Everything Awesome

Sheffield is surprisingly well-served for paddleboarding (SUP), offering a mix of grit-stone urban canals, managed country parks, and scenic Peak District reservoirs.

However, a crucial rule applies here: most reservoirs in the Peak District strictly prohibit swimming and paddleboarding due to cold water shock and hidden machinery. You should stick to approved locations but many local groups take precautions, and use these reservoirs despite the warnings.

Here are the best 6 spots to paddleboard in and around Sheffield.

1. Sheffield & Tinsley Canal (Victoria Quays)

Best For: Urban exploring and an easy, sheltered paddle. The historic Victoria Quays basin in the city centre is the perfect launch point for a unique urban ride.

• The Vibe: Industrial heritage meets street art. You paddle past old warehouses and under bridges, eventually reaching the spot made famous by The Full Monty.
• Logistics: You need a Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) license to paddle on the canal. Launching is usually easiest from the Quays.
• Note: This is an “out and back” route. The water is calm, making it great for beginners, though you should be mindful of barges and debris in the water.

2. Ladybower Reservoir

Best For: Iconic Peak District scenery and big water feels. Historically off-limits, Ladybower now allows paddleboarding, but strict rules apply to protect the water and users.

LadyBower no longer allows Paddlesports

This may change but as of July 2026 its not permitted

• The Vibe: High-moorland views and pine forests. It is one of the most scenic places to paddle in the UK.
• Access Rules: You cannot just turn up and launch. You must book a slot through Ladybower Paddlesports, launch only from their designated pontoon, and wear a mandatory buoyancy aid.
• Cost: There is a launch fee (approx. £10–£15), and sessions are often limited to weekends or specific times.

3. Rother Valley Country Park

Best For: Beginners, families, and equipment hire. Located just southeast of the city, this is a dedicated watersports centre with a large, clean lake.

• The Vibe: Safe, supervised, and social. It’s a great place to learn the basics without worrying about river currents or canal boat traffic.
• Logistics: You can launch your own board for a fee (check their “launch and recover” prices) or hire equipment directly from the centre.
• Bonus: There is a cafe right on the water’s edge for a post-paddle coffee.

4. Manvers Lake (Wath-upon-Dearne)

Best For: A community club atmosphere and clean water. A reclaimed industrial site turned into a beautiful lake, home to a very active boat club.

• The Vibe: Sporty and friendly. It is popular for triathlon training and open-water swimming, so the water quality is generally excellent.
• Access: It is run as a club (Manvers Waterfront Boat Club). You typically need to join as a member or book a specific session/course. It is less of a “turn up and dip” spot and more of a community hub.

5. River Don (Kelham Island Loop)

Best For: Experienced paddlers seeking a challenge. The River Don runs through the heart of industrial Sheffield.

• The Vibe: Gritty and adventurous. Paddling through Kelham Island offers a view of the city’s breweries and museums from the waterline.
• Warning: Rivers are dynamic environments with weirs and currents. This is not for total beginners.
• Access: The most popular launch is near Ball Street Bridge (Kelham Island). Ensure you check water levels—too high is dangerous, too low is a scrape.

6. Underbank Reservoir.

Best For: Casual confident paddlers.

• Underbank is owned by Yorkshire water.
• Paddlesports are not allowed to use that area.
  This does not seem to deter the hundreds of weekly users
• Beware, there are no facilities, no safety boats, no help if anything goes wrong.

⚠️ Where NOT to Paddle

Avoid Rivelin Valley and Damflask Reservoir (unless you are part of the specific sailing/rowing club there).

We can provide beginners instruction sessions, getting you up and standing and we can provide coaching for the more confident paddler to improve your skills.



Drop a message to our PaddleUk Coach qualified staff

For some people, Stand up Paddleboarding starts and stops with being able to balance on the board, have an awesome day out with friends, paddling around flat water in some beautiful locations.

For others, their fun is in Whitewater Paddleboarding.

Whitewater paddleboarding (often called whitewater SUP) is exactly what it sounds like: taking a stand-up paddleboard off the calm lakes and ocean flats and dropping it right into turbulent river rapids.

Think of it as a hybrid between surfing and whitewater kayaking. It’s fast-paced, highly engaging, and requires a mix of intense core strength, quick reflexes, and a willingness to get wet.

