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Learn to paddleboard in Cullen, Scotland

We offer SUP (stand-up paddleboard) introductory lessons and guided tours of our local coastline in and around Cullen Beach and Portknockie on the Moray Firth.

Whether you're looking for a safe introduction to SUP, or you'd like to explore our beautiful coastline by paddle, you're welcome to join us.
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  • Two couples on an introduction to paddleboard lesson in Portknockie Harbour, Scotland.
  • Family paddleboarding during a lesson at Portknockie, Moray.
  • Group of paddleboarders going through the archway at Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
  • Portknockie Harbour Paddleboard Lesson
  • Two children jumping from paddleboards into the water at Portknockie Harbour, Moray
  • A couple standing together on their paddleboards during a SUP lesson at Portknockie
  • Two couples on an introduction to paddleboard lesson in Portknockie Harbour, Scotland.
  • Family paddleboarding during a lesson at Portknockie, Moray.
  • Group of paddleboarders going through the archway at Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
  • Portknockie Harbour Paddleboard Lesson
  • Two children jumping from paddleboards into the water at Portknockie Harbour, Moray
  • A couple standing together on their paddleboards during a SUP lesson at Portknockie

Testimonials

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Sue Jones
October 26, 2024

I had a great time learning to Stand Up Paddleboard with Adam. He was a very good instructor. I was a bit nervous beforehand,but I felt safe during the lesson. I learnt a lot and feel ready togo out on my own paddleboard.

Michael Wood
October 15, 2024

We had a fantastic morning with Adam yesterday. He was an excellent teacher. He had us all standing on our boards within 10 minutes. We would highly recommend this fun and exciting experience

Josephine T
October 6, 2024

I booked the SUP lesson and tour for my mum's 60th birthday celebrations. It was our first time paddle boarding, at first my mum was very nervous but with lots of encouragement and a progressive approach to learning from Adam, she was able to summon the courage to venture out of the harbour. However we opted to stay in the harbour for the remainder of our lesson to build on the skills we had just learned and gain some more confidence instead of completing the full tour, Adam was incredibly flexible with his plans to meet our needs. I would definitely recommend this to beginners. We can't wait to come back and complete the rest of the tour.

Gillian
September 23, 2024

Our 1st time paddle boarding and we were both so glad to have had as well an experienced and knowledgeable person as Adam teaching us. A very enjoyable experience.

sophie Jamieson
September 21, 2024

We did a couples introduction to SUP and we absolutely loved it! We learned a lot from Adam who was a great teacher. We would definitely recommend to others.

Philip M
September 15, 2024

Couples Intro to SUP. This was a really enjoyable intro to paddle boarding. Adam the instructor was excellent and the location was fab.

Martin
September 15, 2024

I can only repeat what has been said in many reviews before. Adam is a consumate professional and went out of his way to help especially as none of the four in our group had paddleboarded before. To compound things further two of us were'nt that confident in the water to begin with but Adam took care of that by giving us all a detailed and comprehensive briefing before going into the water and also by taking time to give some 1-2-1 help when we struggled with certain elements. Having listened to Adam's briefing we all managed to get mobile and after a short while of building up our confidence Adam got every one of us up onto our feet and paddling about with relative ease. I cant praise Adam highly enough for looking after us and for imparting his knowledge to us and for giving us practical lessons that were fun. If you want to learn the basics of paddleboarding within a safe environment Adam would be my first and only choice. Do it, you wont regret it !!!!

Jamie
September 8, 2024

We had a great time doing the introduction for couples paddleboarding. Adam was a great teacher and we had lots of fun and learned a lot. Would definitely recommend

Northern lass
August 28, 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our group lesson on paddle boards at Port Knockie harbour. Keir was an excellent instructor giving us all the basics with patience and fun. We were so lucky with the weather. Some of us were worried about being cold but the high quality wet suits, gloves and boots kept us warm.

If you wear glasses remember to bring a head strap to keep them on. You will fall in and if you don’t, you’ll have to get in to practice “saving” each other.In summary, a fabulous fun and safe experience.

