Stand Up Paddleboarding Tours
Guided SUP journeys on the River Spey â supported, scenic and confidence-building.
See SUP tour dates Plan a private SUP tourÂŁ57 Adults
ÂŁ52 (aged 12 to 16)
May â September / Winter on demand
Half day
Guided SUP tours on the River Spey
Our half-day Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) tours give you a guided journey along the River Spey, with plenty of time to build confidence, enjoy the scenery and feel supported on the water.
Tours are designed for adults and teenagers who are reasonably fit and comfortable in the water. You donât need to be an expert â a coach is on hand throughout to help with balance, board control and reading the river. Falling in is normal and part of the adventure, and you can kneel or sit whenever you like.
Weâre based near Grantown-on-Spey, around 15 minutes from Aviemore. Youâll meet at our centre to get changed and meet your guide, before we shuttle you to the starting point on the river. From there, youâll paddle a beautiful stretch of the Spey and finish back at the centre, where you can get warm and grab a drink.
If youâre really not sure whether a river tour is right for you, you can always start with our family paddling sessions on the pond in spring and summer â a great way to get used to boards and boats in calm water first.
Plan a private or group SUP tour
What's Included?
- Friendly, qualified coach: A guide on the water to support the group and offer tips throughout.
- Small group feel: Typically up to 6 paddlers per guide for plenty of individual attention.
- Quality equipment: Stand up paddleboards, paddles, buoyancy aids and safety kit provided.
- Coaching built in: Time to practise in calmer water before journeying downstream.
- Scenic route: A carefully chosen section of the River Spey with beautiful views and varied water.
- Safety briefing: Clear, practical briefing before you get on the water.
- Shuttle included: Transport from our centre to the start point â you finish back at the centre.
- Facilities on site: Toilets, changing facilities and parking at our base.
Tours usually run on scheduled dates through spring and summer, when river levels and conditions are best. If you canât find a date that suits you, or are planning a private or group tour, please contact us and weâll be happy to help.
SUP Tours â Frequently Asked Questions
A bit more detail about what to expect on a guided stand up paddleboarding tour.
Do I need SUP experience to join a tour?
You donât need to be an expert, but SUP tours are best for confident beginners and above. A little previous paddling experience (on a board, canoe or kayak) helps. Your coach will start in calmer water to help you get used to the board before you journey downstream.
If youâre very nervous or brand new to being on the water, our family paddling sessions on the pond are a great first step.
How fit do I need to be?
You donât need to be super fit or sporty, but you should be reasonably fit and mobile, able to kneel, stand and move around on the board, and comfortable being active for a few hours. If you have any concerns about fitness or mobility, just get in touch and we can advise.
What if I fall in?
Falling in is completely normal on a SUP tour. Youâll be wearing a buoyancy aid and your coach will be close by to help if needed. We talk you through how to get back on your board and choose sections of river that suit the group and the conditions.
How long does a SUP tour last?
Tours typically run for around half a day, including time to get kitted up, receive a briefing, practise skills and complete the river journey, with breaks built in along the way.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear quick-drying, comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet (old trainers or water shoes work well). Bring a warm layer and a waterproof if itâs breezy or cool, plus a full change of clothes and a towel for afterwards. Weâll confirm any extra details in your pre-visit information.
Is there a minimum age for SUP tours?
SUP tours are generally best for older children over 12, along with adults, due to the journey length and river environment. For younger children, we recommend starting with family paddling on the pond.
What happens if the weather or river levels are unsuitable?
We closely monitor weather and river levels. If conditions arenât suitable for a safe and enjoyable tour, weâll get in touch to discuss rescheduling, switching to another activity, or offering a refund or credit, depending on the circumstances.
Can SUP tours be run for private groups?
Yes â SUP tours are very popular with adult groups, friends and organised groups. Outside of scheduled spring and summer dates, we can often run private tours on request, subject to conditions and availability.
To chat through options and dates, please get in touch with our team.
Ready to join a SUP tour on the River Spey?
Check available dates for our guided SUP journeys, or talk to us about arranging a private or group tour that fits your plans.
See SUP tour dates Plan a private SUP tour
Video Library
Watch some handy videos about getting ready for time on the water.
Your river journeys questions, answered
In this video, we cover what to expect on our river journeys and how to get the most from your session.
How to prepare for your water activity
What to wear, what to bring and how to feel ready before you arrive.