Gene’s first Taster lesson was in July ‘22, shortly followed a month later with him successfully completing the BSUPA Level 1 course! Gene is a regular paddler with Moi’s SUP School, joining several paddling experiences including Evening Pub Paddle, Paddle Pub & Pizza, Oxford Canals and more recently our indoor Paddle Pool Clinics.
"I have been surfing on and off for decades (mainly a fair weather warrior!). But as the time has passed by, I have found it increasingly difficult to get to the coast as much as I wanted, everything is getting so much more costly. Just before the first lockdown hit I thought I may give Stand Up Paddleboarding a go..... But the Lockdown Hit and the sport began to become very popular.. I decided I did not want to sit on the crest of its popularity and waited.
During a BBQ in May 2022, over a beer, a good friend and I decided to get a taster lesson so that we could avoid having to invest and would at least know the basics ensuring our safety. Luckily for us, I randomly saw that Moi's SUP School was advertising for an instructor locally to Oxford. This was fortunate as I had been struggling to find any instructors near to Aylesbury where I am currently based. Quickly onto the website and boom, taster session booked for the beginning of June.
The June 'Taster session" was quite frankly awesome. We were kitted up, safety briefed and in the water. quite quickly. Being a surfer I thought this would be easy! How wrong I was as I paddled on my knees straight into the opposite bank of the river Cherwell. We paddled down stream as Moi gave the tuition of how to get to our feet, steer and then... how to fall off and self rescue. OK, the first time we thought she was joking when she said to get into the water, but we did and we learnt. Taster session complete. Moi ensured our safety and understanding at all times, making the learning fun, I need more 😊.
As quickly as I could find the time and a free booking I was back for a full lesson in July, this time at the Rose Revived, Newbridge, downstream on the Thames, Deciding to complete the BSUPA level 1 so I know I am safe and build more experience. Brilliant lesson! Luckily for me, I had a private 1-2-1. Loved it.... now well and truly needing more...
Following this through July-November "Experience session" heading upstream from the Rose Revived, "Paddle and a Pizza" at Ye Old Swan, Faringdon and a "Canal Experience". With regards to the group sessions/experiences, everybody who has been on the excursions that I have been on have been wonderfully friendly and chatty.
December 2022, I bought my first board (having impartial advice from Moi) and look forward to its christening in an indoor pool session with Moi immently!"
"My Future? Keep paddling, paddle more, Keep using Moi's SUP school as and when I can!"
PS. If you are thinking about it - try it - get a taster session
