Summer SUP Paddleboard Camp For Kids 8+
Summer paddleboarding activity sessions for kids 8-15 on the beautiful River Avon with Wittering SUP; an ASI accredited SUP school .
Kid's SUP sessions are back! Our 1.5hr paddleboarding activity sessions are designed to get them outside, having fun, learning new skills, connecting with peers and nature in a safe, confidence building environment.
As an ASI accredited school our instructors hold current, full DBS checks and are all water safety and sports first-aid trained. We are taking 8 children per session with 2 instructors per session. (1:4 instructor/child ratio).
Our sessions include everything they need to enjoy a fun packed day including learning to Paddleboard, water safety training, games, races, raft building, jousting, water pistol fun and the all important, post paddle cookie break!
Activity duration: approximately 1.5hrs.
Location: Arden Sailing Club, Defford
Ages 8-15
All participants must be able to swim 50m.
Cost: £45 per child
What they'll be doing
- Meet and greet at the Sailing Club, lots of smiles and high-fives 😃
- Mums & dads make themselves comfy on a picnic bench to watch or disappear for some quiet coffee time to the farmshop (10% discount at the farmshop for paddler's parents!)
- We kit them out with paddles, boards and buoyancy aids
- They will learn all about paddleboards, their key features and history of the sport
- Our land based briefing (approx 15 minutes) will teach them:
- How to kneel paddle (forwards / backwards / turning)
- How to transition from kneeling to standing
- How to paddle correctly (including the 5 phases of the paddle stroke)
- Safety and self rescue techniques; how to fall correctly and how to get back on their board
- We will then carry our boards to the water, get in and practice our kneel paddling techniques
- Once everybody is happy and confident (usually about 15 minutes) we will start to explore down the river, taking turns to practice transitioning from kneeling to standing (never rushing this bit, all at their own pace) and have lots of fun learning a new skill!
- Lots of water based games, silliness and races!
- Learn how to safely exit the water followed by their debriefing, squash and cookies and more high-fives all around!
Additional Information
1COVID19 Secure Audited
All our sessions will be socially distanced, hygienic and will adhere to government guidelines and advice from British Canoeing, the ASI and the Avon Navigation Trust as these evolve over time as well as meeting our own internal COVID19 risk assessment standards. We are ASI COVID19 Secure Audited.
2On-site facilities
Wittering SUP HQ is based at Arden Sailing Club where we have toilets, changing rooms, light refreshments, picnic tables and secure parking onsite. It is not a public venue and as such is very secure.
You are welcome to stay on site during the activity time (picnic tables and a toilet are currently available) or you can leave them with us and head off for some 'you' time (Revell's Farm Shop do some lovely cakes and lunches) :)
3What is included?
Our 2hr paddle camp sessions include all the gear they need to get on the water, we’ll kit them out with:
An adjustable paddle. they’ll be learning on a beautiful 10’6” Sandbanks SUP Style Art Board. Safety leash on every board and buoyancy aid.
4What should they wear?
We just ask that they dress for the weather; board shorts and tee shirts are a favourite in the Summer, or perhaps their favourite sports or swimming outfit. Quick-drying and sun-safe are a good choice (don't forget their suncream on a warm day).
On our feet we prefer a physical connection with the board so tend to go barefoot, but any water-shoe is fine or even a pair of old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet.
A towel and a change of clothes are a good idea, just in case.
5Feeling a little unsure?
New skills outside of our comfort zone can always seem a little daunting, but we are always SO much more capable than we think we are. We are passionate about making sure everybody feels safe, confident and happy with their experience; our approach is gentle, supportive and compassionate and you have nothing to worry about; we’ll look after them.
6Refund & Cancellation Policy
We have to plan ahead and session spaces are limited so we offer a full refund if you notify us of your cancellation 2 weeks before your session or a 50% refund a week before your booked session (gift voucher sessions are non-refundable).
We only operate under the safest conditions, as such if the weather (wind), or water (flow/flood) conditions are not appropriate for beginner’s lessons we will notify you and arrange a more suitable date for your experience.
We have just come back from a morning SUP and I must say what an absolute blast! James is brilliant, so calm, patient and knowledgable. My daughter from being a little nervous was up and standing within the hour! I really cannot recommend James highly enough, the guy is a proper legend!
