from just £70* per person

Free entrance to THE GORGE attraction with all half day activities. Group discounts available*

Buy as a gift Book Now

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding with How Stean Gorge is a relaxed but rewarding way to enjoy time on the water. Taking place along the Ripon Canal and River Ure, our SUP sessions combine gentle adventure, scenic surroundings, and expert instruction, making them ideal for beginners and groups looking for something a bit different in North Yorkshire.

Learn More

Stand Up Paddleboarding at How Stean Gorge

Join us for a 3-hour stand up paddleboarding experience in historic Ripon, paddling along the Ripon Canal and stretches of the River Ure. This popular water-based activity is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while learning new skills at your own pace.

You’ll learn how to:

Balance and stand confidently on the board
Use your paddle efficiently
Turn, stop, and move safely on calm water

Our friendly, fully qualified instructors lead the session, offering clear guidance and encouragement throughout. SUP is a brilliant way to take in the North Yorkshire scenery, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way.

What to Expect on Your SUP Session

SUP sessions with How Stean Gorge are relaxed, friendly, and focused on getting you comfortable on the water. You’ll start with a short safety briefing and an introduction to the basics, including how to stand, paddle, and steer your board. From there, it’s all about time on the water, building confidence as you go.

Groups are kept small, so there’s plenty of support from our instructors throughout the session. Whether you stay upright the whole way or end up taking a splash, there’s no pressure and no rush – just steady guidance and a good bit of fun.

All equipment is included, from boards and paddles to wetsuits and buoyancy aids, so you don’t need any specialist kit of your own. No previous experience is needed, and SUP is a great choice if you’re new to outdoor water activities.

What is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)?

Stand up paddleboarding, usually shortened to SUP, is a simple but rewarding water sport that’s grown in popularity across the UK. Standing on a wide, stable board, you use a single paddle to move yourself along calm water, making it easy to pick up even if you’ve never tried anything like it before.

SUP is as much about balance and technique as it is about enjoying your surroundings. It’s a gentle way to spend time outdoors, offering a mix of movement, concentration, and a chance to slow things down on the water.

It’s also great fun!

Who is SUP suitable for?

Stand up paddleboarding at How Stean Gorge is suitable for ages 7 and up, with no previous experience required. Under-18s must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

SUP works well for a wide range of groups, from families and friends to school groups and residential trips. It’s also a popular option for hen and stag weekends or anyone looking for a laid-back water activity that still feels like a proper outdoor adventure.

SUP can be included as part of our educational and residential packages for schools and youth organisations, offering a supportive introduction to water-based activities in North Yorkshire.

For more information you can contact our Outdoor Adventure Team on 01423 755666.

View all Activites

Award Winning Activities

What’s included in this Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience?

Come and enjoy on an unforgettable Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience with How Stean Gorge!

Our 3-hour SUP adventure includes expert guidance from our experienced and friendly instructors who will provide a comprehensive introduction to paddleboarding. You’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear, including paddleboards, paddles, wetsuits, and buoyancy aids, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience on the water. With a maximum of 12 participants per instructor, our small group approach allows for personalised attention, creating an environment where you can confidently learn and master the art of paddleboarding (or have fun trying to learn!) while immersing yourself in the breath taking surroundings of North Yorkshire!

3 hour SUP stand-up paddleboarding experience
Introduction and guidance by experienced and friendly instructors
All safety equipment provided – paddleboards, paddles, wetsuits, buoyancy aids

Why book your SUP Experience with Team How Stean?

When you book with Team How Stean, you’re not just embarking on an adventure; you’re choosing an exciting experience guided by our super-friendly and highly qualified instructors. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our high-quality equipment, boasting 5mm wetsuits for your comfort and safety.

With a stellar 5-star rating based on the glowing reviews from hundreds of happy customers, we take pride in consistently delivering exceptional adventures. Rest assured, your safety is our priority, as we maintain a low instructor-to-participant ratio of 1 to 10 and as an AALA Licensed Centre, we adhere to the highest standards in outdoor activities.

Plus, the flexibility to book this experience as part of a day or weekend of adventure ensures you can tailor your journey with us to suit your preferences. Choose How Stean Gorge for a paddle boarding experience that goes beyond the ordinary – where expert guidance, equipment included, and a commitment to your satisfaction set us apart from the rest!

