We recently caught up with Dean, the lead paddleboarding instructor at Leeds Dock, to discuss the paddleboarding initiatives available there and why this urban waterway is perfect for everyone, from beginners to seasoned paddlers, ranging from introductory classes to exciting SUPolo competitions – Leeds Dock offers something for all ages and skill levels.
Keep reading to discover more and find out why paddleboarding might be the next sport for you:
Q. We’re very fortunate to have paddleboarding sessions at Leeds Dock. What is it about our body of water that makes it so ideal for paddleboarding?
A. Leeds Dock offers a fantastic environment for paddleboarding, especially for beginners and families. It’s a safe and contained area, unlike the open ocean, which makes it perfect for those new to the sport. The dock’s Blue Flag rating assures that the water quality is excellent, which is vital for both paddleboarding and open water swimming. Its location in a vibrant community setting means the water is clean and easily accessible, with opportunities for family and friends to watch from the shore.
Q. What makes paddleboarding so great?
A. Paddleboarding is great because it’s an inclusive sport that is accessible to a wide range of people. Compared to kayaking and canoeing, paddleboarding is relatively affordable and easier to store, especially in urban settings where space is limited. The sport attracts participants from all over Yorkshire who come to enjoy the sessions at Leeds Dock. Plus, the variety of sessions we offer, from SUPolo to progression paddles, keeps the experience fresh and exciting.
Q. Do you have any top tips for those eager to try paddleboarding?
A. Definitely! Just come along and give it a try. Paddleboarding is suitable for everyone, and we offer boards in different styles and sizes, including boards for children as young as four and larger boards for adults with mobility issues. We also provide wheelchair-accessible boards. Our sessions are designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced paddlers.
Q. If you had to sum up paddleboarding in just three words, what would they be?
A. Accessible, child-friendly and fun.
Q. Are there any exciting events or competitions that participants can look forward to?
A. Yes, there are several exciting events! On Mondays, we hold SUPolo competitions, which are a great way to have fun and test your skills. On Wednesdays, we offer progression paddle sessions led by local coaches. On Thursdays, we focus on introductory sessions, while Sundays feature a mix of coach-led paddles and introductory sessions. We also host safety awards about once a month and offer community paddleboarding sessions for volunteers.
Q. If you could paddleboard in any body of water around the world, where would you choose?
A. Choosing just one location is difficult. I’ve paddled in various places globally, from white water rapids to stunning waterfalls. These days, I’m content on any body of water – just being out there is what matters most to me.
Q. How long have you been paddleboarding?
A. I’ve been paddleboarding for around 30 years.
Q. How did you get into paddleboarding?
A. My interest in sports started early with cadets and scouts, and I later spent 26 years in the forces. My love for various sports and the outdoors naturally led me to paddleboarding.
Q. Can you share any top tips on how to perfect your balance on a paddleboard?
A. Balance on a paddleboard can be challenging, especially for adults who might struggle with kneeling and bending their knees. I recommend practising kneeling before you start paddling to improve your stability on the board.
Q. How has the sense of community developed around paddleboarding at Leeds Dock?
A. We have a dedicated core group of paddlers who join us regularly. About 50 people paddle with us frequently, and it’s wonderful to see how our community has grown over the years. We’ve had a few thousand participants join us in total, and the camaraderie among paddlers is truly rewarding.
Q. What should beginners expect when they join for the first time?
A. Beginners can expect a range of sessions tailored to different skill levels. We provide basic safety briefings and instructions on how to stand and sit on the board. Our team, including British Canoeing qualified instructors, will be out on the water to assist and ensure everyone is paddling safely. Beginners should bring a large towel or swim robe for changing, as we don’t have changing facilities.
Q. If paddleboarding had a theme song, what would it be and why?
A. The theme tune from Hawaii Five-0 would be a fitting choice. I feel like it captures the energetic spirit of paddleboarding, and also reflects the balance and excitement that paddleboarders experience on the water.
If you’re interested in dipping your toes into the world of paddleboarding, these community-driven sessions might be just what you’re looking for. You can sign up for sessions through their community Facebook page. Simply look for the session posts, where you can book your slot or message an admin of the group to register your place. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to book early.
Join the Leeds Dock paddleboarding group, here.
Weekly Sessions:
Monday: 6pm – 8pm for SUPolo
Wednesday: 6pm – 8pm for local coach-led and progression paddles
Thursday: 6pm – 8pm for Introduction to Paddleboarding
Sunday:
9am – 11am for coach-led paddles from the dock
12:30pm – 1:30pm for youth and skills sessions
2pm – 4pm for Introduction to Paddleboarding
Sessions are published weekly on their Facebook page, and each costs £20 per person.