Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at Paddleboard The Lakes, an ASI accredited SUP school, located at Newby Bridge, in the Lake District, Cumbria, England.

Paddleboard The Lakes was set up in 2021 by Michael Gudgeon, who shortly after brought Manager, Nichola, on board. They both enjoy getting out in the Lake District and out on the water (Michael an experienced kayaker and Nichola a swimmer), so it seemed only natural to try paddleboarding and they soon began hiring out rental equipment for others to enjoy it too.

Paddleboard The Lakes wanted to set up an accredited SUP School to start something exciting in the South Lakes where people can learn to paddle safely whilst also sharing and respecting the beautiful environment of the National Park.

Working in partnership with The Swan Hotel & Spa, they offer hotel guests, Lake District visitors and local SUP enthusiasts the chance to get out on the water and experience all the benefits that being out in nature brings.

Paddleboard the Lakes offers lessons, tours and rentals for kids, adults, parties, hens and stag parties, school groups, and corporates.

From their Paddle Hut, supervised board hire is available from 2 hours to a full day’s rental, giving customers the freedom to choose how long they wish to paddle.

They also provide paddleboarding with a qualified Instructor, including private 1-to-1 tuition, fun family sessions or open mixed group lessons.

Become a Paddle The Lakes member with self-launch and board hire discount packages or join in social paddles.

 There is great feedback from customers who say that with a setting that’s “hard to beat” comes with “great communication and brilliant customer service”.

With the SUP School main base at the Swan Hotel & Spa grounds, there is parking, toilets and changing facilities.

The Swan serves food and drinks with inside and outside seating areas, ideal for relaxing after paddling.

Paddleboard The Lakes is located on the shores of the River Leven within the grounds of The Swan Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge.

Paddle along the river to the foot of Windermere lake taking in the stunning views of the Lake District National Park.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam train runs alongside the river and the popular Fell Foot National Trust park is lakeshore as you paddle round the river onto Windermere. 

There the valley opens up and the Lake District fells offer the perfect backdrop for paddleboarding.

The keen outdoorsy folk can also hike the Lake District fells, go white water rafting or indoor climbing.

For those who want a more relaxed time in the area there are lakes cruise boats, the Lakeside railway, South Lakes Zoo, and many places to picnic/walk around the National Park.

Nearby towns and villages such as Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston, Grange-over-Sands and Hawkshead all offer great shops, cafes and restaurants.

More information about the area at: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/

and https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

The Lake District National Park has hotels, B&B’s and campsites in abundance. 

The on-site accommodation at The Swan & Spa Newby Bridge, also has spa facilities and is a fantastic place to stay and a great base whilst visiting the area. See website: www.swanhotel.com