Norfolk Paddle Boards is more than a paddle company. It’s a place where people come to try something new, often push their boundaries and catapault them out of their comfort zones. Other people come for our regular social events and to be part of our growing community.
Working for Norfolk Paddle Boards is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle! A Community of paddlers who look upon us to continually provide the very best equipment with the very best service on some of the most beautiful Rivers in the world.
Spend the season sharing your knowledge and passion of the incredibly popular new sport.
You’ll be working hard, but the work is fun, and there’s always plenty of time to play!
You will help deliver safe, fun and engaging paddle sessions from lessons, guided paddles and also be part of some of our popular social events.
Whether it’s greeting guests as they arrive for their first ever session or helping someone celebrate their skills, you will go out of your way to make sure that these moments are memorable!
Job Role : FREELANCE Paddle Board Instructor
We are looking to recruit freelance Paddle Instructors for our Norfolk Sites for this coming season
ALL APPLICANTS TO BE 18+
To apply, please email Lee with a CV or some information about yourself to;
Key Responsibilities and Tasks:
- Present a professional appearance and attitude at all times
- Maintain an excellent standard of customer service
- Deliver excellent paddle instruction
- Assist in the preparation, organisation, delivery and the running of activities for all guests both on and off the water
- Ensure safety cover is of the highest standard from all our locations you are based at for that day
- Take personal responsibility for the maintenance, repair and security of Norfolk Paddle Boards Equipment and the satisfactory appearance of our sites to ensure that they always meet guest expectations
- Be a key part of the team to make sure opening and end of day procedures are followed.
- Help organise and host social events, deliver briefings and generally interact with guests at all times
- Be prepared to move between different sites according to the operational needs of the business.
- Be flexible in your job role and willing to assist in all other duties and departments as requested by your manager
Qualifications & Experience Required:
- WSA Foundation Paddle Instructor
- British Canoe (BC) Level 2
- BSUPA Level 1 instructor (Desirable)
- Canoe Coach, Paddle sports Instructor Level 1 qualification or equivalent
- First Aid certificate that is valid for the duration of your contract – This should be a minimum 6-hour practical course providing a certificate that is valid in the workplace
- Previous customer service experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Ability to deliver fun, engaging, safe and informative paddle sports sessions
- Skilled in safety and on water rescue techniques
- Knowledge of current paddlesports industry
- Ability to effectively communicate with guests of all ages, management, and other staff
- Ability to work well within a team and maintain effective working relationships
- Able to work on own initiative and follow verbal and written instructions
Personal Qualities:
- Approachable, welcoming, friendly, and enthusiastic
- Self-motivated
- Flexible
- Punctual
- Presentation
- Clean and tidy appearance
To Apply – please email Lee [email protected] with a brief description about yourself, a CV if you have one and contact details
Other Opportunities
What our customers say about us?
The Norfolk Paddleboards team prides itself in giving 5 star customer service at all times. Don’t just take it from us, read our reviews below.
