Learn how to stand-up paddleboard with confidence on the beautiful River Avon in Worcestershire. These 1.5-hour beginner sessions are designed to give you a strong foundation in paddleboarding, whether you're trying it for the first time or looking to build on limited experience. With a welcoming approach, inclusive equipment, and experienced instructors, this session is a great introduction to SUP for individuals, families, and small groups.
The session begins at Arden Sailing Club, where you’ll be welcomed by your instructor and introduced to the equipment. Everyone is fitted with a paddleboard, paddle, and buoyancy aid. A 15-minute land-based briefing follows, where you'll be shown how to handle your board and paddle safely. This includes understanding key parts of the paddleboard, kneeling and standing techniques, turning methods, and how to paddle efficiently using the five-phase paddle stroke. Instructors will also go through important safety information, including how to fall correctly and self-rescue techniques for getting back onto your board from the water.
Once everyone is kitted up and ready, you’ll carry your boards down to the water for your first practical session. You’ll start off kneeling, getting used to the feel of the board and practising your strokes in a calm, shallow area. When you feel comfortable, the group will start to explore a section of the River Avon together. There's no pressure to stand up quickly—each person progresses at their own pace, with guidance and encouragement throughout. The river offers a peaceful backdrop for learning, and the session allows time to try standing up, improve your paddle control, and enjoy the water. After a relaxed paddle and some light skills practice, you’ll return to shore, where there’s a final debrief and a chance to ask questions or get feedback from your instructor.
This is a very inclusive session, suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. A wheelchair-accessible board is available, and instructors are happy to adapt the session to meet any specific access or support needs.
Arden Sailing Club in Defford sits directly on the River Avon in a quiet, open setting with easy access to the water. It's a private site, meaning fewer crowds and a calmer environment for learning. The surrounding countryside adds to the relaxed atmosphere, making it a scenic and peaceful place to paddle.
Next door to the club is Revill’s Farm Shop and café, which offers homemade lunches, cakes, and hot drinks—paddlers also get a 10% discount, and groups are encouraged to book ahead if planning to eat in after the session.
No prior paddleboarding experience is required, but you do need to be able to swim at least 50 metres confidently. If you have any specific access needs, neurodiversity considerations, or health concerns, you're encouraged to get in touch before booking.
Instructors are experienced in creating safe, inclusive sessions and can adapt the plan to make sure it works for you or your group.
This accredited SUP provider is run by a team of experienced instructors with a strong focus on accessibility and safety. They offer inclusive equipment, including a wheelchair-friendly board, and provide a relaxed, positive environment where beginners can learn without pressure. Sessions are small and personal, ensuring plenty of attention and support.
A portion of every booking also supports local environmental projects, so your paddle has a purpose beyond the water. With a friendly, skilled team and a proven approach that helps most people stand up in their first session, it’s a great place to start your SUP journey.
About the centre
River Avon, Defford, Worcestershire
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