Some like SUP freestyle
If whitewater paddleboarding is the aggressive, rugged cousin of the sport, freestyle paddleboarding (or Freestyle SUP) is the figure skating or skateboarding equivalent.

Instead of trying to travel from point A to point B, freestyle is entirely about artistic expression, flat-water tricks, and acrobatics. It is a rapidly growing, highly creative discipline where the goal is to test the absolute limits of your balance by manipulating the board in ways it was never technically designed to move.

All the above need some finer balance skills, and the ability to move around the board, to be able to jumps, to paddle in a surf stance, and to be dynamic enough to deal with some random unstable movements.

This weekend we got the chance to work on those.

A professional beginner is someone who has turned the act of starting over into an elite, highly marketable skill.

I seem to have had this description for most of my adult life, and somehow, have paid my bills and lived a great life.

While most professionals climb a career ladder by narrowing their focus, a professional beginner climbs by widening their scope. They don’t claim to be a veteran expert in any single domain; instead, their expertise lies in the speed at which they can conquer a learning curve.

They are intellectual chameleons, drop-in problem solvers, and professional translators. Here is what defines them:

1. The Core Mindset: High Confidence, Low Ego

The most distinct trait of a professional beginner is a unique psychological balance:

• Zero Ego: They are completely unphased by walking into a room and saying, “I don’t know what that acronym means, please explain it to me.” They don’t waste cognitive energy pretending to know things they don’t.
• Radical Confidence: While they have low ego about their current knowledge, they have sky-high confidence in their ability to learn. They operate on a fundamental belief: If another human being figured this out, I can figure it out too.

2. The Skillset of Rapid Acquisition

A professional beginner doesn’t learn like an academic; they learn like an engineer. They possess a meta-skill: learning how to learn.

• Deconstruction: They can look at a complex system (a new coding language, a supply chain bottleneck, a financial model) and instantly break it down into its core components.
• The 20% Filter: They instinctively find the 20% of vocabulary and concepts that drive 80% of the daily operations in a given field.
• Analogy Matching: Because they have dabbled in so many industries, they learn by cross-referencing. When learning a new marketing framework, they might think, “Oh, this is just like the feedback loops I learned about in mechanical engineering.”

3. The Professional Value: The “OODA Loop” Expert

In the corporate world, the professional beginner is an incredible asset, particularly in volatile or fast-moving industries. They excel at what military strategist John Boyd called the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).

[Traditional Expert] ───> Relies on historical precedents and "how we've always done it."
                          Can freeze when a totally unprecedented problem occurs.

[Professional Beginner] ─> Relies on first principles and rapid adaptation.
                          Thrives in chaos because they expect to start from scratch.

They are the ultimate “firefighters.” When a company faces a weird, multi-departmental crisis that doesn’t fit neatly into HR, Legal, or Engineering, they drop the professional beginner into the center of it.

4. The Trap to Avoid

The danger of being a professional beginner is becoming a “permanent amateur.” To avoid this, a true professional beginner ensures that while their subject matter changes, their execution standards remain elite. They might be a beginner at the specific technical requirements of a new project, but they are a seasoned master at project management, communication, stakeholder alignment, and critical thinking.

In short: A traditional expert is paid for what they already know. A professional beginner is paid for how fast they can figure out what nobody knows yet.

Whether you are looking to conquer a literal mountain or overcome a personal physical challenge, Everything Awesome is a premier outdoor adventure and rehabilitation organization based in the heart of the Peak District and Sheffield. Far from being a typical tour company, Everything Awesome blends high-octane adventure with expert coaching and specialized medical rehabilitation, creating an inclusive gateway to the great outdoors.

Here is a breakdown of what we here at Everything Awesome can do for you.

1. Master New Skills with Expert Coaching

At the core of Everything Awesome is a commitment to high-quality instruction. Led by Mini Mansell an instructor with an exhaustive portfolio of qualifications the organization offers structured coaching across a variety of disciplines.

