Stand Up paddle lesson - under 18's
Standing upright on a board, paddle in hand, looking out over the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Socoa beach — that's the challenge waiting for under-18s in this one-of-a-kind stand up paddle initiation, from just €29.
- 2.0H
- Beginner
Description
🏄 Stand up paddle initiation for kids and teens at Socoa beach is a 2-hour water learning experience designed for under-18s who want to feel something real on the Atlantic — and standing upright on a board for the first time is exactly the kind of moment that stays with you for life.
🌊 On the sand and water of Socoa beach in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, guided by a state-qualified instructor, young paddlers work through the SUP fundamentals step by step: board entry, balance, paddling, steering — a structured programme that delivers visible results within the first hour.
🧘 Wetsuit, neoprene boots, and board are all provided — nothing to bring, just the desire to try.
🏅 Open to all with no prior experience, led by a team with 30 years of expertise on the Basque Coast, this junior SUP initiation near Biarritz gives children a challenge worthy of their energy and a memory worthy of their summer, from €29 per child.
- 2.0H
- Beginner
👶 This rate is exclusively for under-18s.
📍 The session takes place at Socoa beach, Saint-Jean-de-Luz — a naturally sheltered site with calm waters, ideal for SUP learning in all summer conditions.
⏱️ Duration: 2 hours of full initiation including the teaching programme.
💶 Price: €29 per child (vs €35 for adults).
🎓 Format: group initiation with a state-qualified instructor.
🏄 Programme: board entry, body positioning, balance, paddling, and steering — 5 concrete skills developed on the beach and on the water.
✅ All equipment is provided: wetsuit, neoprene boots, and SUP board. Nothing to bring on the equipment side.
How the activity works
🤝 Step 1 — Welcome at Socoa & youth-sized kit
🏖️ Step 2 — The fundamentals on the sand
🌊 Step 3 — The big moment: standing on the water!
🏄 Step 4 — Free paddling & friendly challenges
Why choose Takamaka ?
Takamaka was born from a desire to develop outdoor experiences rooted in the territories themselves.
Over the years, the network has grown around several destinations while preserving a local and human-centered approach. The goal has never been to standardize formats, but to adapt each project to the specific characteristics of the location and the expectations of participants.
FAQ
Is stand up paddleboarding difficult for a beginner child?
Children and teens often pick up SUP faster than adults — their lower centre of gravity, natural flexibility, and lack of self-consciousness make them surprisingly quick learners. The Takamaka initiation is rated 2/5 for difficulty and starts with a beach learning phase, so everyone arrives on the water with solid foundations. Early falls are part of the adventure — and they usually produce more laughter than anything else!
Do children need to be able to swim for the SUP session?
Swimming ability is generally recommended for any water activity. The SUP board is stable and floats in all circumstances, and the instructor stays close to the group throughout.
What equipment is provided for the children's SUP initiation?
Everything is included in the €29 rate: a properly sized wetsuit, neoprene boots, and a SUP board. Nothing to bring on the equipment side — just come in swimwear under the wetsuit and bring a towel for afterwards.
Does a parent need to be in the water or on a board with the child?
All outings are supervised by a state-certified instructor who oversees the group on the water. The presence of a parent or accompanying adult on the board or within the group is not specified as mandatory.
Does the children's SUP session run in bad weather or strong wind?
Wind is the main challenge in stand-up paddleboarding; even a light breeze can make balancing difficult for beginners, and even more so for children. In adverse conditions, Takamaka may postpone or cancel the session.
