About us
Hey guys, my name is Rachel!
Thanks for taking the time to visit my page to learn more about me and stand-up-paddle-boarding (SUP). I am an ASI qualified SUP Coach and am Water Safety First Aid trained, along with SUP4 recently being accredited as an ASI school.
I have always lived by the sea until my move to London 9 years ago which has led me to love anything water related, whether it’s wild swimming, surfing and now SUP! My curiosity for the sport started around 10 years ago whilst taking a day trip to Bournemouth. I often wanted to try it, but always felt a little anxious about looking silly and falling in - the usual!
My first lesson was clumsy, and I wondered whether I would get the hang of the sport or not. I persisted though and took the opportunity to hire a SUP board anytime I visited the seaside to try and improve.
I continued practicing whenever I could, along with surfing. The two are wonderful sports to be involved in, and not only is it amazing for your mental health, but your skin feels great from being in the sea, along with feeling like you have done a decent work out from both sports.
Eventually I moved to a place called Aarhus in Denmark for a job I was offered, which was very exciting as it was a town by the sea, and the first thing I did upon arrival was sign up to the local SUP club called @Surfagency.
This was the best thing that I could have done; not only did I meet amazing people and build a small social circle from the club, but I also started helping out with smaller groups alongside the owners Michael and Finja.
Photo credits to @benreadphoto
Paddling in Aarhus with the guys really made me fall in love with the sport
I gained skills and a better understanding of SUP on different sea elements, helping me become a great SUPer. I helped out with the sessions and slowly gained confidence to coach small groups. The only thing I don’t miss is the massive jellyfish!
After leaving DK to move back to the UK, my new home was in London. The thing I missed most about DK were the people and the sea. I really built a great network along with time to enjoy the sea and SUP.
I was lucky to move to SW London near the river, and after my first week of living in London I again joined the local SUP club based in Kew. After becoming a regular at the club, I qualified as an ASI Coach giving me the confidence to coach and teach others this wonderful sport on the River Thames.
Now, 10 years on, I still love SUP and teaching others how to perfect their skills. It’s such an accessible sport and relatively inexpensive to learn.
I love to see others develop and find their stride in the water. SUP4 was set up to do just this: to inspire and encourage others to do things that they've always wanted to do.
I look forward to seeing you on the water!
Learn to SUP
Whether you're a complete beginner or someone with slightly more experience, we can help you gain confidence and skill out on the river!
We offer:
- 1:1 sessions tailored to your specific level and needs.
- Group sessions are more informal yet still a great way to learn.
- Returning sessions - for those that feel confident in their ability from complete beginner to a more competent level.
- Club membership - The club is growing, and we welcome you whether you have your own equipment or would like to hire. A great SUP community right on your doorstep, with weekly meets, cake, and smiles. Club membership is available to those who have completed a beginner’s course.
The benefits of SUP
For most of my life I have used water as a way of therapy for my mind. Through the good times along with tumultuous points which most of us have experienced. I fell in love with water sports and SUP during my early 20s and never looked back.
It's an interesting concept when we think of water - being in, on, or around its flow, smell, coldness, stillness, and its movement along with the sound of water. The different kinds of water: salt, fresh, pond, still or moving, all have their own mystical qualities.
Why are we so drawn to it?
SUP is one of the most accessible water sports for most people. It allows you to not only benefit from a full body work-out which is great for your mind, but also helps you to engage and connect with nature and your surroundings. You have no time for distractions, for mobile phones, to stare at a screen or to think of anything other than your balance, breathing, movement, and the water you are balanced upon.
There are many books which have been written to help us understand the science behind why humans are drawn to water, but the important thing to remember is how it actually makes you feel both physically and mentally. Do you feel better when you have spent time in or around water? If the answer is yes, then roll with it; it's the right outlet for you in many ways.
SUP engages your mind and helps stretch your body out all at the same time. Studies have shown that those living by water and spending more time around water have reduced stress levels and less anxiety. It helps you to maintain focus and balance along with concentration where needed most. You are gaining much needed Vitamin D which the body craves, especially in the winter months.