Stand-up paddleboarding
1 meeting
Age:
7+
Cost:
Medium
Kayaking meets surfing
Grab a board and paddle - it's a different way to ride the waves.
Overview
Girls use a paddle to manoeuvre themselves on different types of water whilst standing on a board.
To take girls stand-up paddleboarding, you will need to find a reputable local activity provider with a qualified instructor.
Planning checklist
Safety notes
You can verify the quality of a provider by checking it has one of the following endorsements: AALA, Adventuremark or LotC Quality Badge for Adventure. These endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.
See safety regulations below for more information on water safety.
Instructor qualifications
Instructors must hold a minimum of one of the following:
British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association (BSUPA) Level 1 Instructor
a relevant British Canoeing coaching qualification and British Canoeing Stand Up Paddleboarding module.
Safety regulations
To do stand-up paddleboarding, girls must be able to:
- swim 50 metres
- keep afloat for five minutes in the clothes normally worn for the activity.
Girls may fulfil these rules wearing a buoyancy aid or life jacket when either is required for the activity.
If a girl has a medical condition that will affect her ability to swim, ensure that you inform the instructor and make provision to allow her to participate safely.
The Leader must:
- make sure that safety rules and alarm signals have been explained to the girls, and they understand the need for instructions to be obeyed immediately
- make sure the required buoyancy aids/life jackets are used
- follow water safety guidance and ensure that the responsible adult helpers are familiar with them.
Water should be inspected for signs of visible pollution, for example rubbish, blue green algae or chemicals.
Make sure girls and parents are aware of the dangers and symptoms of Weil's disease and what action to take if infection is suspected. On the day of the activity participants should be advised to cover cuts and grazes with waterproof plasters to help prevent infection.
See our guidance on water activities.
| Section | Number of girls per adult |
|---|---|
| Rainbows | 5 |
| Brownies | 8 |
| Guides | 12 |
How many adults are needed?
Use this calculator to find out the ratio of girls to adults that is required for this activity
The ratio for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming in open water is one adult to every eight girls, with a minimum of two adults for all sections.