Q&A with Lily Moreland: Paddleboarding at Alderford

If you’ve ever spent a sunny day by the lake at Alderford, chances are you’ve spotted Lily Moreland, one of our most experienced paddlesports instructors, out on the water. With years of teaching under her belt and a passion for getting people out paddling, Lily has introduced hundreds of visitors to the joy of paddleboarding. We sat down with her to chat about paddleboarding, tips for beginners, and what makes Alderford such a special place to learn.

Q: Lily, how did you first get into paddleboarding?

A: I started about eight years ago, just as paddleboarding was becoming popular in the UK. I’ve always loved being outdoors and on the water, so I gave it a try at Alderford and was instantly hooked. What I love most is how accessible it is—you don’t need loads of kit or experience to get started.

Q: What’s the most common misconception people have when they try paddleboarding for the first time?

A: That you’ll be standing up and paddling away within minutes! It does take a bit of practice. Balance is the biggest challenge at first, but I always tell beginners it’s perfectly fine to kneel or even sit on the board while you build confidence. The important thing is getting comfortable on the water.

Q: What’s your number one tip for beginners?

A: Don’t overthink it. Keep your knees soft, look ahead instead of down at your feet, and keep your paddle strokes smooth. And if you fall in—which everyone does at some point—just laugh it off. The lake is the best place to learn because it’s calm and safe.

Q: Do you need to be super fit to enjoy paddleboarding?

A: Not at all. It’s a great full-body workout, but you can take it at your own pace. Some people come out for a gentle paddle to relax, while others treat it like a fitness session. That’s one of the best things about the sport—it’s whatever you make it.

Q: What makes Alderford a unique place to learn paddlesports?

A: Alderford has such a friendly atmosphere, and the lake itself is ideal—big enough to feel like an adventure but sheltered and safe for beginners. Plus, we’ve got trained lifeguards, top-quality kit, and a team that genuinely cares about making your experience enjoyable. Not to mention, you can finish your session with a coffee and cake at the café—that’s always a highlight!

Q: Have you ever had a particularly memorable paddleboarding session here?

A: Definitely the charity paddles—we’ve done 24-hour paddles to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the atmosphere on the water at sunrise is something I’ll never forget. There’s a real sense of community and achievement.

Q: What about those who want to take it further than just a taster session?

A: We offer 1:1 paddleboard lessons, where we can delve into more skills based techniques and continue to develop paddler’s abilities.

Q: Finally, what would you say to someone who’s thinking about giving paddleboarding a go at Alderford?

A: Just do it! You don’t need any experience—we’ll provide everything you need, and you’ll be out on the water before you know it. Most people leave with a smile on their face, already planning their next visit.

👉 Ready to try paddleboarding for yourself? Book your session at Alderford today and join Lily and the team for an adventure on the lake. If you are wanting to book a 1:1 session, please email enquiries@alderford.com