A new course in Lyme Regis is inspiring people to create sustainable paddleboards.

Over a million Brits are estimated to own a paddleboard, but these are predominantly rigid or inflatable and made of plastic.

However, the Boat Building Academy (BBA) is now offering people the chance to come and create their own board made out of wood. 

The BBA course spans three weeks and sees participants build their own hand-crafted timber Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) over an internal 'fishbone' frame.

The finished board is designed for general use, and has a beginner friendly form with good stability, making it suitable for surfing, yoga, and fishing.

Jo Tall, a lawyer from London said: "I am on the committee of the Old Gaffers Association Solent branch (for people who sail gaff-rigged boats) and visited the BBA in March. I loved it here, so when I heard about the SUP course, I booked time off work and came to Lyme.

"I started SUP in lockdown on the Thames and got hooked.

"I love all things that float and especially those which are wooden, both for their beauty and their sustainability.

"The course was intense, but in a nice way. I learned so much from our tutor Luke and filled up notebooks every night with all my new knowledge."

Tutors guide the course step by step, with no previous woodworking experience needed. Participants are also invited to add their own designs to their boards as they wish.

Jo continued: "My board 'Pegasus' is made of ply and red cedar and has a flying horse design. I also made my paddle in cedar. It's stunning.

"I've suggested to Luke that people also have the chance to make their own natural rope handles, and he was very receptive to that.

"The biggest challenge was simultaneously gluing six planks together in the heat, as the resin sets very quickly. But it's amazing how flexible and light it is and I'm genuinely finding it's even quicker than my rigid board."

Paddleboarding originated as a means of transport in Hawaii in the 1900s and has seen massive growth as a recreational sport in the past five years. So much so that it is tipped to become an Olympic sport by the time Brisbane 2028 rolls around.

Will Reed, Director of the BBA, said: "It was wonderful to see these majestic boards take shape in our workshop over the duration of the first course.

"The BBA is world renowned for its boat and furniture making building courses, and we want our short courses to offer everyone the chance to widen their skills and to create something wonderful."

The next three-week course runs from July 21-08 August 2025 and costs £4950.00 (which includes up to two students working on one board).