When we moved to Teignmouth, the plan was simple: live by the sea and spend as much time on it — or in it — as possible. Paddleboarding had always appealed to me: the freedom, the quiet, the chance to slip away from the hustle and bustle of land, and drift into something calmer.

There was just one small detail… I had barely paddled before, and my husband hadn’t paddled for 30 years. So when Teignbridge Canoe Club announced a ‘Paddle Safer’ course for kayakers and paddleboarders last year, we signed up. The session was brilliantly put together: what to wear, what to pack, how big to read the weather, which apps to trust, and how to make good decisions on the water. We even had a supervised rescue practice, taking turns helping each other back onto boards and boats. It was practical, confidence‑building, and genuinely fun.

But the real magic was the people. Everyone was welcoming, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping newcomers feel safe and capable. Joining the club was probably the quickest decision my husband and I have ever made!

Since then, we’ve enjoyed some fantastic trips with the club. The committee and paddle leaders put so much energy into creating opportunities and keeping the calendar full — from gentle social paddles to more adventurous outings. The mix of paddlers is perfect: there are paddling ninjas, confident intermediates, and beginners like me finding their feet (and balance!). Everyone shares tips,  cheers each other on, and celebrates each win.

This year, I’ve set myself a new challenge: learning to kayak. Winter pool sessions have been brilliant for building my skills and confidence, and I’m already thinking about future adventures — dolphin‑spotting, exploring new stretches of coast, and gradually working up to white water paddling.

I’m loving every moment. Being on the water with people who share that same love for the outdoors feels like exactly where I’m meant to be.  Happy paddling all

Author: Collette James