SUP Safari For Beginners

Awarded 'Experience of The Year 22/23' at Visit Worcestershire's Tourism Awards!

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.

We really are fortunate here; the River Avon is a slow, winding, dreamy escape of a river that meanders away from roads, towns and the noise of civilisation into a quiet wilderness full of creatures large and small. This is 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 this unique perspective. WAY more than just a SUP adventure this comprehensive beginner's paddle lesson and SUP safari experience is all about skills, safety, confidence and tranquillity!

Summer 2024 update: The weather has been a bit hit & miss this year but the river is no less beautiful for that. The lush riverside vegetation, the bright yellow river lily flowers and the susurration of the reeds and the willow trees make for total serenity. The Dragonflies (originally know as Devil's Darning Needles!) are everywhere along with the pretty damsels and a real diversity of (non biting) insect life. This of course means lots of birds; the iconic kingfisher, the majestic buzzards, kestrels and Red Kites, the rare curlew and a cacophony of reed warblers. Nature at it's most tranquil and beautiful!

Develop a professional paddle technique; more power, less effort, more stability, and protection from injury.
Learn all about paddle safety; knowing your environment, taking the right gear and finding the right board
Gentle invitations to try pivot turns and sup yoga exercises for brave beginners!
Get 10% discount on hot drinks, cakes and delicious lunches after your paddle from our pals at Revill's Farm Shop situated right next to us! (For groups we highly recommend booking ahead to reserve your table!)

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).
All 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 session? No worries, click here to tell us what you're after!

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!

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.

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 :)