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.

He set up Central SUP back in 2012 and the school has grown to be a leader in SUP education in the UK.

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

He 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. 

Central SUP is also an ASI Instructor Training Centre, with Chris qualified to training new ASI SUP instructors.

The Central SUP team are experts  in flat water paddling and offer valuable guidance, whether you're taking your first lesson, enjoying regular social paddles, developing race-ready skills, or training to become a certified SUP Instructor.

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

From one-off taster sessions to regular weekly lessons, there's something for every interest level.

SUP Wise Activ certification courses are available at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels to suit your progression.

Once you've gained basic paddle skills, you can join the Central SUP River Rat tours and explore the beautiful local waterways.

The Central SUP Club welcomes new members—with all equipment provided or the option to bring your own. Enjoy regular paddles, social events, and a vibrant community. It’s a fantastic way to keep fit, have fun, and meet new people.

ASI SUP Instructor training courses are held throughout the year, delivered by Chris Kenyon.

Specialised training for SUP racing or develop your SUP technical skills are also on offer.

Discover the thrill and accessibility of land paddling - a fun, full-body workout inspired by stand up paddleboarding, suitable for all ages and abilities, with gear available to demo or hire.

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 at range of different routes, that stop off at a cafes along the way. Enjoy the local cuisine and relax with new your paddling friends.

Toilets and showers are on site at Cliffs Lakes. 
There is also a large parking area and camping facilities.
Enjoy the scenic waterfront bar where you can relax and watch the action unfold.

Cliff Lakes, located only 10 minutes from the city centre in Tamworth in Warwickshire, is one of the UK’s top destinations for water-based adventure and family fun. It’s best known for hosting the largest Aqua Park in the country, featuring five inflatable zones packed with slides, climbing walls, trampolines, and obstacle courses.

The River Tame and River Anker flows through Tamworth and is home of the historic Tamworth Castle and Moat House, (an 11th century Norman castle).  It features interactive exhibits, medieval architecture, and beautiful riverside gardens.

Other historic attractions include the ancient beauty of St Editha’s Church, Tudor-era charm at The Moat House, the architectural heritage of Middleton Hall & Gardens, and the vintage nostalgia of Statfold Barn Railway—all offering a unique window into the region’s past.

Tamworth also offers a diverse mix of family-friendly attractions, natural lookouts, and cultural experiences—from wildlife encounters at the Marsupial Park and sweeping views at Oxley Scenic Lookout to country music heritage at the Big Golden Guitar Centre, immersive galleries and museums, scenic botanical gardens, and engaging venues like AELEC and the Astronomy & Science Centre—all creating a rich destination for exploration and learning.