Port Calls Brad Mackelden
No trip to Port is complete without a dip in the sea! That’s why we’ve teamed up with Brad from Be-Rad Watersports for Paddle Boarding At Port.
This September sees Be-Rad Watersports pitch up at Port for some paddleboarding classes.
Dive into the weekend with a SUP paddleboarding session, right on Port’s doorstep. Be-Rad will provide you with the board, all the necessary safety gear and guidance, so all you need are your swimmies.
Saturday 18th September, 8.30am – 10.00am
Saturday 25th September, 8.30am – 10.00am
£45 for 1.5 hours.
Bookings are non-refundable. In the case of event cancellation due to weather conditions, participants will be fully refunded by Port.
Book your place now by calling the Port team on 01323 438 526.
To learn more about Be-Rad’s watersports activities, we grabbed some time with Brad on dry land to get the low-down on his classes, and his love of the water, whatever the weather.
What fuelled your love of the water?
As a child, I was very fortunate to be brought up in Pevensey Bay. My parents have always lived directly on the beach and so it was only natural that I took up watersports from a fairly young age. My dad has always windsurfed and he took up kitesurfing when it first came out, over twenty years ago. So I have my parents to thank for getting me hooked on watersports!
What do you love about the Sussex coast?
I love the Sussex coast as it is such a diverse area. We have some stunning scenery that’s hard to beat. In my opinion, it’s one of the best coastlines in the UK and I can't be the only one that thinks this as tourists flock here, year on year.
When did you set up Be-Rad Watersports?
I set up Be-Rad Watersports in 2018. I found a love for instructing at a young age - there is no better way to live, than to turn your hobby into your career. That's exactly what I’ve done! Instructing watersports has allowed me to travel all around the world doing what I love. From my seasons working abroad, I have gathered a wealth of experience and knowledge which has allowed me to now offer a fantastic experience to my students.
Be-Rad Watersports is a Kitesurf and Stand up paddleboard shop & school, based in Pevensey Bay. We are open all year - I hope to see you in the shop or on the water for some lessons soon.
What watersports do you concentrate on, and is there something for every ability?
We specialise in the instruction of Kitesurfing, Stand-Up-Paddleboarding, and Wing-foiling.
Stand-Up-Paddleboarding; This is a great sport to learn if you want to experience the thrill of being on the water and being at one with the sea. The great thing about SUP is that it is relatively quick and simple to learn. I would highly recommend having a lesson for your first few times, but after a couple of lessons with us, you'll be independent enough to go out alone.
Kitesurfing; Is a great sport to complement SUP. When it's too windy and rough for paddleboarding, it’s great to try kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is a high power adrenaline-pumping watersport. Be-Rad Watersports is an affiliated kitesurf school with the International Kiteboarding Organisation. We will teach you in a safe and controlled manner with a clear progression towards becoming an independent kitesurfer. We also offer advanced lessons in waveriding, jumping, foiling, freestyle etc.
Wing-foiling; A very new sport which has only taken off in the past two years. Winging can be done on a SUP to introduce wind sports in a low-risk fun way, great for families and kids. It can also become a very exhilarating and technical watersport when using a hydrofoil. We teach on sups and with hydrofoils too. The wing is a handheld sail that gains its shape and rigidity once inflated. The rider stands on a board and uses the wing to harness wind energy which in turn, powers them along.
If you haven't surfed before can you still try kite surfing?
You do not need to have any watersports or wind sports experience before trying kitesurfing. People of all ages and sizes can learn to kitesurf with us. I recommend booking our Day-1 and Day-2 kitesurf course as a great introduction. All the lessons we offer can be booked online on our website.
“SUP yoga was a new addition for last year. It was a massive hit with our customers and we loved the chilled and relaxed post-work vibes.”
Where do you go on your different paddle boarding excursions and what is it about each of the spots that you love?
We teach the majority of our lessons on the sea here in Pevensey Bay. Pevensey is a beautiful stretch of the coast to visit, being situated in a bay keeps it a little more protected from the wind and makes it a safe place to venture onto the water. We also offer guided river tours and excursions, one destination to check out is the Cuckmere River. This makes for a stunning paddle through the meanders. I highly recommend going late in the evening as it often becomes too busy during the day. When you book a lesson with us and we'll show you some of our favourite local waterways.
If someone wants a bit more guidance, can they book 1-2-1 lessons?
1-2-1 tuition is a fantastic way of learning a new watersport with us. We can cover whatever you want to learn. From your first time on the water, all the way up to advanced lessons in any of the sports we offer. Another bonus with taking private classes with us is having the opportunity to use Bb-Talkin radio headsets for clear, calm and precise instruction.
Private tuition can be offered on a 1-2-1 basis and it can also be offered on a group basis. This option is very popular if you want to learn with a friend or family members.
For those that want to go it alone, do you hire out your paddle boards and wetsuits?
Yes, we offer paddleboard hire/rental. It’s only £30 to hire a paddleboard for 1.5 hours. All equipment is provided - the boards will be set up for you and ready to ride directly from the beach here in Pevensey Bay. We do not hire wetsuits as this is a very personal item. Wetsuits can be purchased from our shop located here in Pevensey Bay though.
What are your three favourite things about living in Eastbourne?
1. Having a stunning coastline for enjoying watersports.
2. Being near to the Downs which is a great mountain bike destination.
3. Only 1.5 hours from London, making it very accessible.
Any must-visit recommendations for people headed to Eastbourne and the surrounds?
I highly recommend going mountain biking in Friston Forest. You’ll find a selection of single track and downhill trails. You can take it easy on the gentle trails to start with or find some of the steeper trails with jumps, drops, and fast flowing sections.
To book with Brad head to their website and follow their moves on @be_rad_watersports
With thanks to Emma Croman for the photography.