Moi’s SUP School - Ready to Launch!

Written on 01 April 2022

Who would’ve thought that seven years after first standing on a paddle board I would now be introducing you to Moi’s SUP School.

I’m so excited at the prospect of bringing the joys of paddling to you all - whether you call Oxfordshire ‘home’, you’re visiting from our surrounding counties or simply on a wonderful staycation!

It’s been a busy ol’ Winter!

Usually when I round-off my coaching ‘season’, I typically jet off for some winter sun in my adopted ‘second home’ of Tenerife where I indulge in my other passion of windsurfing. But this November, I decided to put my ‘exploring boots’ on and visit Albania - an undiscovered Balkan jewel along the stunning Adriatic coast. It’s also recently been reported in The Guardian as a ‘one-to-watch’ destination, much like the rise in popularity experienced by Croatia so I look forward to exploring opportunities to take Moi’s SUP School further afield!

Without doubt, the impact of Covid has certainly made me reflect on my travel goals and ambitions, and although my heart will always be in Tenerife, there is so much more of our amazing planet for us to explore.

Making the BIG decision!

Although I’ve absolutely loved my seasons at Farmoor Reservoir as a/the Senior SUP Instructor, bringing the joys of SUP to hundreds of new paddlers, I felt that the time was right to make the big decision and launch my own SUP School. A scary but exciting prospect! But, having received so many lovely testimonials, I was confident that this was the right thing to do, as well as it being the right time.

I was adamant that my core philosophy was to communicate both the physical and mental therapeutic benefits SUP brings and to deliver lessons and experiences that met individual requirements, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. So whether you’re a complete beginner, a novice paddler, ‘young at heart’, prefer to be in female-only company, or simply want to experience paddling tours around Oxfordshire’s waterways, there’s hopefully something for everyone to enjoy and take away some incredible memories!

All Systems Go!

On a chilly November morning, Christmas arrived early with the delivery of brand new paddle boards, paddles, leashes and waist belts from our partner Red Paddle Co - the world’s leading inflatable SUP brand. Having taught hundreds of new paddlers on Red boards over the last few years & being assured of their stability, manoeuvrability, durability and advanced technology, it was an absolute ‘no-brainer’ to partner with this prominent brand. I was in fact extremely fortunate to receive this consignment as, due to the huge growth & popularity in SUP over the last couple of years, stock availability was extremely limited!

Welcoming in the New Year!

There’s no better way to welcome in the New Year than by getting out in the great outdoors and making the most of spectacular winter sunshine days.

With a new consignment of boards just itching to be unpacked and tested, it wasn’t long before a glorious day beckoned. Meeting up with close friend and fellow instructor, Suzanne, at Ye Olde Swan at Radcot Bridge, we took a leisurely paddle up towards Grafton Lock before heading back for a cheeky and fulfilling pub lunch! It would’ve have been rude not to!

It was also a great opportunity for Suzanne to ‘test-drive’ her new Red 12’ touring board which certainly met all expectations and performed extremely well.

Bringing Philosophy to Life

It’s always been my mission to bring the therapeutic benefits of paddling to those that could really benefit. In February, I had the pleasure of visiting Oxford charity ADAPT and introducing SUP to those that use the counselling and housing support services this amazing charity provides. I’m really looking forward to taking them out on the water in the coming months.

Likewise, I’m also absolutely thrilled to announce Moi’s SUP School’s support to Oxfordshire Mind.

Both these charities will benefit from receiving 10% of ALL lesson sales.

Which brings me nicely on to my other passion, and that’s combining SUP with Wellbeing. I’m delighted to partner with Alina of Yogalina Wellness Centre in Witney who, as a qualified Yoga Instructor and certified BSUPA SUPYoga Instructor, will be bringing the joys of yoga onto the water! And, as a certified BSUPA SUPFit Instructor myself, I’ll be hosting a more intensive session on the water for those looking to have a ‘workout on the water’!

These last couple of years in particular have brought to the fore the need to take time, breathe, be mindful and take care of ourselves. With this in mind, I’m working with a great bunch of professionals in the fields of therapy, mindfulness and wellbeing to bring dedicated SUP, Water & Wellbeing Retreat Days where we can all just take some time out and combine the therapeutic benefits of water with wellbeing therapy and workshops. Keep an eye out on our social media channels for upcoming dates.

Last but not least – Our Amazing Locations!

In preparation for our launch in Spring 2022, over these past few winter months I’ve had the (often enviable!) task of seeking out the best locations to host our paddle board lessons and experiences. Top of the checklist is to ensure that the launch location, and water flow & environment, is safe for all, regardless of ability.

So, I’m delighted to announce our lesson locations for 2022 will be Sunnymead Bathing Place at Sunnymead Park and The Rose Revived PH at Newbridge, near Witney. We’re planning to be at Sunnymead on Wednesdays & Thursdays and at The Rose Revived on the weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays. Fridays are reserved for our ‘Feel Good Friday’ paddles where we get to have fun, relax, explore and experience REAL paddling on Oxfordshire’s waterways.

Of course, being safe is our primary concern so although we’re aiming to be on the water five days a week, we’re at the mercy of the elements. So, if it’s windy, raining, hailing or thunderstorms, unfortunately we’ll have to postpone to another day – that’s UK paddle boarding for you 😊

Thanks for getting to know us, and we look forward to seeing you out on the water! And as always, please do like/follow/subscribe us across our media channels to keep up to date with the latest news and events!
See you soon!