Super friendly and highly qualified instructors
High-quality equipment (5mm wetsuits)
5 star rated (see our reviews)
Hundreds of happy customers
AALA Licensed Centre
You can book this experience as part of a day or weekend of adventure.

What happens on the day?

You will meet your friendly instructor at the appointed location and time. Your instructor will introduce you to the equipment that you’ll use and the immediate area you’re going to explore. Before embarking on your paddle down the river you’ll be given a paddleboard, paddle and buoyancy aid and the instructors will show you how to use your paddles to move swiftly along the banks. Depending on your balance, you might fall in, so be prepared to get wet!

Meeting place or location?

Ripon is our main base for paddleboarding. We use a section of the Ripon Canal and part of the River Ure. This is a very sheltered section of water and a fantastic area to look out for wildlife. We will meet at the Ripon Canal Marina.

When does this take place?

Daily: Activities generally start at 10am for morning sessions and 1.30pm for afternoon sessions. This activity is available throughout the year, however, we do constantly monitor weather conditions for safety purposes. Booking is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience for abseiling?
That depends on the abseiling activity. Some abseiling sessions are suitable for beginners and don’t require previous experience, while more advanced abseiling activities, such as those included within canyoning, do require prior experience in gorge walking and abseiling. We’ll always make it clear what’s required for each session, and our team is happy to advise if you’re unsure which option is right for you.
How fit do I need to be for abseiling?
Fitness requirements for abseiling vary depending on the session. Beginner abseiling experiences are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness, while more technical abseiling activities require a moderate level of fitness and confidence with sustained outdoor activity. We’ll always let you know what to expect in advance.
What ages can take part in abseiling?
Minimum ages for abseiling depend on the activity. Some abseiling experiences are suitable for younger participants, while others have higher age limits due to the technical nature of the activity. Full age requirements are listed on each abseiling activity page.
Is abseiling safe?
Yes. All abseiling experiences at How Stean Gorge are led by qualified, experienced instructors using specialist equipment that’s checked before every session. Safety briefings are given before you start, and instructors remain in control throughout the abseil.
What should I wear for abseiling?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy, along with sturdy footwear such as wellies or walking boots. For more technical abseiling activities, including canyoning, specialist safety equipment and wetsuits are provided. A towel and a change of clothes are always recommended though!
Can abseiling be booked on its own?
Abseiling is included as part of selected outdoor activity sessions and packages rather than being offered as a standalone experience. How abseiling features will depend on the activity you choose, such as gorge-based sessions or canyoning.
Where do abseiling activities take place?
Abseiling takes place at different locations depending on the activity and conditions. Some abseiling sessions start at How Stean Gorge, while others run at nearby sites. Full meeting details are confirmed after booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather conditions are monitored carefully for all abseiling activities. If it’s not safe to run an abseiling session as planned, we’ll adapt the activity or discuss alternative options with you.

Also Available on Site

Accommodation

Parking

Food & Drink

Gift Shop

Image Gallery

Hands-on outdoor adventures, shared together.

Book your Spot Today

Whether you’re trying stand up paddleboarding for the first time or looking for a fun group activity in North Yorkshire, SUP at How Stean Gorge offers a friendly, well-supported experience on the water.

With expert instructors, all equipment included, and beautiful surroundings along the Ripon Canal and River Ure, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Come book your stand up paddleboard adventure at How Stean Gorge!

Book Now Buy as a gift

Related Activities

The Big 5

Howstean Experience

Mountain Biking

orienteering

Abseiling

Canoeing

Caving

Gorge Walking / Ghyll Scrambling

Canyoning

Cave Camping

Rock Climbing

SUP

Via Ferrata

Events

Dark Skies Festival

Yoga & Experience Retreats

The Great YorkshireCanoe Expedition

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

Hen Parties

Stag Parties

Schools & Residentials

Corporate Team Building

Event Hire

Corporate Event Hire

Private Event Hire

Wedding Hire

Training Courses

About Us

Visitor Information

Blog

Events at How Stean Gorge

Gift Vouchers

Contact Us