Paddleboard instruction company launches in Portishead
Christina paddleboarding in Poole around Brownsea Island last summer. - Credit: Portishead SUP Co.
People who are new to paddleboarding are being encouraged to take part in Portishead sessions, once Government coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Owner of Portishead SUP Co, Christina Taylor, has eight years of experience in the water-based sport and became qualified to teach paddle boarding in October.
Christina has brought the sessions to Portishead Marina to benefit people’s physical and mental health and aims to get group lessons fully up-and-running post-lockdown, hopefully in the spring.
A two-person paddleboarding session, which is within coronavirus rules, in Portishead in November. - Credit: Portishead SUP Co.
Christina said: “We’ve had a lot of enquiries about when we can start running our sessions in Portishead and people seem to be really keen to get involved.
“The coronavirus lockdown means people are starting to make changes to take advantage of what’s on their doorstep, and I’m looking to start group sessions properly post-lockdown, when it’s a bit warmer.
“Portishead Marina is a great location for paddleboarding, the south end is safe and sheltered. We are working closely with Portishead Marina to ensure the safety of all marina users.
"All of our paddles around the main area of the marina will be pre-arranged and coordinated with Portishead Marina to ensure safe and controlled access at times with minimal boat traffic.
Christina is looking forward to helping more people get out on the water with sessions at Portishead Marina post-lockdown. - Credit: Portishead SUP Co.
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"We hope to be able to offer the marina berth holders and boating visitors instruction by appointment.”
Christina first embraced paddleboarding with her family for leisure almost a decade ago and her brother has been instructing sessions in the North West of England for the past eight years.
She formed Portishead SUP Co in November and Christina plans to create regular social paddles for people to take part in at the Marina.
Christina added: “Sessions will initially be aimed for beginners. We will provide paddleboards, leashes, buoyancy aids and paddles.
A summer paddle near Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. - Credit: Portishead SUP Co.
“We will teach people basic water safety and a range of paddling, manoeuvring and self-rescue techniques.
“People who want to take part can either use our boards or come along with their own. We’re aiming to build a community where people can get together and enjoy a shared passion.
“My advice to people who would like to take part is to give it a try. Most people are comfortable standing on a board by the end of the session and we also have a couple of larger boards that are more stable.
“It’s a great sport for all, low impact and it's also good fitness.”
