Personalised Private SUP Coaching

A session designed entirely around you.
Whether you are stepping onto a board for the first time or looking to refine your technical stroke, our 1:1 sessions provide the dedicated space you need to progress. Based at our quiet Defford HQ, this is more than a lesson, it is a tailored experience designed to meet your specific goals, physical needs, and pace.

With the undivided attention of an award-winning ASI instructor, you can bypass the "noise" of a group environment and focus entirely on your connection with the water.

Why Choose Private Paddleboard Coaching?

  • Total Confidence: Ideal for those who feel nervous or self-conscious. We start exactly where you are, with no pressure to keep up with anyone else.

  • Technical Mastery: For existing paddlers, we dive deep into the five phases of the paddle stroke, improving efficiency and protecting your body from injury.

  • Quiet Immersion: A 1:1 session allows for a deeper reset. Without group distractions, you can truly settle into the "soft fascination" of the River Avon and its wildlife.

  • Bespoke Support: We specialise in adaptive coaching for neurodiversity and physical disabilities, ensuring the water is accessible to everyone.

Activity Details

  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Location: Arden Sailing Club, Defford.

  • Ages: 18+.

  • Swimming: All participants must be able to swim 50m.

  • 1:1 Session: £90 (Single participant).

  • 1:2 Session: £180 (Bring a partner or friend).

What you'll be doing

We sequence the session to move from land-based logic to water-based flow.

  • A Calm Welcome: Meet at the Sailing Club to kit up with premium boards, paddles, and safety gear.
  • The Safety Foundation: A 15-minute land-based briefing. We cover board anatomy, paddle technique, and the "Safety Net", mastering self-rescue so your mind can relax once we’re afloat.
  • Finding Your Balance: We launch into a sheltered spot to practice kneel-paddling. Once your nervous system feels settled, we transition to standing at a pace that feels right for you.
  • River Exploration: We’ll head downstream to practice your new skills. This is where we focus on the "hush" of the river, spotting kingfishers, red kites, or otters as you find your rhythm.
  • Advanced Progression: For experienced paddlers, we’ll work on pivot turns, stroke refinement, and water-reading skills to take your prowess to the next level.
  • The Wrap-up: A safe exit from the water and a detailed debrief to celebrate your progress.
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Develop Your Skills: The 3-Session Course

Save and progress with a block-booking of three sessions for £240 (Individual) or £480 (1:2). The best way to turn a new skill into a lasting habit. Over three 1.5-hour sessions, we take you from foundations to a seasoned, confident paddler. This allows us more time to explore advanced water safety, refined paddle mechanics, and deeper reaches of the River Avon.

  • How it works: Book your first session online, and we will arrange your subsequent two dates to suit your schedule.

Book your session tickets below

Simply choose your day and preferred session time and select your tickets. Any questions just give us a call and we'll walk you through it :)

Buy this experience for someone else with one of our gift vouchers.

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.
3What is included?
Our sessions include all the gear you need to get on the water, we’ll kit you out with an adjustable paddle (we’ll adjust this to your height when you arrive). You’ll be learning on a beautiful 10’6” Sandbanks SUP Style Art Board. Quick release safety belt on every board and buoyancy aids if required.
4What should you wear?
We just ask that you dress for the weather; board shorts and tee shirts are a favourite in the Summer, or perhaps your yoga or gym outfit. Quick-drying and sun-safe are a good choice (don't forget your suncream on a warm day). During the cooler months you may want to wear a few layers or perhaps a hoody; feel free to bring your own wetsuit. We have a few wetsuits and thermal rash vests you are welcome to borrow :) On my feet I prefer a physical connection with my board so I 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 you :)
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.
7Gift vouchers / Pre-bought tickets
To redeem an experience gift voucher with us, simply select a date to book your session and at the checkout click the 'Enter promo code' link at the top and enter your unique, 5 digit voucher code (found at the bottom of your voucher email or card) and a 100% discount will be applied to your purchase :)