Every hobby has its own language, right? And paddling is no different! You don't have to speak fluent "paddlese" to enjoy your time on the water, but knowing some of the common terms can definitely help you chat with other paddlers, understand instructions more easily, and just feel more at…
So, you're hooked on paddling, which is fantastic! It's such a great way to get out and enjoy the water. But here's a thought: mixing in some other sports can actually make you an even better paddler. Think of it as cross-training for the water. You'll build strength, endurance, and…
Paddling offers a fantastic way to explore waterways, enjoy nature, and get some exercise. However, like any physical activity, it comes with the risk of injury. Being aware of the most common paddling injuries and understanding how to prevent them can ensure your paddling adventures remain enjoyable and safe. Let's…
So, you've caught the paddleboarding bug, huh? Awesome! Gliding across the water, feeling the sun on your face – it's pretty addictive. Whether you're just finding your balance or dreaming of leading your own SUP adventures, having some solid skills and know-how is key to staying safe and having a…
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Just saying it conjures up images of sunny days, calm water, and that surprisingly good full-body workout you get while feeling like you're walking on water. It feels like a pretty modern thing, right? But the truth is, the story of how we got to where we…
The water is an amazing place to be, and draws us to it all year round. And year on year, more people are enticed into the world of paddling as a way to enjoy the water. But whether you are enjoying a summer paddle, or taking advantage of a crisp winter…
We wish they weren’t, but waterborne diseases and illnesses are something all of us paddlers should be aware of and have good knowledge of. Why? So we know when it’s safe to paddle, and how to keep ourselves safe post paddle too. We all know we should be wearing the…
Spring has finally arrived! The days are getting longer and warmer and we don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see the sunshine again. But knowing what to wear when paddling in spring can be a challenge. The weather can change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy…
Looking for ways to explore the great outdoors and travel further afield on your paddling adventures? A roof tent is a great way to embrace spontaneity and explore the UK for less, especially when you join The Caravan and Motorhome Club. Roof tents offer a convenient and comfortable way to…
As the days get longer and the water calls, it's time to get your inflatable paddleboard out of storage and back in action. To ensure a smooth start to the season, we caught up with Paul, founder of SUP Services and one of our Paddle UK official partners, to find…
Paddling, whether it's kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, offers a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the water. However, being prepared is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's our guide on essential gear to pack for your paddling trip: Safety First Buoyancy Aid: A buoyancy aid…
The UK is home to some of the most vibrant cities in Europe, and many of them offer incredible opportunities for paddling, whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a casual stand-up paddleboard enthusiast. Paddling in an urban environment is a unique way to experience a city, offering a blend of…
Urban paddling is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore cities from a unique perspective, offering opportunities for adventure right in the heart of bustling metropolises. Paddling along rivers, canals, and lakes provides a peaceful retreat from the urban noise and a chance to witness cityscapes from the water. However,…
Happy New Year from Paddle UK. It’s the start of a brand new year, which means opportunities for more paddling. Plus a great time to start thinking about new years resolutions. January is all about new beginnings and it’s a great time of year to set out your goals and…
Paddleboarding has become a popular outdoor activity in the UK, offering a peaceful and scenic way to explore the country’s waterways. Among the best places to practice and enjoy paddleboarding are the UK’s canals, which wind through picturesque towns, vibrant cities, and idyllic countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned paddleboarder or…
Whitewater paddling is an exhilarating outdoor activity that combines adventure, skill, and the raw power of nature. Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, or Paddleboard, navigating rapids can be both challenging and rewarding. For beginner's, understanding the basics of whitewater paddling is essential for having fun and staying safe on…
With Christmas just around the corner, its time to start thinking about gifts. One of the most important parts of picking a gift is making it thoughtful, something that means something to that person. There are so many things you could buy a paddler to help them on their adventures.…
The United Kingdom is home to a rich history, and one of the most iconic symbols of that heritage are its castles. Scattered across the country, these impressive fortifications rise majestically over landscapes. Many of them overlook stretches of water that can be viewed from a unique vantage point: the…
Did you know a contribution of Paddle UK membership income is passed onto the waterway authority? As paddlers the environment and waterways are vitally important to us. Part of the joy of paddling is being immersed in nature, wildlife and green spaces. We're committed to helping protect these special places…
