15 best places to go paddle boarding in the UK
- River Wensum, Norfolk.
- Ullswater Lake, Cumbria.
- Porthcurno Beach, South Cornwall.
- The River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.
- Kingston upon Thames, London.
- Burgh Island, Devon.
- Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex.
- The Mawddach Estuary, Snowdonia. Alan NovelliGetty Images.
Where is good for paddleboarding UK?
10 UK paddleboard adventures to tick off
- Ullswater, Lake District. Best for: Big lake downwinders.
- Mawddach Estuary, Mid-Wales.
- Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire.
- Symonds Yat, Wye Valley.
- Burgh Island, Devon.
- Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex.
- River Cam, Cambridge.
- The Rabbit Islands and North Coast 500, Scotland.
Can you paddleboard anywhere in the UK?
Can you paddleboard anywhere UK? Almost all the waterways in the UK can be used for enjoyment by paddleboarders once you have a license. Cromford Canal and Bridgewater Canal do not accept paddleboarders on their waterways.
Do I need a license to SUP in UK?
Where do I need a licence to paddle board? You need a waterway licence to paddle board on the majority of managed rivers and canals in England and Wales. Because if you don’t have proof of a waterway licence you could end up with a hefty fine from the waterway authority that manages that stretch of water.
Where is the best place to paddleboard?
World’s Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots
- Santa Barbara, California. After its origin in Hawaii, SUP went on to make a splash on California’s surfing scene.
- Bahamas.
- Whistler, Canada.
- Costa Rica.
- Key West.
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- Redondo Beach, California.
- Seattle.
Can I paddle board in the Sea UK?
Much of the southern English coast is suitable for paddleboarding, as tides are generally not too strong (with the exception of some tidal races outside Poole Harbour) and it’s always sensible to check conditions with a local water sports shop or lifeguards.
Do you need a life jacket for paddleboarding UK?
So, to be precise you do not need a life jacket to go paddleboarding safely, you need a PFD. Life jackets tend to be bulky and are mainly used for sailors in yachts. You are better off with a lighter and more comfortable personal flotation device than a full life jacket.
How much is a paddle board licence UK?
Prices range from around £20 for a week’s licence on a river only to around £122 for 30-day ‘Explorer’ licence on a canal or river (prices as of April 2022), which allows you to spread out your use across the year.
Can you drink a beer on a paddleboard?
Never Drink While Paddle Boarding
Other things to stay away from while out on the water include any medications that make you drowsy and any other medications that can impair your coordination or judgment. In short, you need to treat drinking and paddleboarding just as you would drinking and driving.
Do I need a wetsuit for SUP UK?
Beginners who are likely to fall in should still wear a wetsuit and prepare for the cold water, however, confident paddlers who will not fall in can get away with wearing a lot less.
Which side of the river should you paddle on UK?
Is there a correct side to pass on on canals and rivers? Ian. as a general rule you should pass left hand side to left hand side. i.e. aim to the right of the boat coming towards you, thereby going between it and the rhs bank.
Can I paddleboard on canals?
You will need a licence to use a paddleboard on a canal. If you try stand up paddle boarding with a club, they can arrange a licence for you. If you want to go on your own, you can book a short term licence via the Canal Trust Website.
Can I paddle board on any lake?
Although weather conditions can influence your trip, you can stand up paddle board on any body of water. Rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans are the most common locations for paddle boarding. However, more people are using paddle boards at whitewater locations, icy ravines, and indoor pools.
Do you wear shoes while paddleboarding?
In the winter, SUP shoes are a must, but in the summer, we suggest you go barefoot. In the cold months, you’ll need to wear a neoprene shoe or bootie. That said, if you’re launching your board in a shallow spot where there are rocks or sharp debris under the water, shoes are a good idea.
Do you paddle board at high or low tide?
For beginner paddlers, the best time to paddle board is during slack tides. Slack tides provide great paddle boarding conditions with minimal water movement, making it easy to balance on the SUP. Slack tides occur an hour before and after the high and low tides, when the current changes direction and ceases movement.
Is a longer or shorter SUP better?
SUP Length
The length of a board plays a major role in determining how the board handles. In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy: Short boards (under 10′) are great for surfing and/or kids.
What should you not do when paddle boarding?
Okay so next I’m gonna go over each mistake and show you how to do it correctly.
- Not Wearing A Leash.
- Going Out In The Wrong Conditions.
- Not Controlling Their Board.
- Not Being Centered On The Board.
- Failing to Get Back Onto the Board.
- Looking Down For Balance.
- Falling Onto The Board.
- Paddling Too Far Off the Board.
What should a beginner wear for paddle boarding UK?
Wetsuit – the air may be warmer, but the water temperature (particularly here in the UK) will still be cold. If you’re a beginner paddle boarder or going far from shore, its probably a good idea to don a wetsuit or drysuit. Shorts or Swim tights – this can serve as protection in case of falls or slips.
How do I start paddleboarding UK?
To launch your paddleboard, carry the board out into the water with the center carry handle. Place your paddle on the board and get on it, kneeling at first on the center of the board. Slowly, one foot at a time, rise into a squat. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, right and left of the carry handle.
Is it safe to paddleboard alone?
It’s important to remember that, as with any watersport, stand up paddle boarding alone can be dangerous, especially if you get into difficulty. If deciding to head out alone, you need to think carefully about the location where you will be paddling.
Is there a weight limit for paddleboarding?
To conclude, paddle boards are weight-rated for use by individual manufacturers. Some boards can hold 200 pounds whereas others can support up to 500 pounds of combined weight. Some inflatable boards can even hold an amazing 1,000 plus pounds of weight or more.