DUNBAR GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sharpen Your SUP Technique on East Lothian’s Wild Coast
A 3-hour, instructor-led Level 2 paddle‑boarding progression around Dunbar and nearby East Lothian bays, focused on technique, water‑safety and wildlife spotting.
Sharpen Your SUP Technique on East Lothian’s Wild Coast.
Adventure brief
Sharpen Your SUP Technique on East Lothian’s Wild Coast
Under ASI‑qualified instruction, this intermediate paddle‑boarding progression unfolds along East Lothian’s coastal bays and, when conditions demand, sheltered inland waters. Over three hours you’ll work on stroke mechanics, board control and rescue skills while taking breaks to scan for seals, dolphins and seabirds; all equipment and transport are provided so you can focus on paddling and the coastline.
East Lothian, a scenic coastal area just east of Edinburgh, offers a vibrant playground for water sports enthusiasts. Known for its rugged beaches, chalk cliffs, and abundant wildlife, this region is perfect for those ready to elevate their paddleboarding skills. Ocean Vertical’s Paddle Boarding Progression Level 2 course is designed for paddlers seeking to challenge themselves and deepen their connection to the sea. Led by ASI qualified instructors, this 3-hour session combines technical instruction with the chance to glide past seals, dolphins, and abundant seabirds, making each outing feel like a live Nature documentary. The course begins with a quick overview of safety and technique, then swiftly transitions into practical lessons on balancing, turning, and paddling efficiently. What sets Ocean Vertical apart is their commitment to small-group instruction and personalized coaching, ensuring every paddler leaves with newfound confidence. The East Lothian coastline's varied conditions—from calm bays to gentle surf—offer the ideal natural environment to refine skills while soaking up the fresh sea air. Participants should arrive prepared with a water-resistant sunscreen, hat, and water, as the region often sees sunshine, especially during summer months. Whether you're a seasoned paddler aiming to perfect your technique or a curious beginner seeking a fun challenge, this course fits a wide range of skill levels. It’s a fantastic way to experience East Lothian's stunning scenery while sharpening your paddling abilities. With all equipment provided, ocean lovers can focus purely on the water and the wildlife around them. The location’s proximity to Edinburgh makes it an accessible adventure for locals and visitors alike. As you paddle along East Lothian’s coastline, you'll understand why this area remains a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts: the blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and expert instruction makes Ocean Vertical’s SUP lessons a standout choice for adventurers seeking both learning and fun.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and primary stops
Planned sea venues and an inland alternative give variety to the session; stops are chosen for suitable conditions and coaching objectives.
Seacliff Beach
A sea venue used for progression sessions where open‑water skills and techniques are practised when conditions allow.
Belhaven Bay
Another coastal bay often used for on‑sea coaching, offering varied shoreline conditions for technique work.
Gullane Bay
A further East Lothian bay targeted for progression sessions, providing stretches for coached drills and cruising between instruction points.
Secluded inland reservoir or loch (weather alternative)
If sea conditions are too choppy, sessions can be moved inland to a secluded freshwater reservoir or loch to maintain coaching objectives in calmer water.
Instructors constantly review forecasts and are trained to operate within a specific remit of weather conditions; they will change venue to a sheltered reservoir or loch if the sea is too choppy. Participants should note the session is intermediate in difficulty and subject limits on age and group size.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
ASI‑qualified coaching and safety training
Sessions are led by ASI‑qualified instructors who critique technique, teach SUP‑specific water‑safety and coach self and peer rescue — the core focus of a Level 2 progression.
Sea sessions at iconic East Lothian bays
Organizers aim to run progression sessions on the sea at locations such as Seacliff Beach, Belhaven Bay and Gullane Bay, taking advantage of the region’s varied coastal terrain when conditions permit.
Full kit and transport provided
All essential kit is provided — paddle board, paddle, leash, buoyancy aid, wetsuit, boots and rash vest — and ground transport at the beginning and end of the trip is included, letting you travel light.
What the day feels like
What the session feels like
The flow is hands‑on and iterative: short coached drills, technique feedback, and supervised practice interspersed with relaxed stretches of paddling and wildlife watching. Instructors adapt the session to sea or sheltered freshwater venues and emphasise practical rescue skills so paddlers leave competent and more independent on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The session runs three hours; please arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Included: experienced and qualified instructor, paddle board, paddle, leash, buoyancy aid, wetsuit, boots, rash vest, ground transportation at the beginning and end of the trip, and access to toilets and changing facilities (subject to local restrictions).
Bring towel, lunch or snacks and drinks, sunscreen, and your own wetsuit if you prefer to use it.
Participants should provide their own towel and any meals; these items are not included in the trip price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the session?
The session is three hours; participants should arrive 20 minutes before the start time.
What equipment is supplied?
All core equipment is supplied: paddle board, paddle, leash, buoyancy aid, wetsuit, boots and rash vest; instructors and ground transport at the beginning and end of the trip are also provided.
Is food or towel provided?
Towels and lunch are not included; bring a towel plus snacks or a packed lunch.
What are the age and group limits?
Minimum age is 14 and group size is limited (up to six people).
What happens if the sea is too rough?
Instructors constantly review forecasts and, if conditions are too choppy, sessions can be relocated inland to a secluded freshwater reservoir or loch to maintain coaching in calmer water.
What skill level is required?
This is an intermediate (Progression Level 2) session intended for paddlers with some prior SUP experience or those who have completed a 'Learn to SUP' class.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:11:28.985Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.