Update: 17 March 2020

We have suspended all our boat hire and activities. We are cancelling and will automatically refund all bookings for boat hire up until 1 May. We will keep this refund date under review.

Paddle boards

Why stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District is perfect for you! 

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the coolest ways to explore Coniston Water. Originally an offshoot of surfing, it’s the closest we’re going to get to that Hawaiian vibe here in the Lake District.

Avoid the waves of Windermere and join us for the perfect paddleboarding hire session, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, the Old Man of Coniston is the perfect backdrop for your memorable day on the water.

What you'll need for paddleboarding

• Board and paddle*
• Buoyancy aid*
• A brief instruction before hire*
• Clothing and footwear you don't mind getting wet, we advise not to wear denim as we don’t want you getting cold!
• Hot weather - suncream and a bottle of water (occasionally it does visit us in Coniston!)
• Cold weather - warm clothing and a change of clothes (the wind can be quite blowy on the lake so even if the sun is shining its best to be prepared!)
• We suggest bringing a mobile phone in case of emergencies, dry bags can be purchased from our shop
• A waterproof jacket and trousers would also be recommended

*We provide these within the hire price.

Stand up paddleboarding is a great way to get active on Coniston Water. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have, as well as give you a few tips if you’re new to the sport. We want you to make the most of your paddleboard hire. Once you’ve mastered it remember to bring your friends and family down to show them how much of a pro you are!

Paddle board hire charges

How to book

You can book paddle board hire online using our secure booking system.

Boats are available to book for going out on the water from 1 April onwards.

If you have any questions, please call us on 015394 41366 or email us at conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Here are a few tips before your visit

How to stand up on your stand up paddleboard

• Stand alongside the board in our shallow water to the left of our jetty, this way you’re protected from the wind. Have a look at our webcam so you know what to expect.
• Hold the side edges of the board and get on your board in a kneeling position, just behind the centre point. The centre of the board is where your carry handle is. We’ll show you if you’re unsure.
• Balance your weight on the board to stabilise yourself, then move one foot at a time to replace where your knees were.
• Begin to stand up. Start by raising your chest up while keeping your knees bent. Once your chest is vertical, extend your legs to stand up. The trick is to look forward once standing, not down at your feet. Remember, you’re always more likely to spill a cup of tea if you’re staring at it.

Staying balanced on a stand up paddleboard and how to hold your paddle

Once you’re standing, here are a few tips to maintain your balance:

• Place your feet so they are parallel, about shoulder width apart, and a similar distance from the edge of your board.
• Keep your toes pointing forward, knees slightly bent and your back straight.
• Keep your head and shoulders steady and upright.
• Look forward into the distance. Avoid staring at your feet. Not only will this make you better at paddleboarding, you’ll also get to see how beautiful the Coniston valley is!
• Make sure the tear-drop-shaped blade of the paddle angles away from you and toward the front of the board. Imagine the paddle clawing at the water.
• When you’re paddling on the right side of your board, your left hand will be on the T-grip and your right hand a few feet down on the shaft. When you switch sides, reverse your hand positions.

Falling and getting back on

Despite your best efforts to stay balanced on your board, you may end up falling in. We take a plunge from time to time, preferably in the summer to cool off, but it happens! If you’re feeling a little unbalanced, don’t worry about it, remember that paddleboarding is a watersport, so getting wet is part of the fun.

For when you fancy a swim in Coniston:

• It’s important to fall to the side, so that you fall into the water and not onto the board. Falling onto the board is more likely to cause an injury, whereas the water is normally a much softer landing.
• Don’t worry about your paddle when falling, it floats and you can go and pick it up later.

To get back on your paddleboard after falling off:

• Swim to the side of your board (remember you’ll have a buoyancy aid on) make sure you’re near the centre.
• Grab the handle at the centre of the board with one hand.
• Kick your legs while pulling on the handle to slide yourself onto the board. You may not look the coolest right now, but soon you’ll be paddling again and waving at the passers by.

Weather Limitations

With the Lake District National Park being our home we have our fair share of bad weather. Throughout the year the wind picks up to an unpleasant level and we have to cancel hire for the day. Please check the weather forecast or ring us before setting off to Coniston Boating Centre to avoid disappointment.