• Mountain Biking (MTB): From “Jumps and Drops” workshops to the fundamental core skills, you can learn to navigate technical trails with confidence. We also offer MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 courses for those looking to turn their passion into a professional qualification.
• Rock Climbing: Whether you are transitioning from “Gym to Crag” or wanting to learn the complexities of Traditional (Trad) climbing, they provide safe, expert-led sessions. We even offer ladies-only climbing sessions to foster a supportive environment for female adventurers.
• Paddlesports & More: You can book Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) taster sessions, navigation courses (like “Find Your Way in a Day”), and even archery lessons.

2. Experience Bespoke Adventures

Everything Awesome excels at creating unforgettable memories through guided experiences. If you aren’t looking for a “lesson” but rather a “journey,” they offer guided mountain bike rides through the rugged Peak District, “Waterfall Walks” (such as the stunning Middle Black Clough), and “Weaselling” (a unique Peak District activity involving scrambling through natural rock tunnels and boulders). These sessions are perfect for families, stag/hen dos, or corporate team building events where the goal is to bond through shared adventure.

3. Specialized Rehabilitation & Inclusion

What truly sets us apart is our “sister” mission in Neuro and Spinal Rehabilitation. We act as specialist Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs), working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to support individuals recovering from life-altering injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

We believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. If you have complex physical needs or use a wheelchair, Everything Awesome uses their specialized skill set to adapt activities like climbing or paddling to your specific requirements. We focus on the “Adventure Sports Specialist Rehab” model, helping individuals rediscover their identity and physical potential through nature.

4. Empowerment and Mental Well-being

Beyond the physical activities, Everything Awesome provides a space for personal growth. Our philosophy is built on “Challenge by Choice,” allowing participants to set their own limits and overcome fears at their own pace. This approach builds immense self-confidence and offers a powerful mental health boost, using the transformative power of the Peak District’s landscape to reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Summary

In short, Everything Awesome provides the tools, the expertise, and the environment for you to “ditch the routine.” Whether you are an elite athlete looking to shave seconds off your descent, a beginner nervous about your first climb, or someone navigating a difficult recovery journey, we offer a personalized roadmap to help you experience the world in an awesome way.

Although the title does preclude a gender, i hope the message doesnt. The message being, go prepared. So many problems, just wont become a problem, if you are prepared for them.

The classic “gentleman’s pat-down.” Whether you’re checking your pockets before leaving the house or making sure you haven’t lost your soul (or your keys) at a funeral, this mnemonic has a surprisingly long history.

While most people use it as a quick checklist to ensure they have their essentials, its roots are a bit more “holy.”

The Meaning Behind the Phrase

The phrase is a mnemonic for the Sign of the Cross (the ritual gesture made by Christians, primarily Catholics). The movement of the hand corresponds to the items mentioned:

• Spectacles: Touching the forehead.
• Testicles: Touching the lower abdomen/waist.
• Wallet: Touching the left shoulder (where a man historically kept his wallet in an inside jacket pocket).
• Watch: Touching the right shoulder (referring to a pocket watch kept in the waistcoat).

Historical Context

• The “Pocket” Logic: The order reflects a time when men’s fashion was more formal. Most men were right-handed, so they kept their wallet in the left breast pocket (easy to reach with the right hand) and their pocket watch in the right waistcoat pocket.
• Pop Culture: You might recognize this from movies like Nuns on the Run (1990) or Austin Powers, where it’s used as a joke to help someone “fake” being religious. It also famously appeared in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino.
• The “Pocket Pat”: Today, it’s mostly used by people who aren’t necessarily religious but want a rhythmic way to ensure they haven’t forgotten their gear.

For me, as an outdoor professional, this tends to mean, phone, keys, penknife and specs. (plus first aid kit as a default)

When working, this could include, compass, or bike pocket multi tool,

Of course, in 2026, the modern version is probably more like: “Phone, Keys, Wallet, Vape”—though that doesn’t quite have the same theological ring to it.

How to Tell the Weather from Clouds

High-Level Clouds (Above 20,000 ft)

–

• Cirrus: Thin, wispy “mare’s tails.” Fair now, but rain likely in 24–48 hours.

• Cirrocumulus: “Mackerel scales.” Change in weather coming.

• Cirrostratus: Thin veil, creates a halo around sun/moon. Rain/snow in 12–24 hours.

Mid Level Clouds (6,500 – 20,000 ft)

• Altostratus: Gray sheet. Steady rain/snow arriving in a few hours.