Scenic456836
August 28, 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed my paddle board lesson. It was completely out of my comfort zone, both the activity and booking by myself. However Adam explained everything clearly and was really encouraging. I can’t wait to be back in the area to book onto a tour!

Estelle P
August 22, 2024

Our older two daughters had tried paddle boarding before and had a great time. Now it was time for the whole family to give it go. We had a good time and Adam was a super instructor. He was really patient and encouraging and helped us all feel comfortable on a board. It was a fun afternoon activity.

Wendy B
August 21, 2024

Adam was a great teacher and put us at ease. We had never done paddle boarding before and thoroughly enjoyed it, we'll be doing it again!

Allan G
August 20, 2024

Great intro

kerryscott1030
August 19, 2024

I was bought a paddle boarding lesson for my birthday. It's something I have wanted to try for a number of years. I was a very lucky lady,as I was the only one in the session that particular morning. Adam is a super coach and very patient! It was a full two hours which I throughly enjoyed. I was nervous when the time came for me to stand up on the board-legs like jelly!! But Adam was encouraging me the whole time. Of course I fell off!!-not a problem,but trying to get back on the board was a tadge hard,but I did it! It was a windy day and challenging at times. I am now thinking of buying a paddleboard and practice,practice practice!

Thank you Adam for being the best teacher.

R o b b i e t
August 16, 2024

We did paddle boarding with Keir. It was amazing. A great introduction by Keir and then out onto the water for 1.5hrs. I really enjoyed it and look forward to going back.

Nors X
August 12, 2024

Paddle boarding is a lot of fun. Adam as a teacher could not have been more helpful. I was new to paddle boarding ,my husband had done it once before and my son is 9 and he catered to all of us.

Ladies be warned , you will get your hair wet and it's so worth it.

RICHARD R
August 11, 2024

First time Paddle Boarding lesson with Kier, excellent safety and instructions. Soon had us up and standing not bad as I am 70. Wind conditions a bit challenging. Highly recommended. Going to book coast paddling next. Sue and Richard

Brenda
August 10, 2024

Booked this for my 15yr old grandson. He enjoyed it very much it was good value for money and great location.

FifiNotts
August 7, 2024

Had a two hour paddle board lesson with Keir and one other person in the group. Really enjoyed it and felt a lot more confident than I had on previous occasions. Lots of helpful instruction and tried new things including paddling on open sea and lifesaving technique. Keir very safety conscious and dealt with differing ages in group well. Will definitely book again when back in the area.

Michelle
August 4, 2024

It was a cracking tour if you love a good adventure and paddle boarding we loved as a family!!

Paddleboard Lessons & Tours Details

Ages: The minimum age is 8 for lessons and 12 for tours.
Experience: No previous experience is required. All are welcome from beginners to intermediates.
Equipment: All equipment is included; buoyancy aids and 5mm thick winter wetsuits with boots / gloves / hoods if required. We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.
Duration: Lessons & tours last 2 hours after we're changed and good to go.
Location: Lessons take place in calm, flat water; the beach on very calm days or sheltered harbours if open water is unsuitable. Tour routes depend on the conditions, including Bow Fiddle Rock, Port Long Bay, Logie Head, & Findlater Castle.
Prices: from £35 (Special prices are available for Families & Couples)

From sheltered harbours to coastal excursions, our local coastline ranges from Cullen to Portknockie, Findochty, and Sandend; the ideal playground for your SUP experience. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins & seals! Our instructors are qualified beach lifeguards, in the water with you to keep you safe, give feedback, and have a good time.

  • Check in and meet your friendly instructor
  • Get changed and familiar with the equipment and important safety info
  • Hit the water where you'll build control of the board on your knees before getting to your feet
  • We provide a structured lesson that builds your comfort and prepares you for independent paddling or a tour

Please bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. We recommend you arrive with swimwear on (for under your wetsuit) as it makes it easier to get changed at the beach.