The UK is full of amazing places to paddle, each offering their own unique beauty. If you set off to paddle all the beauty spots you’ll be paddling for a long time. So to cut that time down, and help you plan your ultimate bucket list paddles, here are our…
What do you know about cold water shock? Likelihood is very little, or maybe you just think about losing your breath when you are suddenly faced with a bucket of ice water. But the consequences of cold water shock can be deadly. It’s really important you know a little about…
We've teamed up with Paddle UK's partners Paddle Logger to bring you some of their top paddling routes in the North East of England. With a variety of river, canal and coastal paddles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. They have even plotted the route for you on their…
Black Friday is happening on Friday 29th November 2024. If the weather is right we know many paddlers will be enjoying the outdoors rather than shopping, so we will keep our Black Friday Paddle UK Membership offers open over four days to make sure that no one misses out! We'll…
As the great fashion advice goes, accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. So why not bring that into your paddling and pick some top accessories for your paddleboard! There are loads of great bits out there that can really enhance your paddling experience and improve your safety. So here are our top five…
Nobody wants to be throwing away paddling kit, no matter its age or level of use. Especially in the current climate, the cost of new kit is something that most could do without. We are also becoming more conscious of our waste, what we put in landfill, and the sustainability…
We know we keep harping on about how good paddling is for your mental health, but really, it is great! If you need more convincing though, we've made a list of 10 reasons why paddling is great for everything from busting bad moods to helping improve more serious issues such…
Making school holiday plans? Don’t forget to take the most important member of the family…your canoe, kayak or paddleboard! The school holidays roll around every few months, so it’s time to dust off your kayak, SUP or canoe and get out on the water! And, if you’ve got an inflatable…
Ensure your paddling plans go ahead by making informed decisions on where to paddle to stay safe Water quality is at the forefront of all water users’ minds at the moment. When you go paddling you don’t want to become ill from the water you’re paddling on. We have so…
For all the amazing sunshine we get in Britain during summer we often get a fair dose of rain too! It’s an easy choice to get on the water on sunny days, but a bit of rain shouldn’t stop you going paddling too. Let’s be honest, you’re probably going to…
Planning a staycation and want some inspiration?! We’ve got your back! The UK is a fantastic place for a kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard holiday. From meandering countryside rivers to historic city canals and family lake adventures. Whether you’re looking for a fully active holiday or just a day…
The UK is full of amazing places to go on a paddling holiday. From ancient coastlines to picturesque lakes. However, it is always nice to get abroad at times, find some new paddling spots, and soak up some sun. Making plans to go paddling in a foreign country can be…
As the saying goes, South West is best. It is hard to deny that they often have some stunning weather and have a range of outstanding scenery. But did you know it is also home to a lots of water that is perfect to paddle on. So we have teamed…
Neurodiversity encompasses all of the ways people may think and learn in different ways. This may include a wide spectrum of neurodivergent conditions, including autism, ADHD and dyslexia. But just because a person's mind works in a different way doesn’t mean they should miss out on great times on the…
The brilliant thing about living on our little island nation is that we have an abundance of paddling both inland and at sea. From quaint fishing villages to prehistoric cliffs, our coasts have a lot to offer. So where do you start? People have paddled around the whole of Britain,…
Canoe vs Kayak. The big question. Canoes and kayaks are two great ways to get on the water for an adventure. But of the two, canoe vs kayak, which one is best for you? Canoeing and kayaking, despite always being lumped together, are actually two different activities. You can find…
We've been on the search for our top places to paddle and that are close to Experience Freedom by Caravan and Motorhome Club sites. Because who doesn't want to cosy up in a glamping pod after a long day of paddling? These sites offer comfortable accommodation, all within a stones…
PaddlePoints is a brilliant tool to help you find new places to paddle and share your favourite places with others. Heading away for a holiday and fancy a paddle, check PaddlePoints. Fancy seeing your city from the water, check PaddlePoints. Want to find out if there is a pub or…
Living in Britain we have a very common feature in our weather……. rain! We get it all year round, from the odd shower to torrential downpours. Through autumn and winter, we see the most of this rain, but spring and summer are rarely dry. With the rain comes an increase…
With winter quickly setting in, paddling is getting colder. But with winter also comes a change in the scenery, a new set of animals out to see, and more adventures to have. However, there are a few more considerations you need to make before setting out on a winter paddle.…