• Altocumulus: Fluffy balls. On warm mornings, signals afternoon thunderstorms.

Low-Level Clouds (Below 6,500 ft)

• Cumulus: “Cotton balls.” Small means fair; vertical growth means storms.

• Stratus: Flat gray blanket. Gloomy with drizzle or mist.

• Stratocumulus: Lumpy and dark. Storm brewing or front passing.

Dan’ger Clouds

• Nimbostratus: Dark and thick. Steady, prolonged rain.

• Cumulonimbus: Towering with anvil top. Heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

• Wall/Shelf Clouds: Wedge-shaped. Severe winds and potential tornadoes.

Quick Tips

• Vertical Growth: Atmosphere is unstable; expect a storm.

• Dark Color: Cloud is heavy with water; rain is imminent.

“

The Values Behind the Investment

Our most valuable asset is not our house, not our car and not any of our possessions.
Its ourselves. The best investment a person can make is in themselves.

At its core, self investment is rooted in a specific set of values that transform it from an act of vanity into an act of stewardship.

1. Self Efficacy and Agency

To invest in yourself, you must first believe that change is possible. This is the value of agency. It is the rejection of the “victim” mindset, choosing instead to believe that through effort and learning, you can alter your trajectory.

2. Long-Term Thinking (Delayed Gratification)

Society often rewards the “now.” Self investment requires patience. It is the understanding that reading a difficult book today might not pay off for a year, but the cumulative knowledge will eventually create a “compound interest” effect.

3. Humility

To invest in your growth, you must admit where you are lacking. This requires humility, the willingness to be a “beginner” again.

The Pillars of Self-Investment

• Intellectual Capital: Staying curious and learning how to learn.

• Physical and Mental Health: Investing in sleep, nutrition, and resilience.

• Social Capital: Building integrity and a network.

The Ultimate Return on Investment (ROI)

The true ROI of self-investment is freedom. The more skilled and resilient you become, the more options you have.

We here at Everything Awesome run some fantastic courses, you can learn new skills, make new friends, and invest!

A question i see asked

Why would anyone pay for guided outdoor activities?

Hiring a professional guide for an outdoor activity—whether it’s mountain biking through rugged terrain, rock climbing a granite face, or navigating a complex backcountry trail—is often viewed by beginners as a luxury. However, the value of a guide extends far beyond simply showing the way. It is an investment in safety, skill acquisition, and the overall quality of the experience.

1. Safety and Risk Management
The most critical value a guide provides is risk mitigation. The outdoors are inherently unpredictable; weather can shift in minutes, trails can be washed out, and equipment can fail. A certified guide is trained to read these variables and make informed decisions that keep participants out of harm’s way.

Beyond environmental awareness, guides are typically trained in First Aid, Typically Advanced Outdoor First Aid. Should an accident occur, having a professional who can stabilize an injury and coordinate an evacuation is the difference between a minor setback and a life-threatening crisis. They carry the heavy first-aid kits, emergency communication devices, and repair tools that the average hobbyist might overlook.

2. Accelerated Learning and Technical Mastery
When you pay for a guide, you are paying for a “fast track” to competence. Trial and error is a slow and sometimes painful way to learn an outdoor sport. A guide provides real-time coaching, correcting your form on a mountain bike or teaching you the most efficient way to plant your trekking poles.

This professional instruction prevents the development of “bad habits” that are difficult to break later. For complex sports like rock climbing or downhill mountain biking, a few hours with a guide can equate to months of self-taught practice. You aren’t just paying for the day; you are paying for a foundation of skills that you will carry into every future adventure.

3. Local Knowledge and Hidden Gems
In the age of digital maps and trail apps, it is easy to think you know a landscape. However, digital data lacks nuance. A guide knows which trails get too muddy after a rain, which viewpoints are best for sunrise, and where the local wildlife is most likely to be spotted without being disturbed.

They provide a layer of interpretive education, sharing stories about the local geology, flora, and history. This transforms a physical workout into a deep, meaningful connection with the environment. You aren’t just passing through the woods; you are understanding the ecosystem you are standing in.

4. Logistics and Peace of Mind
Outdoor adventures require a mountain of logistics: gear rentals, permits, transportation, and meal planning. A guided service often handles these “invisible” tasks. This allows the participant to remain in a state of flow, focusing entirely on the activity rather than worrying about whether they packed enough water or if they are parked in a legal zone.