Once you're a competent paddler, we have multiple routes that take in parts of our local coastline, including Bow Fiddle Rock, Port Long Bay, and Logie Head. If you have a particular destination you'd prefer please let us know, however this is always dependent on the suitability of the day's conditions. Look out for playful dolphins and curious seals!

A glimpse of North Sea magic

Why paddleboard in Scotland with Blue Coast?

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All equipment included

We only use the highest quality equipment; warm 5mm thick wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and top-of-the-range inflatable paddleboards.

Experienced guides

All of our coaches are qualified lifeguards, in the water with you to keep you safe, give feedback, and have a good time!

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Small groups

1:8 maximum instructor to student ratio. We teach you to paddleboard safely and independently.

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Interesting routes & locations

From sheltered harbours to coastline excursions, the local Cullen coastline is perfect for your SUP experience.

SUP for all

We offer paddleboarding to all, no matter experience or ability. Our instructors will take the activity at your pace, making sure everyone progresses and has fun.

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Gift vouchers available

Give the gift of the sea to a loved one. Not just a memorable experience; it might change their life!

A unique perspective

First time paddleboarding and want a structured lesson in a safe environment? Have questions about equipment? Tried paddleboarding before and want to give it a go in the sea? How about an introduction and tour combined?

Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends, all are welcome at Blue Coast. Enjoy our beautiful coastline from a fresh perspective on the water.

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Paddleboarders leaving Port Long Bay back towards Cullen with Bow Fiddle Rock in the distance; during a guided tour with Blue Coast Cullen.

Fun for the whole family

Paddleboarding is a brilliant group activity for the whole family. Lessons can be adapted to include challenging games and races for the kids while the adults find their feet.. or maybe it will be the other way around?

An ideal way to make memories together on your visit to Cullen.

See our booking system for special prices on family group lessons.

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Family group photo on paddleboards at Portknockie harbour during SUP lesson

The ultimate couple's experience

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend some time together in the sea. Imagine a tour in calm glassy conditions, idly paddling the metres away with your partner; the perfect way to relax together (until one of you falls in)!

As a bonus, it's not uncommon to see playful dolphins and curious seals when out on a tour, which makes for an unforgettable experience.

See our booking system for special prices on couple's lessons.

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Couple paddleboarding at Portknockie Harbour during SUP lesson

How fit do you have to be to take part?

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Providing you are able to swim (unaided for surf lessons and 50m for paddleboard activities) and you have no current health issues or injuries preventing you from taking part in physical activity you can participate.

You will be able to progress at your own pace and all activities can be adapted to you; fun will be had by all.

We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.

What are the age limits?

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The minimum age limit for our group activities is 8 years old. For paddleboard coastal tours, the minimum age limit is 12 years old.

You're never too old to get in the sea and have a go!

Will I be cold?

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The water temperature in the Moray Firth ranges from 7-15°C. We find our high-quality 5mm thick winter wetsuits keep our customers toasty, as well as gloves, boots, and hoods if needed. We've had no complaints! You should be warm and comfortable for the duration of your lesson with us.

What if I don't have the balance to stand up?

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Don’t worry, every SUP session starts by learning how to paddle on your knees and you can still enjoy all the elements of the session knee paddling.

What if I fall in?

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This is all part of the fun. The main thing is not to panic; you're attached to a big float which you'll be able to climb back on to relatively easily. If you have any problems, your instructor will be there with you to help.

I have bought my own SUP, will I learn enough from a lesson to go out on my own?

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We aim to teach you the skills to go out paddling safely and independently. This will include precautions to take when going out unsupervised, self-rescue, and important knowledge about suitable weather & sea conditions.

I've paddled before, can I go on a SUP tour?

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You must already be a competent paddler to join one of our SUP tours. This means being able to confidently control the direction of your board and make steady progress. If you're in any doubt, consider taking one of our Introduction to SUP lessons first.

Find more questions answered in our FAQs, or contact us with anything else.
At ease.
A state of flow.
Frictionless.
Breathe easy.
No paddle no surf.
Beyond the beach.
Everything else falls away.
Blue Coast
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