FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions 

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Before I Arrive 

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What time do I need to arrive? 
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your session start time. This gives time to get changed, inflated boards, etc. Being late can impact other clients.
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What should I wear when on the water? 
We can supply wetsuits, please let us know you requirements in advance of the session. If the weather is cold please consider a synthetic fleece of waterproof shell jacket and appropriate footwear. You should bring a towel and a spare change of clothing for when off the water. If you have your own wetsuit or drysuit we encourage you to bring it along and wear it. 

Can I use my own PFD (Personal Floatation Device)?
Yes you can, however we will be required to inspect it to ensure that it meets industry standard and is fit for purpose. The minimum buoyancy required is 50N. Your PFD must be in a good state of repair and fit well. We always carry spares for our sessions. 

When do we pay for our booking? 
All bookings must be paid in full in advance of the session.  

Can I bring my dog? 
We are happy for you to bring your dog along, with prior agreement, to a one to one session, family booked session or a SUPs and PUPs Social Session. Our preferred preference for group sessions would be no dogs, as they tend to be a distraction. 

What do I wear on my feet? 
We recommend closed toe footwear such as old trainers or neoprene water shoes/boots. 

Do I need to be able to swim?
When on the water, we will ensure that you are attached to your paddle board at all times through a quick release waist leash, along with wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) - both will be mandatory for our sessions. We will ask you to disclose your swimming ability and confidence around water on your booking form.

I have my own paddle board - will it be ok for me to use it for my session? 
We encourage you to use your own equipment, though it will need to be assessed for its suitability and safety by one of our instructors before getting on the water. If deemed unsuitable, we will provide you with our own equipment. We encourage the use quick release belts on all of our sessions. 

What is your CV19 policy? 
If you, or anyone you have had contact with, have had any Covid-19 symptoms or tested positive in the last 10 days we ask you not attend your session, we can look at rescheduling for an alternative date. We also ask that if you develop any symptoms within 10 days of attending your session then please let us know. 

Between each session we deep clean our equipment with disinfectant, paying special attention to high contact surfaces such as PFD's, leashes and paddle shafts. Central Scotland Adventures takes health and safety very seriously, we continuously review and revise our operations based on the latest Scottish/UK Government and Water Skills Academy guidance. 

What happens if I have to cancel my session? 

• Cancellation of more than 1 week in advance: we are happy to offer a 75% refund or an option to switch to a future session. 

• Cancellation of less than 1 week notice:  we are happy to offer a 50% refund or an option to switch to a future session.

• Cancellation on day: no refund or option to switch to future session.

Can we bring along friends and family to spectate? 
Yes, Aucinstarry has a tow path and this gives your friends and family an ideal location to watch your session and take memorable photographs.  Spectating will be at your own risk. 

How fit do I need to be? 
To paddle board you need a fair level of base fitness and balance. You should be comfortable standing from a kneeling position off the water. If in doubt, please give us a call.

Can I participate if I am pregnant? 
If you are pregnant we advise you not to participate in our paddle boarding sessions. This is due to the high likelihood of falling from the board. 

Can people with disabilities participate in your SUP sessions?
Yes, however we do ask for you to contact us in advance to discuss any adaptations for your session. We have experience of working with a range of differently abled people and work with local charities. 

Can it be too windy to SUP? 
Yes, it can be too windy to SUP, anything over 13mph is too strong for most beginners. We will seek to find an alternative, more sheltered location if we can, failing that we will reschedule the session. 

What happens if it rains? 
It’s a watersport and you are likely to get wet!!!  We will only cancel sessions if there is lightning forecast with the rain or the wind is too strong. 

Is there a weight limit for the boards? 
Yes, our upper weight limit is 120kg, approx 19 stone. 

How old do you need to be? 
Our minimum age to participate is 7 years old, we have no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy. Our oldest paddler to date has been 74! 
 

Do children need to be supervised? 
Our staff are PVG cleared. If we run children specific sessions then they will be supervised by our staff. If the children are on a family or group session, they must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times on and off the water.  

Can I hire a paddleboard from you?
Yes we do offer paddle board hire, please contact us direct for prices and availability.

 

On The Day 

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Will there be toilets I can use?
Some of our locations have toilets nearby and some of our locations don’t. Please ask on arrival. If there are no toilets available we ask you to follow the Leave No Trace principles of ‘wild toileting’ - we always carry toilet paper and a trowel. 

Will I get sunburn? 
On hot sunny days we recommend you wear sunscreen and a cap to offer protection from the rays. 

Can I bring a drink and a snack? 
Yes, we encourage you to bring along a drink and small snack, but we ask you don’t bring glass and minimise the use of single use plastics. 

How can I carry my medication? 
Your medication can be carried by your instructor in a dry bag and will be accessible at all times. 

Will I get wet? 
There is a high likelihood that you will get wet on your session - either from falling in or from getting on and off your board. Most beginners fall in on their first ever SUP session... if you don’t fall in during the beginner session, we will encourage you attempt a Self-Rescue to get back on your board.

Where can I get changed? 
For our beginners lessons at Auchinstarry Marina, we have the SUP Shack which has 4 changing rooms.  

Can I wear glasses/sunglasses whilst out on the water? 
You can wear glasses/sunglasses on the water but we advise you to wear a cheaper pair, due to the risk of damage or loss. We recommend you use a glasses cord. Please ensure you carry spares with you if you are highly dependent on them. 

Can I drink alcohol or smoke/vape when out paddle boarding? 
Participants may not participate in any activities if under the influence of alcohol. Smoking/vaping on sessions is also prohibited. 

Since booking I have sustained an injury? 
Please discuss with your instructor either on the day or in advance, we can often adapt sessions and techniques to factor in minor injuries or health conditions. If it is a significant injury we would recommend that you rearrange your session. 

What should I do with my valuables? 
We encourage you to leave as many of your valuables at home, particularly jewellery and watches which can get lost and damaged when out on the water. Items such as car keys and mobile phones can be carried in your instructor's dry bag. 

Can I bring a mobile phone or camera with us on the board?  
Yes, though we strongly recommend that items are stored in a waterproof pouch or bag. We accept no liability for loss or damage to these items. 

We are always happy to take photos on your behalf and supply them via social media/email/What's App after the session.