A fully approved British Stand Up Paddle Association School

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Whether you’re a complete novice or a paddle boarding racer, we have SUP activities and lessons from ages 9+ to adults at any level.

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A fully approved British Stand Up Paddle Association School

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ABOUT US

Here at Saltwater SUP we are a friendly, professional Stand up Paddle Boarding School and Social Club established in 2017, an  accredited British Stand Up Paddle Board (BSUPA) school,  operating from our local beach at Chalkwell, Essex as well as at Hadleigh Country Park, Essex. We have an excellent team of 7 qualified BSUPA instructors, teaching a variety of courses including the BSUPA’S  ‘Ready to Ride Course’, our excellent Stand up Paddle boarding taster sessions ideal for beginners keen to experience paddleboarding, our development improver classes, along with 1/2/1 coaching, family teaching days and tours. We also hold the Adventure Activities Licensing Authorities (AALA)  license.  

BSUPA School

In May 2021 we became a fully accredited and licensed BSUPA school and have a team of 8 qualified instructors.

Saltwater SUP is qualified to teach paddle boarding at all levels, including certificated paddle board courses, organising/ running tours and SUP racing. We have been on an incredible journey over the last 5 summers with fantastic support from a number of influential people in the water sports industry.

We are proud of the community and vibe that we have created at our local beach at Chalkwell and look forward to continuing and developing this.

BSUPA

Checked & Qualified

FIRST AID

Qualified

DBS

Checked
TEACHING LOCATIONS
Chalkwell Beach – Our spiritual home, Saltwater SUP started here in 2017 teaching with just a few boards thrown on the beach with some talented instructors teaching paddle boarding in what was then a quieter spot of the beach. This developed into the paddle board school and team that we have now in what is a vibrant beach area. We love teaching on the beach, the sun, the sand and the beach vibe and of course Saltwater Beach Café. We do though get those days where it can be super gnarly and we look for the calmer inland venues to teach paddle boarding.

Hadleigh Country Park – Home of the 2012 Olympics biking trail, we had the exciting opportunity to teach at this historic site, close to the ruined Hadleigh Castle overlooking the Thames.  Teaching on the reservoir in a calm, quiet environment this is a great place to teach from 9+ in family sessions. It is the perfect location to teach those keen to learn before going onto our local Estuary or other locations. What we love about the park is that after your session you have access to the wonderful facilities at Hadleigh Park. You can have nice food and drink at the café, visit the farm, bring or hire bikes and use the bike tracks, investigate the Castle ruins, take in the views of the Estuary all whilst being outside spending quality time in the outdoors.  You can choose the activity you would like to do and make it a whole day experience. You can even stay the night at the superb Essex Glamping site in the park.  

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Testimonials

Read what paddle boarding participants say about us on Google reviews.