It’s time to admit that we are in the depths of winter now. There has been snow, rain, ice, and a couple of named storms thrown in there making our weather pretty unpredictable. This might be enough to put you off getting on the water for a little, and we…
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, falling in the water can be a shock for anyone. The whole reason you are on your paddleboard, in your kayak, or in your canoe is to avoid being in the water! So here are our top tips to avoid being…
Having a paddle board opens up a world of opportunities for exploration and adventure. First of all you’ll want to learn to paddle board safely. Then, we know you will be chomping at the bit to find out where you can go on paddling adventures. But where can you stand…
Paddleboarding has rapidly risen in popularity, becoming one of the most popular water sports in the UK.It’s rise in popularity can be attributed to how accessible it is. It requires no special skills, no bizarre environment, and can be adapted for any person. With this said, there are a few…
No matter what paddleboard you buy, borrow, or rent, you’ll notice that they all have a slot for a fin to go. But what is the point of it? And why do some boards have more than others? In this article we will explain a few bits about the fin,…
When it comes to paddling safely, we always recommend having a means of communication on you, so you can call for help if you get into any trouble. Well, why not take things one paddle stroke further, and level up your paddling by using the Paddle Logger app. Paddle Logger…
Nottingham is one of the busiest cities in the midlands, famous for Robin Hood, lace making, and bicycle manufacturing. With a lot of history in the city, it draws in some of the highest numbers of tourists in the area. One notable feature of Nottingham is the River Trent, and…
As we move in autumn, the days are getting shorter and the temperature is starting to drop. But this shouldn’t mean that you pack away your kayak, canoe or paddle board. We have lots of great autumn paddles and make the most of the changing scenery. As with any outdoor…
Across the UK there is over 4700 miles of canal, linking up towns and cities across the country. These canals are managed by a wide number of authorities, with a British Canoeing membership giving you access to almost all of them. The Canal and River Trust are in charge of…
Whether you are paddling at the coast or inland, the water likes to move. At times this movement can be gentle and help you along as you paddle, or create some fun playful waves for you to enjoy. However, the tides and currents of the water can also be quite…
Holidays are great. They get you away from your normal surroundings and into some new and exciting places. Whether you are having a staycation or crossing the seas to international lands, we all look forward to that holiday. But why limit your exploring to land? Why not look at having…
Please wait while we log you out of Paddle UK Services Login sites
Save over £80 on your waterways licencesOpen up over 4,500km of waterways for as little as £29 a year
To canoe, kayak or paddle board on many rivers and canals you need a licence. Purchased individually, licences would cost you around £150.
Membership of Paddle UK offers you licences covering 4,500km of waterways in England and Wales for as little as £29-£60 per year. Learn more and join now using the button below.
British Canoeing membership comes with a waterways licence. So, Canoe, Kayak, or SUP, if you love paddling and care about waterways, join our community today.
Save money on a licence for 4,500km of waterways
Be covered by public liability insurance - plus discounts on craft insurance
If you're an England or non-UK resident seeking individual membership for the first time then use the British Canoeing RapidJoin service below. Start by entering your postcode, or country if you are non-UK.
Joining using RapidJoin below you'll purchase On The Water membership. You can find the full list of benefits here. You will be asked your date of birth and allocated the correct membership type for your age. Prices are:
Your personal data will only be used for administering your application and providing you with your membership services. Please see the British Canoeing Privacy Centre here for more details on how we manage your data.
Member Add-Ons - One Time Offer!
As a joining member you can benefit from discounts on paddling magazines. These offers are ONLY AVAILABLE NOW. They will cost you more if you purchase them in future. Don't miss out. Take the opportunity to benefit from these great deals now.
Accidental damage included. Excludes denting and bruising while in transit
No perks! Are you sure...?
Sorry to interrupt your flow. But, before moving to payment, we just wanted to check that you didn't want any member add-ons.
It's the last time you'll be able to purchase great paddling magazines with discounts? They offer advice that helps you get the most from your paddling.
Use the back button below so you don't miss out. Or hit the next button to go to payment.
Welcome to British Canoeing
You should receive your membership pack through the post in the next 7 days. But you can get on the water today. Download your card as a PDF using the button below, and use it as proof of your membership and waterways licence.
Your membership number is 123456
Please spend a few seconds to let us know how we are doing. Your feedback will help us improve.
