Paddleboarding Taster Session - Warwickshire

I booked the paddleboarding session for my wife as a surprise. She can be nervous with water activities, although loves swimming, so I thought that getting some professional tuition would be a real benefit to her confidence in the water. Initially she was quite trepidatious but after seeing the safe area where you begin and seeing the get-up-and-go of the rest of the quite large group she took to the water. The instructors were very supportive and understanding, but also quite matter of fact, so after announcing that we'd all be going pretty much straight onto the river there was no real time for the fear to kick in. I really enjoyed the experience as, although I similarly am not a big fan of the water, it was a real good cardio, muscular and coordination challenge. The instructors give great coaching points and exercises for those that wanted to push themselves a bit harder throughout the session. There were number of dunkers along the river journey, as you would expect, but the water was remarkably warm and given the life jackets you felt perfectly safe. My wife was even able to stand up and join us on a couple of occasions, which was fantastic. For those who lack the core or muscular strength you always have the option of kneeling for stability. All of those in the group at one stage chose to try the standing version though, so that was thanks in part to the staff and their enthusuiasm. The instructors were able to foster a great sense of camaraderie and fun in the group, which numbered around ten. The route had lots of twists and turns, with some floating branches and overhanging trees to manoeuvre around. The water was perfectly calm and the scenery lovely. Can't fault it. Very enjoyable, great tuition, perfect time length and I would love to have another go, perhaps this time with some one-to-one tuition. Give it a go: you won't regret it!

Went along on a mild September morning for my SUP Taster session. Was sorted out quickly and efficiently and was on the board, practicing in the marina area. Soon went onto the river, shortly followed by falling into the river but that's the point surely! The instructors were friendly and helpful and the location very pretty. I didn't opt to pay a tenner for a wetsuit and regretted it a bit as the wind picked up, then rain. But it didn't spoil a great couple of hours.