Sup Kids Haarlem

Frequently asked questions:

• Which kids can join?

  Our kids training is available for beginner and advanced paddleboarders who want to participate in paddleboarding as a sport. Other than a motivation to go out on the water, we require a "zwemdiploma" A & B (a official Dutch diploma that certifies the child's swimming skills).
• What do you mean with "participate in paddleboarding as a sport"?

  At Sup Kids Haarlem, we help kids develop themselves as sup athletes. They learn to improve their balance, paddle stroke and overall board control. Participation in sup races is an option, but not required. Regular participation in training sessions is required to allow us to achieve this, as well as participation in the trainer's exercises. Sup Kids Haarlem therefore offers sport training and is not a recreational activity where kids do water games and swim. If that is your goal, we recommend that you puchase or rent a sup.
• My child doesn't have a Zwemdiploma yet, but knows how to swim. Can I still participate?

  Water safety is a top priority at Sup Kids Haarlem. For this reason, training sessions are open only to children with zwemdiploma A & B. However, we understand that some children, especially those who recently moved to the Netherlands from another country, have basic swimming skills but no diploma. If your child has a Zwemdiploma A, they may participate when wearing a life vest, which we provide free of charge.
• What is taught during training? What is the difference between de beginner and advanced groups?

  During the beginner classes kids learn the basics of paddleboarding: how to hold your paddle, where to stand on your board, how to stay balanced, how to turn and how to brake. For this we use wide paddleboards that offer the kids lots of stability.

  Once a participant knows all the skills from the beginner class, it can join the advanced training group. To progress we ask that the child demonstrates: the ability to paddle without bumping into obstacles such as boats, other participants or fixed objects; the ability to paddle for longer distances without break by itself, shows an insight into the traffic on the water (is aware of its position on the water as well as boats and other water vessels); doesn't sit down on its knees to rest between exercises. Furthermore, kids in the advanced group paddle on kids paddleboards that are 12 foot 6 inches tall and no more than 24 inches wide.
• When are classes?

  Training is on Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings. Invites and registrations for the training are handled through Spond.com.
• Where is the sup training?

  All training sessions depart from the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging at Noord Schalkwijkerweg 99 in Haarlem. Parking and changing facilities are available.
• Can my child's friend join the training?

  Sup Kids Haarlem is a group for kids who join the training on a regular basis. Friends of your child are welcome if they intend to join the training on a regular basis. In that case, the parents or legal guardians have to fill our the registration form. Joining for just one session, for example because they’re staying over for a sleepover, isn’t the intention.
• What are the costs?

  Sup Kids Haarlem is part of the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging (HKV). Our training is open to members of the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging with a Sup Kids membership, or you can opt to pay 7.50 euro per session. For those with a Haarlem Pas, the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur can cover the membership fees. If you chose to pay per training session, the first session is due at the moment of registration.
• What gear does Sup Kids Haarlem use?

  The HKV has its own SUP boards, allowing us to continuously challenge kids of all skill levels.

  For beginners, we use 31-inch-wide inflatable SUPs. These boards are very stable and well suited for children with little or no SUP experience.

  For advanced paddlers, we have inflatable boards that are 28 inches, 24 inches, and 20.5 inches wide, enabling us to challenge everyone at their own level. Use of the equipment is included in the membership fee or in the fee paid per training session.
• Will training proceed during bad weather?

  Updates about the training will be shared through our Spond.com group.
• Which clothes should I use during sup training?

  In the summer we recommend a swim suit. During colder days, you can wear a t-shirt. On colder days in spring, you can have your child wear a wetsuite. Of course we match training with the weather conditions, but can never guarantee that a child won't fall into the water.
• Which shoes are needed during sup training?

  Preferably, we sup barefoot. For colder days you can use neoprene shoes.
• Where can I find second hand sup gear?

  Please talk to other parents during sup races. And the usual places like Marktplaats and the Facebook group Benelux tweedehands SUP markt are good options too.
• Does Sup Kids Haarlem offer clinics for children or parent-and-child clinics?

  Sup Kids Haarlem offers a training group for kids that want to practice paddleboarding as a sport, similar to how you training when you join other sport clubs. For a one-time clinic or parent-child clinic, please contact a sup school.
• Do you offer paddle boarding kids birthday parties?

  For sup kids birthday parties please contact Free Movement.
• How does Sup Kids Haarlem ensure a socially safe environment?

  Sup Kids Haarlem is part of the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging (HKV). HKV wants everyone to feel welcome, safe, and respected. If you have questions or complaints about inappropriate behavior, you can contact the HKV’s confidential contact persons.
• Where can I find an overview of future training sessions?

  Below you find an overview of future training sessions and kids sup events. You can add this to your calendar by using the iCal url