Xpression On The Beach has been rentals and event organization services since 2014. They make it easy for beginners by offering stable boards and helpful coaches who keep things fun and simple.

I appreciated that they offer flexible packages for different group sizes and budgets. I opted for a solo rental, which cost R250 for an hour, and found the process smooth and hassle-free.

They also offer group sessions on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. With up to 15 people, the group was intimate enough to still get personal attention.

Facilities like lockers, changing rooms, and on-site parking make visits hassle-free. Xpression also hosts birthday and work group events, which add a relaxing, mindful touch to the experience.

However, one downside is that weekend lessons can get full quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. 

Friendly, helpful staff

“I really like this crowd!! All your beach activities made easily possible. Friendly, helpful staff. High quality supplies and really good coaches for any new hobby or interest you may want to get in to. Highly recommend!”

Buyisiwe Shongwe – Varenzakis | Google Review

Patient, thorough instructors

“Learning to Sup has been on my bucket list for years and last weekend I finally made the time to try it out.

The instructors were so friendly and patient and explained everything so thoroughly.

The session took place at the Canal (which I was glad about as it was my first time 😅), but  I was reassured that it’s not deep at all and we also have the option of requesting a life jacket.

It was a great experience (and a great workout too) and I’ll definitely be back!”

farzana vadia | Google Review

SUP Cape Town offers a range of SUP experiences, from introductory lessons to guided ocean tours. 

Rentals are available for both short-term sessions and long-term use. During my visit, I was able to rent an inflatable board, which came with a complete kit.

Private lessons are priced at R650 for an hour, with children’s lessons available at R450. The shop also sells paddles and boards for different paddling styles, and discounts are offered for group bookings.

The venue is ideal for team-building events or parties, with ample space and an undercover area. They provide all necessary equipment, including life jackets, and offer helpful advice for choosing the right gear.

However, the costs for long-term rentals can add up, especially for a full week. The lessons may also feel too basic for those looking to advance quickly.

Outstanding Response Time

“Yesterday was my sisters birthday and I’d planned a glorious day on the water with her. We arrived at the beach with our SUPS only to realize that we’d forgotten our paddles… (hands up if this has happened to you!).  Traffic back home would have taken up a good chunk of our paddling day so I called SUP Cape Town and arranged to uber 2 paddles to ourselves at the beach. They were amazing, sending the paddles before I’d even paid for them, as the uber arrived within minutes. Thank you, SUP Cape Town, for saving the day and our perfect spring sup experience.”

The Rouge Revue | Google Review

Memorable Wildlife Encounter

“I was looking for a SUP experience whilst on holiday from the UK and found SUP Cape Town online. I was unsure about paddling on the sea as I had only ever paddled on rivers/ lakes before. WOW what an experience, Brodan was great and the views of Table Mountain were spectacular, we even had dolphins and seals swimming with us. I can’t wait to do it again. I highly recommend.”

Erica Galvin | Google Review

Surf Emporium offers a wide range of services for those looking to try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Their SUP school provides both flat-water and wave-riding lessons, with professional coaching and equipment included. 

They offer private lessons for individuals or small groups, as well as multi-session packages with discounts for larger groups. They also organise team-building events, catering to groups of all sizes. 

They host SUP birthday parties as well, which I tried myself. We had a 2.5-hour session that included paddleboards, wetsuits, a 1:5 instructor ratio, and certificates for everyone at the end.

On a more positive note, they offer monthly club memberships with a 50% discount on surfboard and wetsuit rentals, plus other discounts and full use of their facilities. The “Club Membership Plus” also includes storage for surfboards or SUPs.

A downside is the lack of an online chat feature, which can make it harder to get quick responses for last-minute inquiries. 

Friendly and Professional Service

“Love this place! Friendly, helpful staff, good quality boards and wetsuits. When you hire gear or get lessons you have access to a locker and a change room with showers which is so convinient. The shop is located directly over the road from Muizenburg beach which is an ideal place for catching good waves and for learning how to surf. If you are looking for lessons I would also recommend the instructors here.”

Sarah Jones | Google Review

Outstanding Coaching for Kids

“Couch Liam Peffer!! You rock! Professional, fun, and very knowledgeable.  Annabelle felt so safe.

My 8 year old daughter just her first ever lesson. We did not know there was a kiddie 45 minute option, and we were skeptical about her even wanting to get in the water. Coach Liam was awesome! He had her out there for the whole 90 minutes.  Now she wants a weekly lesson. Thank you Liam you did an amazing job. I’m next!”

Wendy Le Breton | Google Review

Ocean Ventures offers a range of water activities, with stand-up paddling (SUP) being a key highlight. 

I tried a one-hour SUP lesson, which cost R250, and I found it affordable for the experience it offered. Moreover, Equipment hire costs R150 per hour, catering to both beginners and more experienced paddlers.

They also provide additional services, including bodyboard hire, beach chair, and umbrella rentals, making it easy to spend a day at the beach.

Kids’ parties are another feature, where children can enjoy activities like surfing, kayaking, and bodyboarding, all supervised by trained staff.

Moreover, they also offer surfing lessons, kayaking, and bicycle and go-kart rentals. Equipment is available for hire, and the friendly staff ensures an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

However, one downside is that there is no on-site shop, so you’ll need to bring your own supplies like life jackets and paddling gloves. 

Heartfelt service

“My life has been completely changed after the service I received. I did not know that such human compassion towards the ART of SUP was possible. I will definitely come back time and time again. Than you Ocean Ventures, I am a new man.”

Sean Wessels | Google Review

Friendly and accommodating

“Fantastic place to go and experience the waves. Surfing, canoeing and SUP. My son had a fantastic surf lesson with Bongani and I enjoyed the SUP. The owners are very friendly and willing to accommodate you in every way. I will keep going back to Ocean Ventures when we are visiting Durban.”

Jackie Taylor-Smith | Google Review

Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, established in 1979, now has over 1,000 members, ranging from world champions to casual paddlers. The club caters to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts with various paddling options.

They offer stand-up paddling lessons, with 1-on-1 sessions at R400, group lessons at R300, and children’s lessons for R250. Board rentals are also available for R200, allowing paddlers to enjoy the water without their own equipment.

What stood out for me was their Sunday SUP Days, which offer demo equipment, entertainment, and a friendly social atmosphere. I had the chance to meet other paddlers and really enjoyed connecting with the community while out on the water.

However, a drawback is that the club doesn’t have a shop on-site, meaning you can’t easily purchase equipment or accessories. This could be inconvenient for those looking to buy gear while at the club.

Ideal for Active Visitors

“Great place. Nice people. A place for sporty or active people. No fisherman allowed on the club side but there are plenty of places to fish. It is safe and clean,places to drink water and a trusted car guard to watch your cars. You can swim, do SUPing ,canoeing or have a sort of sun day on the weekends.”

Gella Thomas | Google Review

Great Family Spot

“It’s like the beach but in JHB. Perfect for the whole family or friends. Brain place located at waters edge as well as a bar. They have addiotnal free training/introduction lessons on Saturdays so if you’re looking for a new hobby just show up. Bring ample sunscreen. Lawn area and tables available for you to relax. Water is clean, have been swimming (training) for years and no issues to date.”

Christopher-Luke Peers | Google Review