Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are looking for your first stand up paddleboard experience or your umpteenth time out on a sup board, you may have some questions about what SUP Arran offers.

  • How do I book?
    • the best way to book is directly through the “book activities” button on the homepage. (there’s even a wee discount for booking online)
  • I don’t see a time or location that suits me but that are slots available that day?
    • Send an email or contact through facebook messenger to see if time/locations can be adjusted to suit.
  • I’ve booked, but what if the weather is bad?
    • Fore safety, SUP Arran, an ASI accredited SUP School, will always operate to guidelines set out by the ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors). If the forecast wind speed is greater than 12 knots onshore or 10 knots offshore, then the session will be cancelled and a refund given. It is likely that if one location is too windy then the other available locations would be too windy as well. If the measured wind speed is above these limits up to 90minutes before the session it will be cancelled if the forecast winds are lower.
    • Wind: Just like the ferry, It’s impossible to guarantee good conditions for a session when booking in advance. If I see that the weather is going to be too bad for a session I close bookings 2 to 3 days ahead of time. For those who are already booked, between 24-48hrs beforehand I can judge pretty well what the weather will be like. If definitely  going to be bad, I’ll email to cancel the session, and refund any payments for the session.  I’ll also give you a heads up if its looking possible that conditions might not be safe, giving you the option to rebook or cancel, with a refund. I understand it can be disappointing to have sessions cancelled but hopefully by giving enough notice it gives people time to make other plans to enjoy their time on Arran.
    • Waves: for beginners, the sea needs to exhibit flat water conditions, ie no waves. If you’re a competent paddler then sessions can proceed with a swell size up to 2ft with a shore break less than 1.5ft ( as long as the wind is within limits mentioned previously.
    • Rain: we’re going to get wet anyway so a bit more water isn’t going to stop a session 🙂
    • Thunder/lightning is a no go
    • fog/mist is a no go
    • What if its hot? we can cool off periodically in the sea, weather sunscreen and keep hydrated
    • What if its cold? Wetsuits should be able to keep you warm in most conditions between April and October, another rashvest underneath the wetsuit helps, and also wearing a buoyancy aids helps with warmth as well. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during a session just let the instructor know.
    • SUP Arran will aim to give as much notice as possible if a session needs to be cancelled due to weather, sea conditions, water quality or other factors. (the list above is not exhaustive)
  • I can only book four people on a session?
    • Currently SUP Arran is catering for single group sizes up to six people(email SUP Arran to book), or mixed groups up to 4 people, and up to two sessions per day
  • What are the age restrictions
    • Minimum age is 13, and 13 to 17 year olds need an adult on the session with them.
  • What kit do I need?
    • SUP Arran can provide inflatable Starboard SUP Boards & Paddles, safety leashes, Mystic Rental Wetsuits in a variety of sizes and also buoyancy aids if you require one.
    • Paddlers needs to bring some footwear which they don’t mind getting wet, a towel, dry clothes for changing into afterwards, sunscreen and some drinking water.
    • You can bring your own kit (board/wetsuit/paddle etc) to the session as well, it will be visually checked by the instructor to make sure its safe and proper.
    • If you come prepared with swim swimwear on then it’s easier to get changed on site. Some locations have public toilets which can be used for changing in and out of wetsuits but some locations don’t have. Mystic change robes can be supplied on request.
  • Can I just hire a board?
    • SUP Arran offers supervised hire at certain locations, same group size and age limits apply.
    • SUP Arran does not offer unsupervised hire of stand up paddleboards.