Hosted by James & Alex Wittering at our peaceful HQ on the river Avon, our nourishing day of SUP & mindfulness retreat is all about you.

Focus on Wellbeing
With a focus on wellbeing, this experience introduces you to the powerful combination of evidence-based mindfulness practices and the fun, inherently mindful activity of stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy the beauty of one of the UK's prettiest river locations.

Nourishment for Mind, Body, and Tummy
We've packed this experience full of nourishment for your mind, body, and tummy. Learn effective stress-busting, relationship-boosting, and insomnia-quelling strategies through a beginner-friendly introduction to MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy). Gain confidence in stand-up paddleboarding in a low-pressure, supportive small group setting. Enjoy a locally sourced, nourishing lunch prepared by the local farm shop.

Mindfulness on the Water
Most of what we learn about mindfulness during this retreat will be integrated into our experience on the water. We'll take a mindful paddle together to a secluded spot for quiet, reflective time close to nature. There will be time to swim and practice yoga moves on a paddleboard.

Beginner-Friendly Environment
This is a completely beginner-friendly retreat. All activities provide opportunities for both experienced yogis to deepen their practice and beginners to move at their own pace.

Connecting and Reflecting
It's really about sharing time on the water, developing deeper insights into how mindfulness, good food, and connecting with nature and each other can resource us, making us better equipped to handle everyday challenges.

We all struggle in our own way; leave it all on the bank for a while.

 

Your retreat hosts:

James is an ASI-accredited technical SUP coach and MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) teacher via the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation.

Alex is an ASI-accredited SUP Yoga instructor, a qualified yoga teacher and an STA open water swim coach.

A quiet & resourcing day retreat

Intimate Group Size
You may already know that we are not about big groups and this retreat is no exception. With just eight spaces available, this retreat is a unique and intimate experience, giving you the space to reconnect with your body and mind at your own pace.

Supportive Environment
We will provide a supportive, peaceful environment for you to develop your mindful practice, learn to paddleboard (or deepen your existing knowledge), and move at your own pace. Simply take the time to listen to your body and give it what it needs.

Inclusive and Welcoming
Small groups mean that we all have the time and space to get to know each other, to listen mindfully, and to ensure that everybody feels included, safe, and welcome.

Personalised Attention
We love being present with our guests, and we will have the space and time to encourage, support, and answer any questions individually so that you get everything you can from the day.

Our retreat itinerary for the day

9:30am  Settling in and making new friends :)

10:00 - 10:30am: Introduction to the day

10:30 - 11:15am: Introducing Mindfulness on a Paddleboard: We will sit as a group in a circle of paddleboards, exploring the foundations of mindfulness.

11:15 - 11:30am: On-land learn to paddleboard lesson;

Here we'll run through everything you need to know; safety, equipment, how to kneel, how to stand, how to self-rescue, paddle techniques etc

11:30 - 11:45am We'll head out on the water 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 your own pace) and finding our feet. 

11:45 - 13:45pm - A mindful paddle, exploring the river, being with nature, mindful practices on the boards, perhaps even wild swimming and SUP yoga. We will allow the day to unfold as it does before we return resourced and a little peckish.

13:45 - 14:30pm - Hot showers, change and a comforting, homemade hot lemon and ginger drink

14:30 - 16:00pm Riverside picnic: A seasonal, locally sourced lunch (see menu) before we pack up and say our goodbyes.

Activity duration: 6hrs approximately
Location: Arden Sailing Club
Ages 18+ 
Maximum group size of 8
All participants must be able to swim 50m.
Cost: £135 per person (including everything you need and your lunch)

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