Our 5* Service
The very best equipment
Qualified Instructors
Trudi Wilding
15:31 30 Mar 22
I joined an ‘All the Gear, no idea’ session last Sunday morning and it was exactly what I was hoping for. It was well... organized, safe and informative. The instructors were friendly, helpful and experienced. They were also very relaxed which made the whole experience an enjoyable one. I would recommend this lesson to anyone starting out with their own gear, as it was good value and above all fun.read more
Catrin Maynard
14:37 28 Feb 22
I attended one of the ‘All the gear, no idea’ sessions recently and I would definitely recommend it to others! Lee and... Krysia took us through the whole SUP process from start to end and answered any questions we had. Once we were on the water I was a bit nervous about standing up but Lee was really patient and understanding and encouraged me to get up on my feet. I had an amazing time and I will definitely be attending the social paddles soon!read more
Katie Smith
18:16 13 Nov 21
I did the intro to sup 2 hour session back in September with Georgina and it was fantastic. I'd only paddled once... before so was keen to get more experience in. Georgina was so lovely and chatty, and despite being the only single attendee in a group of several couples I didn't feel like a third wheel or anything. She took time to come around and chat individually to each of us about our interests. She also built everyone's confidence up and taught us about basic safety considerations such as self rescue etc. I'm hoping to get the chance to get back for more sessions as soon as I get more free time!!read more
Peter Woolley
12:07 30 Sep 21
Beginners course at Norfolk Paddle Boards:I would like to thank Lee and say what an excellent course this was. The... area is lovely and an ideal place to learn. As a complete beginner I was surprised to be able to stand up for such an extended period of time as we went along the river. I now feel confident at steering, turning and getting on the board safely and easily. Lee instils confidence, explains things really clearly and is both patient and helpful. Thoroughly recommended!read more
Stuart Betts
20:12 20 Sep 21
Great experience all round for adults and children. Lee responded promptly when phoned at short notice for same day... paddle boarding in Norwich. Both Lee and Georgina pleasant. Good instruction and equipment. My first time on a paddle board, and no problem to use in 3 different positions - sitting down, kneeling, and standing up - alternated positions, and didn't fall in whilst in standing position! Pleasant and good way to explore along the rivers. Would highly recommend, and will be contacting Lee & co again for another session asap.read more
R Pitt
12:36 20 Sep 21
Outstanding service from Lee at the Red Lion! I doubt I’d find a better service anywhere. Launched my own board from... their spot & my ‘dry’ stuff was looked after by the team, they even let me use the hose to clean my board once I was out & have buckets for litter if you collect any on your paddle!Would highly recommend visiting the team if you’re new and want some lessons or hire or have your own board and just want to meet a lovely group of passionate paddlers!read more
Sara Shelton
21:21 26 Aug 21
Fabulous first time family experience, we are a group from ages 9 to 50 with everything in between and we all loved it!... Super confidence building advice and instructions from Georgie and help from Oscar to get on the boards had us paddling away on our knees and then all up on our feet in no time. Glorious scenery, a quiet stretch of water and a drink in the pub afterwards. Perfect! (Good quality kit, with safe care of our belongings, Lee had great communication for my many questions beforehand!) If we're in Norwich again, it's a definite return date!read more
Helen Nutt
10:41 26 Aug 21
What an amazing afternoon experience! As novices to paddle boarding, we were supplied with everything we needed to give... it a go, and we absolutely loved it! The instructions from Lee were simple and clear to remember once out on the water. He was so encouraging and friendly! Paddling along the river had such a calming and empowering feeling, being able to get out there and do it after feeling a little apprehensive before hand.read more
Naomi Bulcock
21:10 23 Aug 21
We had THE best afternoon with Lee from Norfolk paddle boards at the weekend. We’d never done it before and didn’t know... what to expect, but Lee made everything so simple. His calm nature and clear instructions made everything so easy…within minutes I felt very relaxed. The experience was so much more than what we were expecting. So much more than the fun of the paddle-boarding itself (which was of course very fun!!) it was just so peaceful and beautiful. The wildlife we saw was incredible! If you’re thinking about booking- go for it!read more
Andy Haywood
22:19 15 Aug 21
Fantastic experience! Lee made us feel really welcome on arrival being super friendly. He provided succinct tuition in... a relaxed and fun environment. All his paddle boarding equipment is very high quality, the boards are long providing extra stability making it quicker and easier to learn the different techniques.My daughter and I absolutely loved it, the two hours passing so quickly! Now I see why everyone is paddle boarding. Thank you to Lee and staff for a great mornings fun!!read more