I had my first lesson with Jeff and Ollie in the summer. I was a bit nervous because I have zero co-ordination. I needn’t have worried.The session was relaxed and I felt safe and comfortable at all times.I had a subsequent lesson with my daughter and some friends. Saltwater instructors are BSUPA qualified and as such they cover the safety aspects and techniques before they take you on the water. The most impressive thing for me is the whole sense of community after the lessons.There’s always a friendly face and they’re very inclusive.There’s nothing pushy about these guys. think they genuinely love what they do and it’s contagious! I thoroughly recommend them whatever level you’re at. Saltwater cafe do a mean cappuccino when you come off the water too.
Jane Hayward
I’d wanted to learn to paddle board for a couple of years before finally plucking up the courage to give it a go this summer. From the first lesson with Saltwater I loved it! The instructors were friendly and encouraging and learning to paddle board on the sea was so much fun. I definitely recommend Saltwater SUP.
Amanda Williams
A friend booked a beginners lesson and asked me to go along, I had done it a few times before but only on the river on flat water, but I’m a beach bum so I wanted to SUP in the sea. I am hooked, great instructors, lovely friendly community, and most of all I feel confident now on choppy water, even if I don’t go very fast, I know I can handle the challenge because I’ve been taught well. Love the cafe too - great coffee and chips for a post-SUP treat.
Hannah Rochester
After having learned to paddle board in summer 2020 with Jeff and the Saltwater team, I would HIGHLY recommend them. They are encouraging, patient and credible. I now have my own board and have the confidence to go out regularly thanks to the SW team! The community is fabulous and welcoming. It is a wonderful group to be a part of.
Jane Atherton
Great place to learn to SUP and to socialise on the water. I had a taster lesson first which was enough to convince me to buy my own board and head out. After a while I went back to see Jeff and Ollie for an advanced session. After an hour with them I was riding surf stance, pivot turning and just enjoy the waves. Saltwater SUP really is a great place to learn and progress. Jeff and Ollie are genuinely proud when they see you progress and try. There enthusiasm shines through. Saltwater SUP is not just about lessons and teaching. They organise social events where people of all abilities are welcome which are great to build confidence and get great tips. If you are looking for great coaching and more then look no further.
James Sinton
We have had a few lessons between us and have thoroughly enjoyed them all, both flat and more testing conditions. The Saltwater team have built our confidence on the water and in using the equipment correctly and safely. We've recommended to friends and family!
Deanna Thomas
Learning to paddle-board with Saltwater-Sup is a wonderful experience of freedom on the water. I began learning towards the end of the first lockdown and the health and safety procedures in place were well catered for and made me feel very safe. My teacher Jeff, was very patient, encouraging and equally saw my strengths and pushed me to achieve a better technique and more advanced moves. I brought friends down to try and he remembered each of their names giving the service a more personable touch. I haven’t purchased a board but the hiring facility at Saltwater couldn’t be any easier and suits me perfectly. I can’t wait to get back out there!
Gemma Stoddard
I have wanted to paddle board for a long time. Last year I found saltwater sup and had two lessons with Jeff. Jeff put me at ease instantly. Taught me all I needed to know to get started and to be safe. I had lots of fun out on my board last summer thanks to the confidence Jeff gave me with my lesson. I am hoping to do the advanced lesson this year. Had some great social distance days out paddle boarding with the saltwater sup group. The group and community saltwater sup has build is great. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.
Theresa Walsh
I had my first lesson with Jeff back in July. The team is friendly, encouraging and always offer guidance and useful tips. I have now bought my own paddle board and they have a big community who organise group paddles and socials which are always great fun. I would highly recommend Saltwater SUP for anyone that enjoys paddle boarding or looking to start!
Sophie Fuller
The first time I tried SUP (or had even heard of it) was with Jeff at Saltwater SUP, and he made the class really accessible and easy to learn the basics! Since that first session I have returned a few times, with every session learning even more about SUP, tides, wind etc... And now there's an ever growing community of paddle boarders! Really good value for money, and they will pre-emptively move the session if the weather isn't suitable.
Autumn Bonham-Cox
Saltwater SUP and Cafe have become part of my life where i paddle with other members and use the Cafe on a regular basis afer a paddle or bike ride. The owners Liz and Jeff are a lovely helpful couple so lets support them through these strange times
Kevin Gregory
Highly recommend Jeff and the Saltwater team for fun and friendly paddleboard tuition in a great location, to build technique and confidence out on the water!
Nicola Thompson
I love being a part of the Saltwater community, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming! Great vibe, knowledgeable instructors and fab socials. If you want to learn how to paddleboard, looking to meet fellow SUPers or just want some yummy food & coffee while spectating the Saltwater is the place for you!
Katie White
Fantastic! Great knowledgeable instructors, perfect beginners and improvers equipment. And most importantly a lovely paddle community. Definitely recommend SUP Saltwater!
Franziska Lippe-Rothe
I had my first lesson with Jeff and Ollie back in June and to say I absolutely loved it is a massive understatement. They are fantastic teachers and have given excellent guidance and tips every time I see them. Their teaching and knowledge is so thorough and I have since started heading out myself on my own board. As someone who was not confident on water at all, they have eased my worries and nerves and I am definitely 100% addicted to SUP! It’s always a pleasure seeing them out on the water and I can not recommend them more! Not only are the lessons fab but the social side is awesome as well and I’ve met such a lovely community of fellow SUP enthusiasts!
Chelsi Pinkerton-Jarvis
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The Saltwater is a paddle boarding school teaching at Chalkwell Beach & Hadleigh Country Park in Essex, England.

We are a fully approved British Stand Up Paddle Association School.

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111 Chalkwell Esplanade
Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JJ

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