Conclusion
Ultimately, paying for a guide is about maximizing the “return on adventure.” By offloading the stress of navigation and safety to a professional, you free your mind to fully engage with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you are a novice looking for a safe introduction or an intermediate athlete looking to level up, a guide provides the expertise that turns a good day outside into an unforgettable one.

It’s easy for sports coaches to forget the “beginner’s struggle.” Once you’ve mastered a discipline, your movements become economical and refined; you’ve trimmed away the excess until the difficult looks effortless. To an outsider, an expert barely looks like they’re trying. But for a novice, every fundamental is a conscious battle, and every motion is inefficiently large.

To reconnect with this reality, I’ve decided to become a beginner again.

Despite being a competent Stand Up Paddleboarder (SUP), I am qualified as an instructor, leader, and sheltered water coach. I have stepped into the world of white water SUP. The experience has been transformative. I am loving the “fun of doing,” but I’m finding even more value in the “fun of failing.” Making mistakes and navigating the steep learning curve of a new environment has been incredibly grounding.

This experience has reinforced a vital lesson: Empathy is a coaching superpower. When we remain comfortable in our expertise, we lose touch with the cognitive load and physical frustration our students face. We forget what it feels like to have “clumsy” muscles or a brain overwhelmed by basic cues. By placing myself back at the starting line, I am reminded of how a beginner actually processes information and how vital patience is to the learning cycle.

I would advise any coach, regardless of their accolades or qualifications, to pick up a sport they have never tried. Immerse yourself in the awkwardness of a new skill. Understanding the emotional and physical hurdles of a novice firsthand is the single most effective way to refine your communication and become a more impactful, empathetic educator.

Being an expert is great, but being a beginner is where the real growth, for both you and your future students, truly happens.

To become a qualified paddlesport coach, the primary route is through the British Canoeing (Paddle UK) pathway. This qualification allows you to coach specific disciplines (like Sea Kayak, White Water, or SUP) and environments.

The route is split into three main phases: Training, Consolidation, and Assessment.

1. Prerequisites (The Essentials)

Before you can formally begin the assessment phase, you must meet these foundational requirements:

• National Association Membership: You must be a full member of Paddle UK (or Paddle Scotland, Paddle Wales, or Paddle Northern Ireland).
• Safeguarding Training: An in-date (within 3 years) recognized safeguarding certificate.
• First Aid Award: Usually a 1-day (8-hour) or 2-day (16-hour) certificate, depending on the environment you plan to coach in.
• Personal Skills: While not always a formal prerequisite for training, you should be at a Paddle Explore Award level (or equivalent) to ensure you are comfortable on the water.

2. The Training Phase

The coaching qualification is “modular,” meaning you can take these two courses in any order, though most people start with Core.

Core Coach Training (2 Days)

This is a discipline-neutral course that focuses on the “How” and “Who” of coaching.

• Content: Learning theory, different coaching styles, and how to structure a session to meet a learner’s needs.
• Format: Can be taken as a 2-day practical course or an online modular version.

Discipline Specific Training (2 Days)

This focuses on the “What” and “Where.” You choose one of 20+ pathways (e.g., Sheltered Water Coach, White Water Kayak Coach, or SUP Open Water Coach).

• Content: Technical and tactical skills specific to your chosen craft and environment.
• Prerequisite: You should have the personal paddling skills and, for some moderate/advanced environments, the relevant Leadership Award.

3. Consolidation & Registration

Once training is complete, you enter a “development phase” to practice your skills.

• Coaching Log: You are encouraged to log your coaching hours and reflective practice.
• Registration: You must formally register for the Coach Award with your National Association (fee applies) to access the Coach Award eLearning.
• Check-In: At least 2 weeks before your assessment, you must “Check-In” online to verify that all your prerequisites (First Aid, Safeguarding, Training, and eLearning) are on your record.

4. The Assessment (1 Day)

The final step is a practical assessment where an assessor observes you working with real students.

• Assessment Task: You will likely be asked to plan and deliver a progressive coaching session.
• Technical Check: You must demonstrate that your own personal paddling and rescue skills are at the required standard for that environment.

Summary Table: The Pathway at a Glance