WHAT CAN I DO?

We can top up the voucher again for another year for £20. Please email us to do this.

WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY PERSONAL ITEMS?

Please leave any valuables including jewellery at home, Instructors can carry your car keys. Mobile phones are not permitted on the water. All instructors carry phones and will take photos for you.

WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD I MEET?

Please be 5 minutes early for your session, If you are any earlier and we are setting up, as much as we would love to chat to you, we need this time for important safety checks and Instructor briefings. Please take yourself for a walk along the footpath and come back to us 5 minutes before your session is due to start.

If you have friends and family coming, they can walk along the river bank and watch.

TEAM BUILDING, FESTIVALS, RETREATS AND  CORPORATE DATES ARE ALL AVAILABLE, PLEASE EMAIL FOR PRICES AND AVAILABILITY.