Master Paddleboard Safety on the River Dart and South West Coastline
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable paddling for extended periods and able to handle varying conditions.
Overview
Learn critical paddleboarding safety skills on the River Dart and South West Coastline in this one-day course tailored for beginners and intermediates. Gain confidence and expert guidance in one of England’s most picturesque waterscapes.
Paddleboard Safety Course
1 Day Course
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About This Adventure
Join a one-day paddleboarding course designed for beginners and intermediates, where you'll master essential skills for safe and confident journeys on the stunning River Dart and South West Coastline. With expert coaching and small group sizes, you'll learn techniques for planning trips, navigating hazards, and performing rescues, ensuring a memorable experience.
Duration
1 Day Course (7hrs)
About
This course is perfect for beginner and intermediate paddleboarders wanting to plan and safely undertake journeys of their own, be it sea, estuary or inland waters.
A fun and active course for all, helping you become a more skilful, knowledgeable, independent, but above all, safe and responsible paddle boarder.
Highlights
Paddle the beautiful River Dart and surrounding South West Coastline whilst learning the skills you need to plan your own trips with confidence.
All courses are taught by our highly experienced and qualified coaches
We keep our course sizes small, maximum of 6 people per course
We use only top quality Red Paddleboards. We have a variety of sizes and models for you to use.
What will the course cover?
Equipment - personal and paddle equipment + safety equipment.
Paddling techniques + paddle skills.
Journey planning - including ‘safe’ conditions.
Dealing with winds, tides, rips and other hazards.
Towing techniques.
Rescue techniques - self rescue, peer rescues, injured paddler.
Journeying on rivers, estuaries and the sea.
Adventure Tips
Check Weather and Tide Schedules
Always review tide times and weather forecasts before paddling to avoid unexpected currents or storms.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device
Use a life jacket or buoyancy aid at all times to ensure safety in both river and coastal conditions.
Bring a Whistle for Emergency Signaling
A whistle is a simple, vital safety tool to alert others in case of distress on the water.
Start in Calm Conditions
Practice new skills on calm waters before progressing to more challenging tidal areas or open coastline.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European otter
- Grey heron
History
The River Dart area has a long history of maritime trade and fishing, with Dartmouth’s docks dating back to Norman times.
Conservation
Course operators promote Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile river and coastal ecosystems from human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Dartmouth
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Ensures buoyancy and safety during all paddleboarding activities.
Waterproof Paddling Jacket
Protects against wind and light rain common in spring paddling conditions.
spring specific
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Provides UV protection during extended sun exposure on open water.
summer specific
Wetsuit or Drysuit
Keeps you warm in cooler autumn waters, extending your paddling season comfortably.
fall specific