The Grand Hotel in Tynemouth was originally built in 1872 as a summer residence for the Duchess of Northumberland. Since its metamorphosis into a hotel five years later it has enjoyed an illustrious history, playing host to the likes of Dame Vera Lynn, the Irish comedian Dave Allen and Laurel and Hardy.

The comedic duo would stay at the opulent and imposing Grand whenever they were appearing at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.

For Stan Laurel, who spent part of his childhood in nearby North Shields, returning to the Grand would have been a trip down memory lane. My stay had more contemporary purpose — I was in Tynemouth to try what seems to be de rigueur among celebrities: stand-up paddleboarding.

Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston and the former 007 Pierce Brosnan have all been pictured embracing a sport whose origins can be traced to ancient Polynesia. Its advocates claim that stand-up paddleboarding, which entails standing on a big surfboard and using a paddle to control one’s direction, is the fastest-growing sport in the world.

Tynemouth beach looks resplendent, the waves small but perfectly formed. There is just one problem: “SUPs” (stand-up paddleboards) are derided as pointless and unwieldy by just about every surfer I know. Nevertheless, comforted by the fact that no one knows me here, I take to the water under the tutelage of Joe Thwaites, an instructor with a company called Boardskillz.

The first 20 minutes are a disaster but eventually I relax, find the balance point on the board and catch a few waves. It’s fun and provides an excellent workout, too. So am I now a convert to the SUP cause?

No, because where I live in the far west of Cornwall we have plenty of waves, which I’d rather surf in conventional fashion. But as a flat-water sport I’d say that if riding an SUP is good enough for 007, it’s good enough for me.

More information at boardskillz.co.uk