Paddleboarding is an amazing and very low impact way to explore Scotland’s coast, lochs and waterways at your own pace.
Can you paddleboard in any loch in Scotland?
There are places to launch your paddleboard all around the loch. Loch Lomond Leisure offer equipment and courses. A well-known location for a vast number of water-based activities, it’s no surprise that Oban is the launching point for lots of paddleboarding adventures.
Do you need permission to paddle board in Scotland?
No. Since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, Scotland has what we call the ‘right to roam,’ meaning you don’t need a licence to paddle there.
Can I paddle board anywhere in Scotland?
Scotland’s “right to roam” means you can paddle board just about everywhere. The expansive lochs are perfect for taking a stand up paddle board out for a cruise. But for a more adventurous paddle, check out the islands and rugged coastline to the west.
Can I paddle board on Loch Lomond?
Loch Lomond has many islands which provide sheltered waters whilst the open expanse of the loch allows more competent paddlers to enjoy open water conditions. There are a variety of places to launch a paddleboard given they are so easy to put in the water, require very little space and shallow water is not an issue.
Do I need a licence to paddle board on a lake?
Yes, the use of a paddleboard, or any other portable, unpowered craft on the majority of inland waterways, requires a license obtainable from the relevant authority. On Regent’s Canal, there are two license options: Short term or 30-days explorers’ license from the Canal and River Trust.
Can you just paddle board anywhere?
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.
Can you kayak on lochs in Scotland?
Whilst there are a wealth of rivers to explore, there are an estimated 31,460 Lochs which often provide a more sheltered environment for kayaking and canoeing – an excellent place to practice for beginners.
Can you paddle board on a canal in Scotland?
If you want to go paddling on one of Scotland’s canals, you should plan ahead. Visit the paddling section on the Scottish Canals website for information on: the Caledonian Canal (and the Great Glen Canoe Trail) the Crinan Canal.
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 kayak in lochs?
High winds are rarely a problem so it’s perfect for open canoeing and for savouring the tranquillity of one of the Park’s most beautiful lochs. The spectacular waters of Loch Lomond are fantastic for canoeing and kayaking with the lochs many islands providing interesting bays and narrow straights to explore.
Do you need a licence to paddleboard 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.
Do you need a permit to paddle board UK?
Do you need a license to paddleboard in the UK? On most inland waterways you must register or license a paddleboard with the navigation authority responsible for the waterway you intend to use.
Can I SUP on canals?
Stand up paddleboarding is a fun activity you can enjoy on our canals and rivers, as well as on lakes and oceans. It’s a fantastic full-body workout and an excellent way to experience the beauty of the outdoors.
Can you bring your phone paddle boarding?
One way to keep your phone dry while paddleboarding is to put it in a waterproof case. This will ensure that if you happen to fall in the water, your phone will stay dry. There are a variety of waterproof cases, especially for popular phones like iPhones and Androids.
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.
Can you take your own paddleboard to the Lake District?
Paddleboards: No. ??♀️ Rowing boats: Yes. Commercial groups, activity providers and large groups need a permit.
Can I take my own paddleboard on lake Windermere?
Can you SUP on Windermere? Yes, SUP is permitted on Windermere – it is one of the most popular places to go stand up paddleboarding in the Lake District. SUP hire is available from a number of activity providers. You can also book yourself onto a stand-up paddleboarding lesson.
Can I paddleboard without a fin?
Stand up paddleboard fins are an essential part of your paddleboard rig. Without fins your board would start to turn radically with every stroke, making the whole paddling experience pointless. Fins allows you to move forward in a relatively straight line, or “track”.
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.
Can you paddle board without a wetsuit?
Keeping warm on the water/ what to wear paddleboarding
In the lead up to summer, other seasons of the year or if you often feel the cold, a wetsuit is advisable. This will keep you warm whilst on the board as well as if you fall in the water! Being warm will enable you to paddle for longer too.