Island SUP School
School Summary
Locations
Sports
SUP
About
Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at Island SUP, an ASI accredited SUP School located at Barry, only 9 miles from Cardiff, Wales.
There is a wide variety of paddling locations from flat water to SUP surfing, and catering for all levels of ability.
Meet the Team
Island SUP School is owned and operated by Kerry Baker. She is an accomplished water woman who has been stand up paddle boarding since 2010 and a surfer since the age of 14.
She started SUP racing during the winter of 2014 at the mighty BaySUP Frostbite Race Series in Bournemouth, UK and the welcome was so warm, she never looked back. Her achievements include 3rd in 12’6” UKSUP, 1st in the world of Naish One Design racing and in 2017 competing for Wales at the ISA Worlds in Denmark as a Naish team rider.
Kerry is an ASI SUP Technical Coach, a high level qualification that helps others improve their SUP paddle ability, a Level 1 SUP Instructor for enclosed flat waters, a Level 2 SUP instructor for exposed waters /coastal locations, an ASI Level 3 SUP Instructor for Beginner SUP surf locations. She is also a qualified education teacher and teaches primary school children.
Island SUP is also an ASI Trainer, and Kerry is authorised to train others to be ASI SUP instructors.
Kerry started the SUP school in 2019 to share her SUP skills and knowledge with the local community and to introduce others to the opportunities she has gained from being out on the water.
Since that time, Island SUP School has grown and supports and nurtures SUP activities within its local community and beyond, providing a wide spectrum of coaching sessions from complete beginners through to those hoping to compete for their country at a national and international level.
Kerry is assisted in the SUP School by experience ASI Accredited SUP instructors.
Service Overview
Island SUP offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours, team building and rentals for kids, adults, parties, hens and stag parties, school groups and corporates.
Private SUP sessions are offered for team building, stags, hens groups, and other social events. They also use mega SUP boards and SUP polo equipment – to make your session memorable.
SUP surfing lessons are held for beginner level.
Social paddles are held on a regular basis with paddling to various locations around Barry - both inland and coastal.
Join the Island SUP Club, with weekly race events, youth sessions and social events.
Kerry offers SUP race training with technique sessions and video analysis. Bespoke SUP race training plans are created to help progress your race skills.
Location Features
Island SUP is located at the Barry Community Water Activity Centre. It offers calm waters, sheltered from winds and is ideal to learn to SUP and practice SUP techniques.
Exposed waters, coastal sessions are held at Jackson's Bay, operating from the Barry Yacht Club, which is just outside minutes away from the inland waters location. It is a picturesque sandy beach offering shelter from prevailing westerly winds.
The coast have stunning views and secluded coves, ideal for exploring on a paddle board.
For SUP surfing, there are ideal surf conditions for beginners and improvers.
SUP tours are also held on the range of inland waterways, rivers and canals, all nearby, set amongst nature.
School Features
There are excellent facilities at both locations where Island SUP operate from.
Barry Community Water Activity Centre has changing rooms, showers and free parking.
The Barry Yacht Club has changing rooms, showers, lockers, free parking and a restaurant.
Tourist Attractions
Barry, Wales is a vibrant seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and natural parks.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities at Whitmore Bay. It is the lively heart of Barry Island, with a wide crescent of golden sand, a promenade and cafes.
Jackson’s Bay, just a short walk away, is a quieter, more secluded cove backed by cliffs. It’s popular with locals for its peaceful atmosphere, dog-friendly access year-round, and scenic views across the Bristol Channel.
Explore lively spots such as Barry Island Pleasure Park, with over 50 types of rides and other attractions.
Visit the Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, and relax in scenic areas like Porthkerry Country Park and Knap Lake. Nearby is the Glamorgan Heritage Coast that stretches for 14 miles, from Aberthaw to Porthcawl with plunging cliffs, secluded coves and breathtaking views. It is a must for walkers, cyclists or anyone with a love of the countryside.
The town also offers historical and cultural sites including Barry War Museum and St Baruc’s Chapel, with nearby Fonmon Castle adding a medieval touch. Fans of the TV show Gavin & Stacey can visit filming locations around town, while Barry Goodsheds and the High Street provide trendy shopping and dining experiences.