Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at Paddlefast SUP School an ASI accredited learn to stand up paddle school, located at The Union Canal, Park Bistro at Linlithgow and Falkirk, only 30 min drive away from Glasgow and only 45 mins drive from Edinburgh.

Paddlefast is owned and operated by Emma Hepplewhite.  She first started paddling in 2014 when a friend suggested she give it a go at Loch Lomond. Five minutes on the water and she was hooked!  In 2019, she started competing in SUPs long distance races such as the Great Glen Paddle.

She used to work as a sales manager, before joining my husband in running his business Sailingfast in 2012 and gained valuable skills in running an outdoors activity business.  

Emma realised early on that, in order to get people paddleboarding, she was going to have to create a hub and a community to encourage people to come and have a go in a safe environment.

Before long, she had decided to start up a second business to complement the Sailing business, and Paddlefast was born.

She really enjoys watching people develop their water confidence and skill set!

Emma holds ASI Level 1 and Level 2 SUP Instructor accreditation for Enclosed Flat Water and Exposed Waters locations, water rescue and first aid qualifications as well as Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat level 2, VHF radio certificate and RYA Day Skipper qualifications.

Paddlefast offers group and private lessons, board hire, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses and SUP tours.

Paddlefast also operates a club that meets every 2nd Tuesday from Easter to September/October-time with a few other weekend sessions. Special trips are thrown in for good measure. The Santa SUP is always a laugh and raises money for charity.

During the club sessions, a few boards are offered for hire along with a few pointers on how to start paddleboarding.  Any lessons can be arranged on request.

Emma hopes that people to come off the water feeling calmer, with a sense of achievement, regardless of whether they stood up or not. 

Paddlefast are retailers for SUP equipment for: Red Paddle Co, Naish and Starboard so there’s usually a mixture of rental kit available to try and buy.

The launch spots on the canal are usually next to, or across the road from, a pub or a café of some sort. 

Paddlefast endeavour to go for a post-paddle coffee (or something stronger for those not driving). 

If no suitable hostelry is available, we strongly recommend coming along with some biscuits (the more retro the better! Toffeepops anyone?) and be prepared to share!

SUP sessions and activities are held at The Union Canal, Park Bistro at Linlithgow. 

Lessons and tours are also in the Falkirk at  Forth & Clyde Canal, Black Loch Limerigg and Falkirk Wheel Lower Falkirk.

With a mixture of locations, it means beginners can come and have a go on the canal.  

The canals have some beautiful spots you come across lots of wildlife, swans in particular and some folks have lovely gardens that back on to the canal. 

The Helix Park and the Kelpies
Linlithgow as a town is very beautiful and the canal goes straight through it. 
The Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Tunnel – often do an evening paddle here in September/October

There is loads of accommodation around the central belt and we usually offer to help run people to and from the train.