Explore Stroud's waterways with 'hugely enjoyable' SUP

Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP) has been popular throughout the UK for a number of years and enthusiasts from across the district are enjoying lessons and tours across the district.

An offshoot of surfing, SUP is though to have originated in Africa, before being adopted in its modern form in Hawaii.

Stroud District's canals and waterways are the perfect backdrop for SUP and dozens of people of all ages can regularly been seen taking the water around the district to enjoy the enormously relaxing sport.

The man at least partially responsible for the increase of lycra-sightings on the canal is retired policeman Fraser Withey, who teaches the popular sport, as well as taking enthusiasts on tours of some of the area's beauty spots via the regenerated waterways.

"It's far easier than you might think, most people will get the hang of it on their first lesson and to see their smiles when they've finished is wonderful," Fraser explained.

"Unlike traditional surfing stand up paddle boarders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.

"What's great is although anyone can try it, whatever their age, it gives a wonderful low intensity work out at the same time - developing balance, core strength and stamina."

Fraser began paddle boarding two years ago when he retired from the police service and was immediately smitten with the sport.thout getting soaked.

"The trickiest part of stand-up paddle boarding is learning how to stand – but even mastering that shouldn’t involve too many dunkings."

Fraser offers beginners and improvers SUP lessons in and around the Stroud Valleys as well as leading tours of some of the most beautiful waterways across the region.

For more information search Fraser's SUP instruction on Facebook.

Photos taken on a dawn Purton to Sharpness Docks paddle with instructor Fraser Withey.

All photographs by TammyLynn Photography.