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What to Expect & How to Prepare for SUP
Welcome to Nepenthe SUP! Here’s everything you need to know before your paddle so you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the water. Please Arrive 10 min early!

Quick Facts
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Beginners welcome to all SUP classes (including SUP Yoga). We recommend starting with Basic SUP for a solid foundation.
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Swim requirement: For safety, you must be able to swim to attend any on‑water SUP class. If you’re not a swimmer, please join our Open‑Air (on‑land) Yoga classes and events instead.
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Weight capacity: Boards support up to 290lbs total (rider + gear). Kids are welcome to join our Fun SUPs as an additional rider as long as the combined weight does not exceed 290lbs.
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14 and up can have their own board. If younger, and they want their own board, let me know and we can tether a board to your board. Be prepared to have to paddle for two boards. You must provide your own child size life vest, we only have adult sizes. Kids without life vests will NOT be allowed to come.
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Gear provided: Board, paddle, U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD (life vest), waterproof phone case, anchors (when necessary) and a dry bag.
What to Wear
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Choose light, quick‑drying clothing or swimwear.
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Dress for the water temperature first, then the air temperature.
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Consider layers you can easily add/remove after class.
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Secure items: opt for straps for sunglasses/hat; avoid loose jewelry.
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Barefoot is typical on the board. Water shoes are optional. Shoes can be strapped to the board or left at shore.
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For events like Floating Frequencies or Floating Meditations make sure to wear extra layers. Body temp drops when in meditative state.
What to Bring
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Beach towel
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Water bottle (hydration is key!)
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Sunscreen, lip balm, and sun protection (hat/rash guard)
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Bug spray as needed
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Optional: your own PFD/life vest if you prefer (we provide one)
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Moonlight and Sunset Paddles: Feel free to bring lanterns, glow sticks, and glow accessories! Boards will have lights and glow goodies will be provided but extra swag is always welcome!
This is an outdoor experience. Please be mindful of sun exposure, insects, wildlife, and changing weather conditions.
I’m New—Can I Do SUP Yoga?
Yes! Beginners are welcome in all of our SUP offerings. You’ll receive proper instruction before each class so you feel confident and comfortable on the board.
That said, we recommend taking our Basic SUP class first to build foundational skills (stance, balance, paddling, and turns). It makes SUP Yoga even more fun!
Swim Requirement
For everyone’s safety, participants must be able to swim. If you cannot swim, we’re excited to welcome you to our Open‑Air Yoga (on‑land) classes.
Weight Limit
Our boards are rated for up to 290 lbs total, including gear (board, paddle, PFD, dry bag, and any personal items).
Weather & Cancellations
Your safety is our #1 priority.
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If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, or sustained winds over 15 mph, we will cancel the class.
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We’ll notify you by text/email as soon as possible (typically at least 2 hours in advance when conditions are clear).
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Light showers/drizzle do not automatically cancel class—please come prepared with appropriate clothing.
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If we cancel a class due to weather, your account will be credited the amount paid so you can rebook another date/time.
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For ticketed special events, a full refund will be issued if we must cancel.
Mother Nature has her own plans sometimes—we do our best to predict and make timely, safety‑first calls.
Photos & Social Media
Yes—photos! We love capturing your SUP smiles and sharing highlights on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
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If you prefer not to be photographed or tagged, just let your instructor know at check‑in and we’ll make a note.
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We’ll also share where to find class albums/stories when they’re posted.
Cold Water Workshop (Shoulder Season)
As temps dip in the late spring (end of May) and in September, cold‑water prep matters. Join our Cold Water Workshop to learn what to wear and bring for safe, comfy paddling in cooler conditions.
Day‑Of Checklist
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Arrive 10 minutes early to sign in and get fitted for your PFD.
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Locations and Parking information will be sent Via Email and in the class name description, please make sure you're at the right location!
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Hydrate and apply sunscreen/bug spray, and use the washroom
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Stow keys/phone in the provided dry bag (or your own). You are also welcome to keep things locked up in the instructors car.
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Listen to the on‑shore safety briefing
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Breathe, smile—you’ve got this!
Questions?
We’re happy to help you pick the right class and get set up for success. Please text
Jeannie at 262-629-0140 if you need further assistance or have any other questions!
See you on the water—leave stress at the shore.