Paddleboarding Adventures in Tonbridge

I had the most wonderful afternoon paddleboarding on the Medway in Tonbridge. This was my first time paddleboarding, and I did the three-session course in one day, which was around 4½ hours. Our instructor Ana,was warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. She was so encouraging and gave me the confidence to actually try standing up — something I wasn’t sure I’d manage when I arrived! The setting was absolutely beautiful on such a sunny afternoon. The river was so peaceful and still, with stunning scenery and even swans, a heron and a kingfisher along the way. We stopped for lunch and then continued back down the river, even stopping for a cider at the pub on the river, which was the perfect way to finish the day. It was such a relaxing, enjoyable experience, and I came away feeling really proud of myself and wanting to do more. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, especially if you’re a complete beginner like me.

+4

Just returned from an amazing week in Croatia, organised by Standup Paddleboarding with Ana, and hosted by the wonderful Rachel! Nothing but fun, well-organised itineraries of stunning paddles in crystal clear waters, a night time illuminated paddle, some fascinating sightseeing, gorgeously warm sea swimming & far too many delicious ice creams! What’s not to like?! Cannot wait to book onto another of Ana’s fabulous trips!

Although I couldn’t paddle in Croatia due to my recent operation, Rachel went out of her way to make sure I still felt included in the holiday. She kindly dropped me off at lovely places for walks and trips into town while the others were out paddling, and we would all meet up again for dinner in the evenings. Thanks to her thoughtfulness, I was still able to enjoy the holiday, make wonderful memories and feel very much part of the group. ❤️

A beautiful setting for our first paddle boarding experience. We were instructed to park at the rear of the car park and on immediately entering the car park we saw Ana and her boards. The walk to the river took approximately 30 seconds so really nice and close. Me and my friend were wearing wet suits ( all the gear and no idea) but this is absolutely NOT a requirement as breathable and quick drying leggings are all that is needed. We were totally overdressed 😁 The weather was perfect for our first paddle boarding instruction. Ava took us through some simple health and safety bits and pieces and gave us our life jackets and secured us to the boards. We then carried our boards to the edge of the water and set sail! We started by kneeling on our boards until we felt confident enough to stand up having watched Ana demonstrate the best way to do it. And then we were off. We did a circular paddle which took about an hour. Both my friend and I had a chance to chat with Ana and our conversations were easy and funny. Ana is a great host and her experience on the water in Tonbridge was evident as she chatted and waved to loads of people on the banks as we went by. We experienced seeing a Kingfisher which was pointed out by Ana and a wonderful early Autumn sunset which was the icing on the cake. Thank you Ana for our first experience. It won’t be our last with you.

+1

An incredible evening learning to paddleboard with Ana. Who was super supportive and gave me lots of confidence. I would highly recommend 👌

We booked a 2 hr paddle board lesson with Ana. It was absolutely brilliant! Ana provided all the details we needed for meeting to start, and all the equipment too. We were novices and went from paddling to standing very quickly under Ana’s calm friendly guidance. She took us on a lovely trip round the Medway, helping us build in confidence and learn how to navigate the river. Highly recommend this experience and paddle boarding with Ana, am now planning my next trip!

Great afternoon! Ana made me feel super welcome and I couldn’t recommend enough! Super scenic route, overall but great experience!

Amazing summer camp - my daughter (11) thoroughly enjoyed herself on the Medway - lots of games, fun, skills, marshmallows and swimming in the river all outside in the sunshine - thank you so much!

We hired boards from Ana and paddled up and down the Slade stretch of the medway, which was beautiful. Ana hadn't been in thus area before and Ana was really helpful with where to go etc. She even helped us inflate one of our own boards. Biard hire was as long as we needed and Ana was really fiexable on return times etc. Thankyou Ana for enablibg us to have a lovely day.

Just Wow, what a wonderful time had with Ana! Booked a private session to reconnect with my brother after not seeing him for a few years as he lives in Oz. Perfect day out - 3 1/2 hours of 🌞, 🌊, stunning 🌿 and chilled out vibes all the way. Ana was lovely, so personable. She also knew a lot about the flora and fauna we encountered en route which was a huge bonus for me as I'm all about the wildlife. It was my first time Paddleboarding and she put me totally at ease - not too formal in approach, I think she gauge's a person's confidence and ability really quickly and is adaptable in how she coaches. We had such a laugh on the river, it was like we were out with a mate - I cannot recommend highly enough, total ⭐. I have fallen in love with Paddleboarding and will definitely be booking more SUP experiences with Ana in the future 🙏.