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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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  • Group of paddleboarders going through the archway at Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
  • Two couples on an introduction to paddleboard lesson in Portknockie Harbour, Scotland.
  • Family paddleboarding during a lesson at Portknockie, Moray.
  • 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
  • Group of paddleboarders going through the archway at Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
  • Two couples on an introduction to paddleboard lesson in Portknockie Harbour, Scotland.
  • Family paddleboarding during a lesson at Portknockie, Moray.
  • 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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Monika
August 23, 2025

A great unique attraction for people who like sports challenges. Fantastic and unique place. The host, FIN, professionally approached each of the participants, took care of safety and good atmosphere during the entire class. I recommend this attraction to everyone. It is really worth it

Louise Morfitt
August 20, 2025

What a great experience! We loved our SUP session. Learnt some new skills and we all found our confidence by the end. We all managed to stand up which was brilliant! The instructors were so good- really calm, friendly and encouraging. Would definitely recommend. Thank you!

Nick S
August 17, 2025

Great lesson and tour along the Moray Coast at low water allowing access to lots of interesting caves and coves. Would go again.

Laura
August 14, 2025

It was sooo much fun! Thank you for this amazing experience! Highly recommend it

Gillian M
August 14, 2025

Perfect morning paddleboarding around the coast at Portknockie guided by Adam who was really friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. Totally scored with the conditions, flat sea, grat water clarity, beautiful birds & jellyfish and best of all a pod of dolphins swam right past us. .Couldn't recommend this experience more highly.

James M
August 9, 2025

Absolutely brilliant experience. We did SUP (Fin), Surfing (Toby) and Coasteering (Adam). Extremely professional service, really easy to book and very clear instructions. All the instructors were very knowledgeable, excellent tutors and all over good guys! Equipment was good and everything ran to plan. Amazing watching my 8yr old catch her first surfing wave standing up after only an hour! My 14yr absolutely loved the jumps during coasteering and getting out into the water. It's given us the confidence to go and buy our own SUPs and some lifetime family memories. Would definitely recommend to any family

daveshaw747
August 8, 2025

What a brilliant way to spend a morning despite me drinking lots of sea water! Finn was excellent in his instructions and demonstrations and gave us lots of time to practice. A great setting meant we could Paddle in the safety of the harbour, which was beautiful. I can’t recommend this company enough and thank you to Finn for a brilliant experience 👍👏

Emily
August 7, 2025

First time paddle boarding and had the best time! So much fun and defo recommend if you fancy trying something new

Cherisse Pymm
August 7, 2025

I booked a 2 hour lesson for myself (45) and my 3 sons (13, 12 and 10). None of us had been paddle boarding before.
Our instructor (Finn) was fantastic, from safety info to techniques and individual support when needed - we had a great time and all left feeling more confident and looking forward to booking again in the future 🙂

David Shaw
August 6, 2025

This was our first time paddle boarding and it was brilliant. My daughter also did surfing in the afternoon both of the activities with the same instructor. Fin was excellent and very patient especially myself as I spent a bit of time in the water. In both the PB and the surfing he took time to explain each stage as we went through the differing techniques and gave time for us to try these out. A thoroughly enjoyable day had by us all. Highly recommend Blue Coast, thank you Fin 👏🙏🏻

Rosa Holt
August 4, 2025

Brilliant SUP lesson with Adam who made the session a lot of fun while building confidence and knowledge on the water for complete beginners. The session was structured and gave enough time to practice each technique. Highly recommended.

louisa Barry
August 4, 2025

Such a lovely few hours spent learning some paddleboarding skills and touring along parts of the north east coast. The weather was amazing too, which always helps. The Blue Coast guys were great, really friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.

Lauren Innes
August 3, 2025

We had a beginners lesson in paddle boarding and could not recommend it enough. Adam was very knowledgable and patient with us teaching all to know about boarding. We had a great time, it was lots of fun and would definitely recommend

Julia Oldham
July 24, 2025

Had a lesson and did the coastal tour. Great tips from Finn with an easier technique for standing. Friendly and calm manner.,the tour led by Adam and still with Finn was just fab. Looking back at the coast line from a paddle board such a different perspective and the sounds different too. Thank you for a great morning

Alice S
July 22, 2025

Boys aged 9yrs - 13yrs all had a fantastic time with Fin great instructor and so patient boys had a fab time Fin even taught them about jellyfish and was on guard when boys wanted to jump off the harbour wall which they loved

Thankyou for making their day

Jonas Grutzpalk
July 22, 2025

Very good teacher, lovely spot, one of the best things one can do even under bad weather conditions.

vix williams
July 22, 2025

Amazing family SUP boarding lesson this morning with Finn, who was very patient, professional and fun! Would highly recommend. We’ll be back!

Hayley Sinclair
July 19, 2025

Absolutely amazing lesson with Finn in Portknockie. Would recommend to anyone who is keen to try! Super patient, encouraging and built confidence and skills up really quickly. Super friendly team too! Thanks so much!

Jill McBain
July 18, 2025

Adam and Ben were both fantastic. We all absolutely loved our lesson and tour.

Dave H
July 17, 2025

Booked to complete the Intro to SUP having received a Gift of it for my 60th last August. I managed to book to 11th July which was one of the hottest days of summer. From the safety briefing, the explanation of the equipment, how it's used and the different places and ways to use it, Adam knew it all. He was an attentive and engaging instructor, ably assisted by 'young Isaac' who proved by his approach and manners that capability is nothing to do with age but definitely experience. This delightful duo imparted masses of knowledge and opened my eyes to so much that I didn't know about paddle boarding. In next to no time almost everyone in our group was standing up on their board. If that wasn't pleasing enough, they taught us how to drop off the board safely which came in handy when I made a few unplanned dooks in the sea! Alas we were even taught how to rescue a fellow boarder who might be unresponsive on the water and unable to get themself on their board. The fun was interspersed with the important stuff you may never have considered and hopefully will never have to use. For me it was 2 glorious hours spent learning with ease on a beautiful day in a spectacular location. Easy to book, good customer service and great value for money. I'm hoping to return and do a trip around the coast next time. If you're wondering if you should have a shot, go for it. What's not to like? 😊

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.
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