Whether you call it stand up paddle boarding or simply SUP, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to get out on the water.
Looking for somewhere to go paddle boarding near Leeds? We’ve rounded up some of the best places within around an hour of the city, whether you’re trying SUP for the first time or looking to build your confidence on the water. Here are some of the best places to go paddle boarding in and around Leeds.
Looking for even more places to get out on the water? Check out our guide to paddle boarding across Yorkshire.
In Leeds
Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre
Set on the shores of Yeadon Tarn just eight miles from Leeds city centre, Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre is one of the best places to try paddle boarding near Leeds. An approved Paddle UK provider, the centre offers everything from beginner taster sessions to more advanced courses, helping paddlers build confidence and skills on the water in a safe, beginner-friendly setting.
The two-hour taster session includes all the equipment and safety gear you need, with group, one-to-one and one-to-two sessions available. There are also junior taster sessions for kids aged eight to 15, while the tarn’s scenic surroundings, wildlife, nature reserve, playground and waterside café make it a great choice for a family day out.
Where? Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre, Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7UR.
Distance from Leeds: Yeadon Tarn is less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre.
How much? Taster sessions start from £35 per person, and junior taster sessions start from £30.
Find out more: active.leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Dock SUP School
Credit: Leeds Dock SUP School
Fancy seeing Leeds from a completely different perspective? Leeds Dock SUP School offers paddle baording sessions right in the heart of the city, with regular Sunday sessions taking place beside the Canary Bar at Leeds Dock. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced paddler looking to build confidence, there are sessions to suit all abilities.
Alongside introduction sessions, the team runs fun sessions, SUPolo, children’s activities and private bookings for groups, parties and corporate events. Boards, paddles and life jackets are provided, but if you’ve got your own board, you’ll pay a reduced rate.
Where? Leeds Dock, Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.
Distance from Leeds: Leeds city centre.
How much? Introductory and coach-led sessions start from £20 per person (£10 if bringing your own board). Family sessions start from £10 per board.
Find out more: facebook.com/groups/leedsdockpaddleboardingsup
Further afield
Lost Earth Adventures
Credit: Lost Earth Adventures
For a paddle boarding experience surrounded by woodland in stunning North Yorkshire, Lost Earth Adventures runs SUP sessions at Eavestone Lake, a hidden gem near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. Set within the beautiful Yurtshire estate, the lake is surrounded by woodland, dramatic rock formations and calm, sheltered water, making it a peaceful place to get out on the board.
Suitable for complete beginners, families, couples and groups, sessions are led by qualified instructors with all equipment provided. There’s no pressure to stand up straight away, making it a relaxed and confidence-building introduction to paddle boarding. If you fancy extending your stay, paddle boarding can also be combined with canoeing, raft building or even a night in Yurtshire’s lakeside glamping accommodation.
Where? Paddle boarding takes place at Eavestone Lake, Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Distance from Leeds: Eavestone Lake is about an hour’s drive from central Leeds.
How much? Half-day sessions start from £65 per person.
Find out more: lostearthadventures.co.uk
DC Outdoors
Credit: DC Outdoors
Ulley Reservoir may be a far cry from Hawaii where paddle boarding originated, but it’s a fantastic place to learn the basics. Take part in a beginner-friendly SUP taster session with DC Outdoors and you’ll start with board control while kneeling, before progressing to standing up and putting your new skills to the test on a short journey across the water. All equipment is provided, and you’ll get a full safety briefing before you set off.
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can progress to the Discover SUP day course, which covers stroke technique, board control and self-rescue skills, with the option to gain a British Canoeing Discover Award. DC Outdoors also runs occasional special paddle experiences at locations including Sheffield’s historic Victoria Quays and Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District.
Where? Ulley Reservoir, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Distance from Leeds: Ulley Reservoir is around 50 minutes by car from Leeds.
How much? Taster sessions start from £50 per person.
Find out more: dcoutdoors.co.uk