Claire Palmer
19:18 14 Aug 21
We had a fantastic morning on the river with Norfolk Paddle Boards. Everyone was so welcoming and full of great... advice. We have paddled before but our children were nervous being in a new area. Our son who is 9 was soon put at ease with Lee’s encouragement. He was soon racing down the river. Our daughter also had a go at standing up on the board for the first time. She’s nearly 8 and has never wanted to paddle before but clearly was comfortable and happy. We felt very safe and confident in where we were going. Lots to see and the 3 hours flew by.As a family we’d highly recommend paddle boarding with these guys. We’ll definitely be back again. Thank you!read more
Karen Gillard
10:56 06 Aug 21
Whilst on holiday in Norfolk we went paddle boarding for the first time. We booked with Norfolk Paddle Boards who were... brilliant. We went to the Red Lion site which is lovely and paddled along the river and back. Staff wereVery helpful and explained everything we needed to know. Would definitely recommend this company and we will use them again, oh and paddle boarding is great fun, don’t hesitate just do it!! 😁read more
Joni Lambert
20:39 03 Aug 21
Would highly recommend Norfolk paddle boards, Lee has been amazing. Hired so far on three separate occasions, one... included a lesson for my son (age 10). He was so good with him and gave him the confidence and skills he needed. Now he wants to go again and again! My daughter (age 12) has also paddled on all 3 occasions, one being the social sup on a Monday, made a friend, played with the dog and had the BEST time. Thank you so much, we will back again soon!read more
Jemma Thorne
19:12 31 Jul 21
We hired 4 x boards in July 21 with 3 children and 2 adults. We were shown exactly how to use them and felt very well... informed. We would happily come back and hire again.The location is perfect for a paddle through the city and we enjoyed having a hot chocolate at the pub on our return.read more
Caroline Willis
08:07 20 Jul 21
Can’t recommend highly enough. I’m new to Norwich and this has been one of my favourite things to do so far. Really... great experience, something that really anyone can try. Lee is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. Give it a go - you won’t be disappointedread more
Jess Jones
17:51 20 Jun 21
Absolutely brilliant SUP lesson with the brilliant Georgie yesterday....she was so reassuring and encouraging, really... helped make me feel at ease and built my confidence.Thoroughly enjoyed the session, seeing parts of Norwich which you can only see by water and feel like I may have the paddle boarding bug now! Felt totally buzzing afterwards and can't wait to go again. Thank you so much 😊read more
Marianne Clemence
16:02 20 Jun 21
We attended a Learn to SUP session. Neither of us had ever been paddle boarding before, and we had a great time. Lee... our instructor was really friendly and had us both standing up on the boards in no time. All the equipment needed was provided and the boards are sturdy and high quality. Great fun, and a lovely way to explore Norwich, we're definitely keen to try it again soon. Highly recommendedread more
Emma Sturman
16:32 11 Jun 21
I joined the Norfolk Paddle Boards social SUP evening yesterday from The River Garden pub.Location is great, it has an... ideal launch point nearby and afterwards you can relax in the beer garden with a pint...It's the perfect way to end the day after a hard day at work.The pace is nice and leisurely, and if you're new to SUP you're in good hands with Lee and Georgina to give you support.It's a great event to meet new people or to tag along with existing SUP buddies.We had great weather yesterday and the water was flat calm, lovely!You have the option to bring your own board at no cost or hire a board for just £15 for 2 hours!read more
Lauren Gipson
07:48 06 Jun 21
Had the best time!Lee was outstanding. Kind and patient and a total legend to my 6 year old son.We wanted a lesson to... get used having a our son as a passenger, and Lee was fantastic. He made it fun and relaxing, our son now has a new friend. He played pirates and engaged with our son. We all loved it.If you are thinking about trying it, then do it. Highly recommendread more
Gemma Rolt
18:05 03 Jun 21
Myself and my partner booked a two hour beginners session with Norfolk Paddle Boards and we couldn't have had a better... time. Our instructor Georgina was patient, kind and so encouraging. We were both first time paddlers and after two hours we were standing, so happy and totally hooked! Thankyou to Georgina and the team for a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.read more
Angelo Bonandi
11:24 31 May 21
I had a great day out paddle boarding last year with Norfolk Paddle Boards. I really enjoyed the experience and booked... a second outing as soon as it was possible but on this occasion I fell in the water and lost my confidence. I booked a one to one session with Lee last week, with some instructing from him and time spent in the water learning how to get back on the board safely my love for paddle boarding is back. You don't need a lesson to paddle board but if you need a boost of confidence contact Norfolk Paddle Boards.read more
