A brave group of 14 (or was it 13?!) goodgymers braved the conditions at Cardiff White Water on Sunday morning.

The idea for the Goodgym Stand Up Paddle Boarding session was floated in the heart of this summer’s heatwave... but availability meant we ended up on the River Ely on a rainy, autumnal day in the wake of Storm Bronaghs weather warnings!

After the initial challenge of tugging the soggy wetsuits on, we got stuck in to learn the basics of balancing on a board. Once we had gained some confidence in paddling we were then let loose to try some freestyling. The instructor gave us a few ideas and while Charlotte and Adam mastered headstands on the paddle-board, Welsh Dave achieved the impossible by getting stuck on his head whilst forward rolling across it! We saw some speedy paddling by Lowri and Adam in the race, Ben grasped the ‘SUP wheelie’ wheelie well and Darren demonstrated some strong doggy-paddle. As we left the water the sun came out and we were able to warm up under it’s rays and with a hot cuppa. A great time trying something new and being active with a brilliant group of people. Thanks guys! What’s next..?