Rudyard Lake is a superb location for stand-up paddleboarding. At over 2.5 miles long, it has some of the most dramatic scenery in Staffordshire Moorlands and a hugely varied shore with open farmland at one end, inlets to explore, the railway down one side and the earth dam where the lake feeds the local canal system for which the lake was built.
Paddleboarding was introduced to Rudyard Lake Sailing Club 2020 and we have built a core of regular paddlers.
Please read our SUP FAQs below which should answer the majority of potential new members questions.
If you are interested in paddleboarding, why not take advantage of our reduced "Other Sports" membership rates and Join up today?
SUP FAQs
Q. Can I launch for the day without joining the club ?
A. No, you have to be a club member to launch. Day tickets are only available from the Rudyard Lake Trust visitor centre at the dam end of the lake. See their website for booking details and costs.
Q. How much is membership ?
A. See the membership grid. If you want to sail and SUP then you have to join as a sailing member. If you only want to SUP then you need to join as 'Other Sports' member.
- Family Membership. Up to 2 adults & children (any number) under 25.
- Single Adult Membership for age 25 or older.
- Young Person Membership under 25.
- Members join for a minimum 12-month period.
Q. What do I get for my membership ?
A. You get the following with club membership
- Access to the lake, 7 days a week except for Wedding days (see club calendar). During a wedding and the preceding setup day, there is no other club activity.
- You can paddle during the daylight hours but must be off the water by sunset.
- Car parking and rigging with 10m of the shore.
- Use of the clubhouse within the guidelines / rules of the club. All members can purchase a key (£50 deposit).
- Use of a club electric pump stored in the club house storeroom, top shelf on the right.
Q. Why is sailing so much more expensive ?
A.
The SUP rates are competitive to attract new SUP members. Sailing membership fees need to contribute to the overhead of providing sail racing, trophies and training. Sailing fees include a free training course for adults in their first year and junior training is included for all stages beyond the first year. SUP training will be charged separately to the membership fee.
Q. What facilities are there in the clubhouse ?
A. Changing rooms with hot showers, toilets, bar, galley, extensive seating inside and on outside deck, full disability services and access, free car parking.
Q. What else does the club offer ?
A. An active social calendar throughout the year. Subsided Powerboat courses £125.00
Q. Is there on-site catering ?
A. The Mini-Beans Coffee Shop opened in April 2023, providing hot drinks, snacks, cakes and lunch items such as soup, sandwiches, oatcakes.
Q. What is expected from me as a member ?
A. The following:
- To use the club and its facilities in a considerate and respectful way.
- To be insured (see below).
- Follow club safety rules (see below)
- As we share the lake, SUP members must carry the club ID Band whilst on the water.
- To do two 'Volunteer' duties per season as part of the team that provides lunch and helps run the sailing or SUP sessions.
- Only launch and recovery from club.
- When sail race and training sessions are scheduled, to SUP outside the areas being used.
- When sail race and training sessions are scheduled, use the north pontoon to launch.
Q. What insurance do I need ?
A. All SUP members are required to have third party insurance covering all their board activities. You can have an independent policy but it is normally provided by membership of the following sports that cover SUP activities:
Q. What are the safety rules ?
A. Safety of club all members is our number one concern.
- All club members, both sailing and SUP, are required to wear a PFD/buoyancy aid whilst on the water and on the club's pontoons.
- As Rudyard Lake is flat water, all SUP members are required to wear ankle leashes.
- Under-18 SUP members are only allowed to paddle if there is a rescue boat on duty or with an accompanying adult SUP member in the group. Please note, adults cannot supervise children from shore.
- If paddling without safety boat cover then consider buddying up.
Q. How do the SUP members keep in touch ?
A. They have formed a SUP Facebook group, to ask questions, arrange meet ups and share photos. Please ask to join once you have taken out membership.
Q. Can I bring a guest to paddle ?
A. As the Rudyard Lake Trust offers commercial SUP launching we do not want to take business of them, therefore, we ask you to restrict guests to 1 per month. However, if you want to bring along a potential new member to see the facilities and try out the lake then they are more than welcome. Please use the SUP Facebook group to arrange to come and meet the potential new member.
Q. Can I bring a group to paddle ?
A. We offer beginner courses open to the public. We will happily arrange one dedicated to individual group (upto 6). Contact us for details.
Q. Can I store my SUP at the club ?
A. Sorry no.
Q. Can I camp at the club ?
A. Sorry no. Unfortunately, we don't have camping facilities on site.
Q. Who represents the SUP members on the management committee ?
A. Matt Baker is the SUP rep on the management committee.
Q. Can I learn to paddleboard at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club ?
A. Yes the club has four trained SUP Instructors offering both beginner and improver courses.
Q. Can I hire a SUP at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club ?
A. We have six SUPs which when not needed for courses are available for hiring to club members who have passed a club competency checks. Club boards are never hired out to none members.
Q. How can do I join ?
A. Click to join and choose 'Other Sports' memberships
