A new business teaching people how to paddleboard has launched in mid Wales.

Rich Brook, 37, of Long Mountain Paddleboarding, is using 10 years’ experience as an outdoor activity and watersports instructor to run standup paddleboarding courses on the River Severn between Welshpool and Llandrinio.

Paddleboarding is now the world’s most popular watersport and fastest growing activity on water.

“I enjoy teaching people new skills and found that there was not a lot going on in the Welshpool area in terms of watersports,” said Rich. “Paddleboarding has been growing for a number of years, but it has hit the headlines more this year and it’s now the world’s fastest growing watersport.

“I think that’s because it’s so accessible and there are varying degrees of technical skills required depending on whether its flat water or white water.

“Everybody has been on staycation this summer and looking for something to do. Paddleboarding has allowed them to discover the beautiful inland waterways of mid Wales. It’s amazing the amount of wildlife that you can see when you are out on the river.”

Rich Brook on his paddleboard.

Rich Brook on his paddleboard.

Rich is hoping for a busy autumn, with courses scheduled until mid-October, river and weather conditions allowing. The courses are designed to suit all skill levels, ranging from complete beginners to those who already have some paddleboard experience.

His courses and coaching sessions focus on the safety aspects of paddleboarding to enable customers to assess whether the conditions and environment they are planning to paddle in are suitable for their skill level.

“I aim to tailor bespoke courses and trips in order to meet individual training aims and objectives,” explained Rich who is considering running weekend courses in different parts of Wales next year if he can find the right locations.

All paddleboard courses must be booked 24 hours in advance and Rich can take between two and eight paddlers, with prices ranging from £25 for 90 minutes’ instruction to £35 for three hours. He also offers two-hour, one-to-one coaching with a video review session for £50 for those wishing to improve the efficiency of their skills.