Stand-up Paddleboard River Safari For Beginners
Learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and enjoy a SUP safari adventure on the beautiful River Avon with Wittering SUP; an ASI accredited SUP school and a British Canoeing Delivery Partner.
COVID19 LATEST: 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 also COVID19 Secure Audited by the ASI.
This time of year is especially beautiful; the leaves changing colour to reds and golden browns along the bank, pretty frosts and a haunting layer of mist on the water early in the morning. It's such a privilege watching the river move through the seasons :)
We really are very lucky here; the River Avon is a slow, winding, dreamy escape of a river that meanders away from roads, towns and the noise of civilization into a quiet wilderness full of creatures large and small. I quite regularly see deers swimming in the river during the Summer and Red Kites are starting to shadow us as we paddle along too! This is way more than just your average 'learn to SUP' session, this is a complete experience giving you the skills to escape into nature safely on a paddleboard so you can explore these natural spaces from the unique perspective of walking on water!
This activity is perfect for..
Absolute beginners or intermediates looking for a refresher and an adventure., You'll learn how to stand up paddleboard followed by a peaceful tour of the beautiful river Avon to enjoy the tranquillity and local wildlife (kingfishers, deer, herons, wagtails, skylarks, swallows, Canada Geese, swans, buzzards, Red Kites, otters and even rare curlews at moment!).Activity duration: approximately 2.5hrs.
Trip location: Arden Sailing Club to Nafford Lock via Eckington Bridge
Ages 12+ (under 18s with a guardian).
Min booking of 2, maximum group size of 5.
All participants must be able to swim 50m.
Cost: £55 per person | £165 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children under 18)
What you'll be doing
- Meet and greet at the Sailing Club, lots of smiles and high-fives 😃
- We kit you out with your paddle, board and safety gear
- You will learn all about paddleboards, their key features, accessories and different types
- Our land based briefing (approx 15 minutes) will teach you:
- 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 your 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 your own pace) and have lots of fun as you learn a new skill and find out for yourself why SUP is the fastest growing watersport in the world!
- Learn how to safely exit the water followed by your debriefing 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.
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. Safety leash 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.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions we can't provide you with wetsuits.
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 :)
We had a wonderful time paddleboarding on the river. It was so quiet, calm & peaceful. You get to see amazing wildlife because it's so quiet on the boards. Brilliant instruction from James and a memorable day!