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).
• 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 new to the Netherlands, have basic swimming skills but no diploma. If your child has a Zwemdiploma A, they may participate when wearing a life vest, which we can 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 for each week's training are sent through our Whatsapp group.
• Where is the sup training?

  Beginner practice on Sunday mornings departs from Free Movement at the Vissersbocht in the city centre of Haarlem. Here you can change clothes and leave items for after training.

  All other sessions depart from the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging at Noord Schalkwijkerweg 99 in Haarlem. Parking and changing facilities are available.
• What are the costs?

  Sup Kids Haarlem is part of the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging (HKV). The "Sup Kids" membership of the HKV offers access to unlimited training sessions, including the use of the sup boards. The membership fee is 100 euro per year. For those with a Haarlem Pas, the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur can cover the membership fees. If you prefer to pay per session, the charge is 7.50 euro per session.
• 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 Whatsapp 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.
• How can my child join the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging?

  Please fill out the amembership form to join the Haarlemse Kano Vereniging.
• 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