SUP Safari For Beginners

Award-Winning SUP Safari: A River Adventure for Beginners

Award-winning and unforgettable!

Discover the beauty of the River Avon with Wittering SUP, an ASI-accredited SUP school. Our SUP Safari is more than just a paddleboarding lesson—it’s a journey into the serene wilderness of one of Worcestershire’s most picturesque waterways. Whether you're new to stand-up paddleboarding or looking to refine your skills, this unique experience combines skill-building, safety, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.

The River Avon offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, winding through unspoiled landscapes where the natural world takes centre stage. As you glide along the calm waters, you’ll experience the joy of paddleboarding in a setting teeming with wildlife—from the flash of a kingfisher to the playful antics of otters. This isn’t just a ‘learn to SUP’ session; it’s a chance to connect with the wild, boost your confidence, and create unforgettable memories in a safe, supportive environment.

Spring 2025 Update: Nature Awakes

As the river springs back to life, expect a vibrant display of nature’s finest. The lush greenery frames the waterways, and the bright yellow river lilies bloom again, dotting the surface like little sunbursts. Dragonflies and damselflies dart and dance in the air, joined by the gentle buzz of diverse (and non-biting!) insect life. This abundance draws in an array of birds: from the unmistakable flash of a kingfisher to the soaring majesty of buzzards, red kites, and kestrels. Listen for the distinctive call of the rare curlew or the cheerful chatter of reed warblers.

It’s more than an adventure; it’s a mindful retreat into nature’s embrace. Feel the calm rhythm of the water, enjoy moments of peaceful stillness, and soak in the beauty around you—it’s the perfect way to unwind, reconnect, and recharge.

What Makes Our SUP Safari Special?

Learn Professional Paddle Techniques: Gain power, efficiency, and stability while protecting yourself from injury.
Master Paddle Safety: Understand your environment, choose the right gear, and know what makes a good board.
Brave Beginners, Take the Challenge!: Try pivot turns or SUP yoga exercises if you’re feeling adventurous.
Exclusive Rewards: Enjoy 10% off hot drinks, cakes, and delicious lunches from Revill’s Farm Shop, right next door. (Groups, book ahead to secure your table!)

Perfect For:

Beginners: Never tried paddleboarding? This is the ideal introduction, with a supportive team to guide you every step of the way.
Adventurous Intermediates: Brush up on your skills while immersing yourself in nature.
Wildlife Enthusiasts: Spot kingfishers, herons, red kites, otters, and even rare curlews.

Activity Details:

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Location: Arden Sailing Club to Nafford Lock via Eckington Bridge
Ages: 12+ (under 18s with a guardian)
Swimming Requirement: Participants must be able to swim 50m
Cost: £60 per person (min booking of 2) | £220 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children under 18)

Are you a solo paddler looking to join a group? No worries! Click here to let us know what you’re looking for.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Welcome & Gear Up: Arrive at the Sailing Club for smiles, high-fives, and your paddleboarding essentials.
Land-Based Lesson: Learn about paddleboards, their features, and accessories. Get expert tips on kneeling, standing, paddling techniques, and self-rescue skills.
Practice on Water: Start kneeling, gain confidence, and transition to standing—all at your own pace.
Explore the River: Paddle downstream through the peaceful beauty of the River Avon, spotting wildlife and enjoying the gentle rhythm of the water.
Debrief & Celebrate: End your adventure with a safe exit from the water, followed by a debrief and plenty of high-fives!
Custom Support: If neurodiversity or disabilities might impact your adventure, let us know—we’ll work with you to create a safe, tailored plan.

Book Your Adventure

Ready to try the UK’s fastest-growing watersport while exploring one of the most beautiful rivers in Worcestershire? Join our SUP Safari and experience award-winning adventure, connection with nature, and plenty of fun along the way.

Give them the gift of SUP! Click here to buy this experience as a voucher for someone else!

Additional Information

1Being YOU @ Wittering SUP

You are welcome here. Our aim is to ensure a safe and accessible way for every being to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of stand-up paddleboarding regardless of race, religion, size, gender, sexual orientation or disability. If you feel that you or a loved one’s neurodiversity or disability might impact your SUP adventure, please talk to us so that we can curate a plan and a safe space for you.

2COVID19 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.

3On-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.

4What 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.

5What 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 ;)

6Feeling 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 :)

7Refund & 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.

8Gift 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 :)