Your experience begins with a warm welcome at Arden Sailing Club, where you’ll meet your instructor and get kitted out with a paddleboard, paddle, and safety gear. After a relaxed introduction, you’ll move into a land-based session covering the basics of stand-up paddleboarding. This includes an overview of the board and equipment, how to launch safely, and key techniques like kneeling, standing, forward strokes, and turning. You’ll also be introduced to safety skills, including self-rescue and how to read your surroundings on the river.
Once everyone is confident with the basics, it’s time to launch onto the River Avon. Starting in kneeling position, you’ll gradually build your confidence before transitioning to standing when ready. The group moves at a steady pace downstream, travelling from Arden Sailing Club to Nafford Lock via Eckington Bridge. Along the way, your instructor will give tips and feedback while pointing out local wildlife such as kingfishers, herons, and the occasional otter. For those who feel comfortable, there’s the option to try extra techniques such as pivot turns or even a bit of SUP yoga balance work.
The session finishes with a safe exit from the water, followed by a relaxed debrief and the chance to chat about your experience. If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can take advantage of a 10% discount at Revill’s Farm Shop next door—perfect for lunch or coffee with your group. Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or just want to unwind in a beautiful riverside setting, this experience is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and memorable.
The SUP Safari route runs from Arden Sailing Club to Nafford Lock, following a peaceful stretch of the River Avon. The journey passes through a mix of open countryside and tree-lined riverbanks near Eckington Bridge, where wildlife such as red kites, herons, and even otters are frequently seen.
This area offers one of the most scenic paddling spots in Worcestershire, away from busy waterways and roads.
No previous paddleboarding experience is required. Participants must be able to swim at least 50 metres and be comfortable in and around open water. If you have any physical or neurodiverse needs, let the team know in advance—they’re happy to tailor the experience to ensure your comfort and safety.
The centre is an ASI-accredited SUP school, recognised with the ‘Experience of the Year’ award by Visit Worcestershire for its outstanding delivery and customer experience. Sessions are led by friendly, qualified instructors who prioritise safety, confidence-building, and enjoyment on the water.
Each experience is carefully designed to suit beginners and those new to paddleboarding, with time built in for individual support, wildlife spotting, and optional skill progression. The group size is kept small to ensure a personalised approach, and part of each booking contributes to the work of the Kemerton Conservation Trust. Guests also benefit from exclusive discounts at Revill’s Farm Shop next door—perfect for a post-paddle lunch or coffee.
About the centre
River Avon, Defford, Worcestershire
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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