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

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.

Date: Saturday, 10th May
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)

Why Join?

  1. Wellbeing-Focused:
    Experience the powerful blend of mindfulness (MBCT) and the inherently calming activity of SUP. Learn practical strategies to reduce stress, sleep better, and foster healthier relationships.

  2. Nourish Mind, Body & Tummy:

    • Mind: Gain simple, effective mindfulness tools you can integrate into daily life.
    • Body: Learn or refine your SUP skills at a gentle pace, with the option of SUP yoga or wild swimming.
    • Tummy: Enjoy a fresh, locally sourced lunch prepared by our nearby farm shop.

  3. Mindfulness on the Water:
    We’ll weave mindfulness practice into our paddling and take time to be still, reflect, and reconnect with nature. “Leave everything on the bank” for a few hours and return feeling more resourced and restored.

  4. Beginner-Friendly & Supportive:
    Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re deepening an existing practice, we tailor guidance to meet your comfort level. We specialise in supporting participants who feel anxious or uncertain, ensuring you’re safe and at ease on the water.

  5. Connection & Reflection:
    In a small group (max 10 people), you’ll share a sense of community—listening mindfully and encouraging each other. Our goal is to help you head home with a calmer mindset, new friends, and fresh skills to handle life’s challenges.

What’s Included

  • SUP Coaching & Guidance:
    A thorough on-land briefing covering safety, equipment, self-rescue, and proper paddling techniques.
  • Mindfulness Sessions:
    Guided MBCT practices, both on shore and afloat, to help you stay present and grounded.
  • Optional SUP Yoga & Wild Swim:
    Gently explore yoga moves on a paddleboard or take a refreshing dip, if you feel comfortable.
  • Locally Sourced Lunch:
    A seasonal meal prepared by our local farm shop, catering to various dietary needs.
  • Small-Group Experience:
    With no more than ten participants, we provide personal attention and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Meet Your Hosts

  • James: ASI-accredited SUP coach and MBCT teacher (Oxford Mindfulness Foundation). Passionate about helping others find calm and confidence through mindfulness on the water.
  • Alex: ASI-accredited SUP Yoga instructor, qualified yoga teacher, and STA open water swim coach. Known for creating a relaxed, supportive space—both on the board and on the mat.

Retreat Itinerary (Approx.)

  • 9:30am: Warm welcomes, settle in, and connect with fellow participants
  • 10:00–10:30am: Overview of the day (mindfulness & SUP)
  • 10:30–11:15am: On-land mindfulness circle—exploring the foundations of MBCT together on our boards
  • 11:15–11:30am: On-land paddleboard lesson (safety, equipment, standing, self-rescue)
  • 11:30–1:45pm: Mindful paddling, optional SUP yoga, and wild swimming (move at your own pace)
  • 1:45–2:30pm: Return to shore, hot showers, and a warming lemon-ginger drink
  • 2:30–4:00pm: Riverside picnic lunch with a chance to reflect and chat, followed by farewells

(Timings may adjust naturally to the flow of the day.)

Ready to Retreat?

  • Booking: Just click on the orange button to book in and reserve your space.
  • Requirements: Able to swim 50m; ages 18+
  • Got Questions? Reach out anytime—we’re here to put your mind at ease.

Come share time on the water with us, reconnect with your mind and body, and discover new ways to tackle life’s ups and downs. We’d love to welcome you for a day of mindful paddling, good food, and supportive community. Leave everything on the bank for a while—and return feeling more resourced, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

 

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