Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons at Central SUP School, an ASI accredited learn to SUP school, located at Tamworth, West Midlands only 14 miles (23 kilometres) from Birmingham.

The school operates from Cliff Lakes, an inland lake and with SUP tours on the River Anker.

Central SUP School was set up by Chris Kenyon. Living in the Midlands all his life but with strong family ties to Cornwall, Chris loved to surf but found it hard to get to the ocean as much as he would like.

Initially Chris wanted to set up a network for landlocked surfers like himself so they could share the ride to the waves.  He came across SUP, and after a bit of detective work he found himself on a board with a paddle in hand. That was it, Chris was hooked. From then on he decided to become as involved in the growth of the sport as much as he could.

Central SUP was established in 2012.

Chris holds an ASI SUP Technical Coach, water rescue, first aid and boat qualifications. He been surfing for over 20 years and supping since 2010. He is a qualified school teacher and has over 15 years experience in lecturing and teaching in performing arts.

Chris is assisted in the SUP school by co owners, Ian Tyers and Gareth Evans who are both experienced paddlers as well as ASI accredited SUP instructors. 

Chris is has been actively involved in promoting SUP in the local area.  He has been a founding member of the local SUP club and is also founding member and event and race organiser for UK SUP Clubs.

Chris and his team have a wealth of local knowledge and are specialists in flat water paddling.  They can help you from your first lesson, social paddling on a regular basis or developing your skills to complete in SUP flat water races or become a SUP Instructor.

The school offers group and private lessons for kids, adults, parties, school groups and corporate and family groups.

They cater for taster sessions and those who are interested in regular sessions.

SUP Wise Activ certificate courses are available with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced sessions.

Once you have some SUP paddle skills, join in the river rat tours and explore the local area. 

You can also join the Central SUP club.   With all gear supplied or bring your own.  Join in regular paddles and special events..  Its a great way to exercise, enjoy paddling, have fun and meet new friends.

Central SUP is also an ASI Instructor Training and Chris Kenyon is authorised to train others to be SUP Instructors.

Toilets and showers are on site at Cliffs Lakes. 

There is also a large parking area, camping facilities and café. 

Central SUP operates at two locations at West Midlands waterski centre (Cliff Lakes) and Tamworth Castle grounds. 

Cliffs Lakes is a large lake with calm, protected flat waters. It is an ideal location to learn to paddle, develop your SUP skills to a higher level or join in a social paddles.

From the Castle grounds, cruise along the River Anker to a variety of different places.   It’s very scenic with historic sights including the old castle.  There is nature and wildlife to view as you paddle along.

Half day and full day SUP tours are also available that stop off at a cafes along the way, so you can enjoy the local cuisine and relax with new your paddling friends.

The River Tame and River Anker flows through the Tamworth and is home of the historic Tamworth Castle and Moat House, (an 11th century Norman castle).