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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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Jacqueline Lacey
July 22, 2024

Great experience, would definitely recommend !!

Maggie Campbell
July 20, 2024

We booked an introduction to SUP session and had an amazing time. Keir is an excellent instructor & was really patient. He explained everything really clearly & gave some good advice & tips. We had great fun & delighted to be standing up independently by the end....a huge achievement. Would definitely recommend & would re-book for a tour next time we're in the area.

L E
July 1, 2024

So much fun....Adam is a great instructor ...would recommend to anyone

Marie Blake
July 1, 2024

We booked a two hour SUP lesson. Two adults and four kids aged 8 to 11. I was really apprehensive but Adam soon put us all at ease and was incredibly calm and patient. My wee boy has autism struggles to process information and tries to do his own thing. All my concerns melted away after a short time and soon realised that I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Brilliant experience and a fantastic afternoon for all.

Amanda Smith
June 28, 2024

I booked in for the 2 hr Intro to SUP and had an absolutely great time. From start to finish Adam explains everything so well and makes you feel at ease. Portknockie Harbour is a beautiful location too. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn how to SUP. I will definitely be booking on to one of their SUP coastal tours.

Dave Hannett
June 24, 2024

Great SUP coastal tour with Adam, from Cullen beach and along the coastline to Bow Fiddle Rock. We previously had an introductory lesson with Adam and then rebooked to do the tour. He is a fantastic guide and SUP instructor and we would highly recommend him & Blue Coast if you want to experience the amazing Moray coastline for yourselves.

Andrea W
June 22, 2024

We went as a group for an Introduction to Paddleboarding. Adam was just amazing. He is so knowledgeable and patient. As well as group instruction, we all got some individual attention. It has given us skills and confidence to practice on our own before heading back to Blue Coast to do a paddleboard tour or two!

Suzanne M
June 20, 2024

Amazing introductory course to paddleboarding. Adam the instructor & owner made our first time on paddleboards fun and 2 hours went really quickly. Using Portknockie harbour to learn made it easier as it was calmer water, although you know you are in the sea but safe. Adam's relaxed manner helped ease our nerves and progress from kneeling to stand up paddleboarding, there was a few times we were in the water, we definitely would recommend giving this ago.Adam is experienced and patient which is just what you want from an instructor. We would definitely book another session with him.

Zaneta Mickova
June 9, 2024

Absolutely amazing! We will be back ☺️

Emma Smith
May 26, 2024

Great paddleboard lesson with Adam. We are now more confident in using our own paddleboard - gave us instruction on propulsion and maneuvering - learned a lot. Perfect location, really enjoyed the session. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to try paddleboarding or simply looking to improve their technique.

steve a
May 26, 2024

Great paddle board lesson gave me some great tips and coaching . First class teacher .Made me feel confident in getting back on my board and doing rescue techniques.

Erin Temple
May 20, 2024

Had an amazing time paddle boarding at Cullen. Adam was a great teacher and spent time with each of us to help us improve our skills. I was a bit nervous about falling off and having to get back on but Adam taught us how to self rescue and after that it was easy. No problems falling in after that! Would recommend to anyone wanting to try something new or to brush up on some skills before solo paddle boarding.

Heather P
May 19, 2024

Having no experience of paddle boarding and being in my 50’s I was a bit anxious about how the lesson would go. I needn’t have worried because Adam immediately made me feel at ease and informed me id be standing on the paddle within the hour - this turned out to be true. I went with my 15 year old son who thoroughly enjoyed the lesson too - especially the times he tried to push me in! The equipment provided was perfect and of very high quality. The lesson group was small which was less intimidating. We found the whole experience fun, worthwhile and definitely value for money.

Katarzyna Goszcz
May 14, 2024

Took an Introduction to Paddle Boarding with Blue Coast & Paddle in May2024. The session took place in a safe and  quiet harbour of Cullen. The class was very well structured and explained. It covered safety aspects and all necessary basic techniques allowing for padding on your own (standing up) at the end of the class! Truly enjoyed it! Highly recommend it!

Amanda
May 10, 2024

My daughter and I had an Intro to Paddleboarding with Adam at Portknockie Harbour. Cannot rate it highly enough. Adam was absolutely lovely. (If u r a middle aged menopausal women - go for it! The wetsuits do fit! There is no excuse!) The location was stunning.It was our first go. Decided on Blue Coast even though closer options to Aberdeen. Absolutely delighted. (Have I said that already....!) Go on. You will love it!

Ross P
April 19, 2024

Managed to get a booking with short notice thanks to Adam. My daughter and nephew done the paddle board class and had a great time, the location at Cullen harbour was a great location to carry out the lesson. Due to poor sea state that day this protected them. We will book again when we are back up in the summer to visit there Grandparents.

Gayle Watson
April 6, 2024

My daughter and I had a fabulous time. Adam was very professional. The session was not only informative but fun and worth every penny. Would definitely recommend booking with Blue Coast Surf & Paddle.

Emily
October 9, 2023

Fun, informative, and in a lovely location, it was a great experience, something slightly different to the usual activities, and was overall an enjoyable morning. Adam was supportive and patient and very good at explaining all the fundamentals. Will definitely be paddleboarding in the future thanks to Adam and the confidence he inspires!

Steven Caie
October 2, 2023

I visited Blue Coast for a first go at surfing and loved it.  Adam was brilliant with the group, knowledgeable and a great instructor.  I enjoyed myself and the instruction so much I went back up two days for stand up paddle boarding.  Top notch

Samantha
September 24, 2023

Adam is very knowledgeable and reassuring and was an excellent tutor. We were both quite apprehensive but Adam made it an excellent experience. Would highly recommend .

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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