Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports.jpg" alt="Paddleboarding Berkshire Bray Lake Watersports" class="wp-image-66229" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.braylake.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bray Lake Watersports</a>, perfectly nestled between Maidenhead and Windsor, is an outdoor activity centre in Berkshire that lays on water sports for adults and kids keen to sail, do paddleboarding, or just make a splash. Located on a gorgeous willow tree-lined lake, they are one of the UK’s largest independent water sports clubs in the country, and with over 30 years of experience, if anyone can get you feeling confident on the water, it&#8217;s their dedicated team of enthusiastic, down-to-earth instructors.</p>



<p>Deep breath now. There are a fabulous amount of activities offered here. Try your hand at windsurfing, dinghy sailing, SUP (stand up paddleboarding), open water swimming, powerboating, fishing, and wingfoiling (yep, a new one for me too). In the school holidays, they run lots of awesome kids courses for ages 8-14 which can be over a week, a few days, or daily. Private tutoring, family sessions, and birthday parties are also on the fun-filled menu.</p>



<p>Who said water sports are just for summer? They are open seven days a week, year round, so no slacking when the frostbite kicks in. There&#8217;s also a fun little café on site, as well as a shop, changing rooms, and equipment hire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experience">THE EXPERIENCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy.jpg" alt="Paddleboarding Berkshire Bray Lake Watersports" class="wp-image-66223" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-3-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After squeezing my sun-starved skin unceremoniously into a shortie wetsuit, with my cousin Clare in tow, I was ready for action. Our course &#8211; the <a href="https://www.braylake.com/sports/stand-up-paddleboarding/sup-courses.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Start Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)</a> is an adults only session (although, an adult and junior alternative for families is also available), intended to kickstart your paddleboarding journey &#8211; teaching you the correct techniques, safety, and skills to feel confident bobbing along the water. </p>



<p>Right, confession time. The last time I ventured out on a paddleboard, I floated out so far to sea, I had to be rescued. Yep, in front of an entire beach of onlookers might I add. So, were hopes for my paddleboarding abilities high? Nope. Nevertheless, it was, however, my first time paddleboarding on a lake &#8211; arguably a hell of a lot easier than battling a torrent of tidal waves which helped put my mind at ease.</p>



<p>We had the lovely Sam for our lesson who was a total superstar. She was patient, easygoing, and great to chat to. It was clear she wanted us to get as much out of the lesson as possible, while equally ensuring we had a great time too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1093" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4.jpg" alt="Paddleboarding Berkshire Bray Lake Watersports" class="wp-image-66224" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4-732x800.jpg 732w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4-915x1000.jpg 915w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4-366x400.jpg 366w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-4-768x839.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Me post fall</figcaption></figure>



<p>We started on land, learning how to set up our boards correctly, how to get the paddle the right length, and how to use it. Essential. Once complete, it was go time. I hopped aboard by sliding onto my knees, and after psyching myself up, Sam talked me through how to get on two feet. Triumph! </p>



<p>I managed two laps around the buoy using my newly learned turning technique and then came the inevitable. Enter a blur of flailing limbs. Of course I was the first to go crashing into the freezing cold water. But honestly, it was a bit like ripping the band aid off. Once I&#8217;d done it once, what was another five times? As for hoisting myself back up onto the board, well, it wasn&#8217;t a pretty picture. But Sam had all the nifty tips and tricks to make it happen as painlessly as possible. </p>



<p>After a wobbly start, and once I&#8217;d got the hang of it, it was then I really started to take in just how beautiful the lake was. It was so incredibly peaceful, especially as for the most part, we had the entire lake to ourselves. The place was awash with wildlife and I felt like a floating David Attenborough watching all the various species of birds flying around &#8211; including some heart-meltingly cute baby signets.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1.jpg" alt="bray lake watersports" class="wp-image-66226" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-1-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The most challenging part for me was learning how to move around the board when standing &#8211; including shuffling your feet right to the very back. There was another topple (obvs), but once I&#8217;d got it right, I felt like I&#8217;d been handed a gold star. After all the learning was done, it was then time for a gentle saunter and natter around the lake. My fave bit.</p>



<p>The session was the perfect length of time. Back on shore, after a quick shower, we warmed up with a hot chocolate from the café and I felt totally refreshed. It really is amazing what a few hours in the great outdoors and fresh air can do to your mood.</p>



<p>On completion of the session, I walked away a fully qualified paddleboarder, armed with my shiny ‘Ready to Ride’ BSUPA certificate which is valid across the UK. So basically, I can now hop on a paddleboard whenever I fancy. Plus, I also received a voucher for a one hour hire session or a SUP Club session in the future. Honestly, the social SUP and chat sounds right up my street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">THE VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle.jpg" alt="Paddleboarding Berkshire Bray Lake Watersports" class="wp-image-66225" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-paddle-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Safe to say I&#8217;m a paddleboarding convert. I can now easily picture myself picking up a paddle and heading out on the water on the weekend. The lesson itself was a huge confidence booster and by the end, I could move around the board with ease and not feel I was going to topple over every two minutes. But I loved how incredibly relaxing it was too, because really moseying around a lake and having a natter with the sun on your face is about as good as it gets. It was such a laugh and I really had the absolute best time. Self-care checkbox? Well and truly ticked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>The two-hour <a href="https://www.braylake.com/sports/stand-up-paddleboarding/sup-courses.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Start Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Course</a> costs £69 per person. Improver and more advanced courses are also available.</p>



<p><em>Words by Ellie Ball</em></p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.braylake.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bray Lake Watersports</a>, Monkey Island Ln, Windsor Rd, Bray, Windsor SL6 2EB</em></strong></p>


Review: Stand Up Paddleboarding course at Bray Lake Watersports

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