A full day on the River Avon blending paddleboarding, simple mindfulness and a seasonal riverside lunch. Small group. All kit included. Beginners welcome.

615 ★★★★★ reviews • 10 places only • Qualified SUP & Mindfulness Instructors

Join us for a rejuvenating day retreat on the River Avon, blending stand-up paddleboarding, guided mindfulness, SUP yoga and nourishing food. Designed to help you “leave everything on the bank for a while,” our retreat aims to soothe anxiety, ease nerves, and welcome you just as you are.

Nervous or new to SUP? We’ve got you. Free reschedule if weather says no.

“I was anxious about falling in… Alex made us feel completely at ease.” ★★★★★ — Natasha R

Spring Retreat — Saturday 16th May 2026

Autumn Retreat — Saturday 19th September 2026

Time: 9:30am–3:30/4:00pm (approx. 6 hours)
Location: Arden Sailing Club, on the peaceful River Avon
Group Size: Maximum 10 people (ages 18+)
Cost:

  • £135 per person (includes all equipment and a nourishing lunch
  • £250 for two (bring a friend and save £20)

Why Join?

Calm your body and mind
Gentle, science-backed mindfulness woven into blue-space time on the water. Leave the noise on the bank and come back to yourself.

Feel confident on a board
Clear coaching, small group, steady pace. If you’re nervous, we’ll stay close. If you want a little challenge, we’ll give you one.

Good food, good company
Seasonal lunch from our local farm shop and time to connect with kind people in a beautiful riverside setting.

Real words from retreat guests

“Absolutely fantastic day on a Mindfulness SUP Yoga Day… lovely food and drinks… beautiful experience. Highly recommended.” ★★★★★ — Szija SK
“Day course with Mindfulness, Yoga, Paddleboard and Wild Swim… welcoming, high standard of tuition, delicious lunch.” ★★★★★ — Mandy B
“A fun and different way of doing yoga… I really enjoyed the session.” ★★★★★ — Belinda G

What’s Included

  • SUP coaching and safety briefing

  • Guided mindfulness on shore and afloat

  • Optional SUP yoga or wild dip

  • All equipment, wetsuits, and buoyancy aids

  • Hot showers and riverside facilities

  • Seasonal lunch from our local farm shop

  • Photos from the day

Meet Your Hosts

  • James:  SUP coach and MBCT teacher. Calm, clear and quietly encouraging.
    Alex:  SUP yoga instructor and open-water swim coach. Famous for making wobbly feel safe.

Retreat Itinerary (Approx.)

  • 9:30am – Welcome circle and introductions

  • 10:00am – Mindfulness practice on land

  • 10:30am – Gentle SUP yoga warm-up

  • 11:00am – Paddleboard lesson & safety briefing

  • 11:30–1:30pm – Mindful paddling, optional SUP yoga, and wild swim

  • 1:30pm – Return to shore, hot showers, warming drinks

  • 2:30–4:00pm – Riverside picnic lunch, reflection and farewells

(Timings may flex with the flow of the day)

Practicalities

  • Adults 18+, able to swim 50m

  • Come solo or with a friend – most do!

  • Wear swimwear or gym kit, bring a towel and warm layer – we provide everything else

  • Free parking, changing rooms and hot showers at Arden Sailing Club

  • Weather-safe: if river conditions aren’t right, we’ll reschedule or refund at no cost

Ten places only. If your shoulders dropped reading this, it’s probably for you.

“The most tranquil Shavasana I’ve ever experienced… peaceful setting made it truly special.” ★★★★★ — Natasha R
“Welcoming, high-standard tuition and a delicious lunch. Highly recommend.” ★★★★★ — Mandy B

 

Sample Menu

  • Free Range Cured Egg Yolk on Baked Blini Canapé
  • Small Veggie Sausage Roll
  • Half Sandwich on Seeded GI bread, a choice of either
    Cheese & Chutney/ Egg mayo/ Ham & Mustard
  • Mini Scone with Jam & Cream
  • Fresh lemon, ginger and honey tea

    All our ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced where possible and prepared for you fresh at the cafe on site. Our retreat menu is always designed to provide you with healthy nourishment that doesn't compromise on deliciousness!

Additional Information

1On-site facilities
Free parking, hot showers, toilets, disabled access, cafe, seating, covered area.
2What is included?
We will provide you with all the equipment necessary for your retreat. You only need to bring yourselves but if there is anything you would like to bring with you for your own comfort then please do.
3What should you wear?
Make sure you have a towel, a change of clothes and perhaps a swim hat and goggles if you intend to swim. Plan ahead for the weather on your day - if the sun is shining bring sunblock and a bottle of water to keep with you. A hat can be really helpful to keep the sun out of your eyes whilst still allowing you free movement (sunglasses not so much). On cooler days be sure to bring plenty of extra layers and maybe a spare towel or dry robe if you have one.
4Feeling 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 :)
5Refund & 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.

Click here to buy this retreat day as a gift voucher