Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has rapidly shot up in popularity in recent years. The freedom of rocking up at the water, quickly pumping a board up and cruising along in the sun has largely contributed to this success. How accessible it is to anyone wanting to give it a…
Living in Britain means we are surrounded by some beautiful coastline. Coastal or sea paddling is an exciting way to get a new view of the coastline and the natural environment. If you’re considering moving from inland to coastal paddling there are a few extra things you need to think…
Buying gifts for the people you care about can bring lots of joy to all involved. And what makes it even better is really nailing that gift, and seeing their face light up. So what can you get that paddler in your life? Are there any paddling related gifts that…
You’ll find weirs on many rivers up and down the country, but what are they? And why do you need to know about them? Welcome to our beginners guide to weirs and weir safety. Well, whilst they can be really exciting to shoot (paddle down), they can also be powerful…
Paddling is quite a social activity. It brings people together to enjoy the water, support each other, and keep each other safe. It’s one of the best things about paddling. And even if you set off on your own, chances are you’ll meet some like minded people along the way.…
With King Charles III being crowned in May 2023, we thought we would get into the royal mood and hunt down some of our more regal paddle trails. From palace views to royal history, you can find all sorts on our waters. So here are our top 5 royal paddling…
Paddling in the sun is one of the best feelings around. Being on the water with the sun coming down makes the paddle 100% better, and that’s a proven fact. But while you are out on the water enjoying the sun, you need to remember a few things to stay…
Dotted all around Britain's coastline are harbours, tucked away to shelter boats from the sea’s conditions. From tiny historic harbours to huge modern ones, they come in all shapes and sizes with different surroundings. For example, some may make use of cliffs and naturally occurring shelter, whereas others are man-made…
Paddling is the perfect activity for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Age and ability really don’t matter as everyone can take it at their own pace and it’s always possible to choose a trip everyone will enjoy. Spending time bonding as a family, whilst discovering a new world…
When starting your paddlesport journey, no matter what craft you use, there are a range of courses on offer to support the development of your skills. The following courses are open to all ages and great for individuals, families and groups wanting to develop their paddling skills. Paddle Start Award…
Safety is a really important part of paddling, and it doesn't matter if you are new to thew sport or have been doing it for years. If you know you are safe on the water then you can have a great time. But what can you do to be as…
Paddling is a great activity for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a white water adrenaline rush, a chilled glide through nature or anything in between, the water is your space. If you’re a woman looking to get into stand up paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking or a current paddler wanting signposting…
With spring right around the corner, you may start to see the first signs of it. From the water you get the opportunity to see plants, birds, and other wildlife up close and personal. With this view you may be able to spot the tiny changes that start to happen…
We never plan on losing anything, but sometimes it happens. This is especially sad when it is your much loved paddling kit. From leaving shoes in car parks to kayaks floating away on the tide. Whenever we lose anything it sucks. But what can you do to try and get…
A family paddling holiday is a fabulous way to explore new places away from the crowds. Being away from all the noise you will find the space to talk and bond as a family, whilst being able to experience nature through your children’s eyes. To help you plan a magical…
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is still on the increase after a huge surge over the last couple of years. Leisure paddling leads the way for most paddlers, but did you know there is a strong SUP racing scene in the UK and indeed worldwide? The GBSUP National Series was set…
Paddle boarding is great. You can rock up almost anywhere, pump your board up and get on the water. This is what has led to the recent boom in popularity. Also how simple it is to get going. But with this simplicity also comes room for mistakes. So here we…
We all love being out on the water, even as the weather gets colder. The morning mist, afternoon downpours, and everything in between makes our sport magical at times. While paddling all you would expect to see is some wildlife, calm water, and cheery people sharing the water with you.…
A total of 15 national parks dot the UK, protecting the environment for the enjoyment of all. Scattered around each park are popular tourist destinations, with each place offering unique attractions. Some of these places are home to amazing lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and canals that all share some amazing views.…
It is easy to get lost in the beauty of paddling when our on your paddle board or in you kayak. However, you do need to keep your eye out on what is going on around you. Our waterways have a huge range of users, used for a huge range…
With the temperatures dropping to winter levels, the need to warm up your body ready for a paddle is more important than usual. Climbing into your extra layers may seem like a warm up, but there is more to a warm up than this. It is your body’s chance to…
The UK is an island, meaning we are lucky enough to have over 31,000km of coastlines. And to us, that sounds like 31,000km of potential paddling on the sea! The coast is a very popular destination for staycations and day trips. So why not take your kayak, canoe, or paddle…
Lakes, lochs, loughs, and llyns are all large bodies of water that offer some scenic paddling for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm and there is land the whole way around them, making them relatively safe for paddling. But there are still things you need to consider before you…
There are around 1500 rivers in the UK, covering over 200,000km. So it only makes sense that you should waterways be take advantage of and utilized for paddling. No matter where you are paddling on these rivers, there are a few basic rules and nuggets of advise that are worth…
The Paddlers’ Code has been created to help guide paddlers into best practice and give easy guidelines to follow when out on the water. The code follows three basic principles: respect, protect, and enjoy. Inspired by the Countryside Code, The Paddlers’ Code looks to give clear and concise direction for…
Canals are possibly the most accessible body of water that most people can reach. The canal system spans over 2000 miles across Britain, passing through cities, towns, and country villages. Canals are available for a range of crafts to use, from paddle boards to canal boats, so there are a…
Let's start with a very basic question, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is having an awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment in the present moment. So how can this be achieved while paddling? Take a read below about mindfulness in paddling. Thoughts Allow your thoughts to turn…
Looking after your gear is key to making it last and perform how it should. Making sure it is all washed, cleaned, and dried properly is at the centre of looking after your kit. But all know that sometimes accidents happen and you forget to fully clean it, you haven't…
Getting on the water on your paddle board or in your kayak and canoe is brilliant. Not only is it a great way to explore new places, it is also great to look after your physical and mental health. We are constantly being told how important it is to look…
Paddlesports are one of the fastest growing types of sports in the UK. Part of this growth is down to the accessibility of kit and clubs that can take people out. With this growth the sport is reaching a number of different communities. As the diversity in our sport grows…
As September rolls in, so does the much loved season of autumn. Autumn is full of colourful leaves, pumpkin spiced lattes, and shorter evenings. All of these can make for some paddles that have stunning scenery, amazing sunsets, and tasty post-paddle treats. There are lots of amazing places to paddle…
Hopefully you have seen that British Canoeing run a whole range of paddling safety courses through their delivery partners. From Paddleboarding technique to whitewater rafting, there are courses for almost everything. But when starting your paddling journey, no matter what craft you use, safety is always an important element to…
It’s time to crack out your best rain dance and hope the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs start to fill back up. There are a number of issues with the distinct lack of water at the minute, from environmental problems, less water to play on, and potential health impacts. It is…
In a world where shopping is moving online, our beloved paddlesport retailer shops are still as important as ever. We caught up with Sam Wilson at Kent canoes to find out why exactly paddlesport retailers are so important when it comes to buying your paddling kit. Over to the expert....…
The North West of England is home to some truly unique coastlines and stunning lakes. With so many places to paddle in the North West, we have pulled together just a couple of our highlights. With coastlines, the Lake District, Cumbria, and a few cities too, there is a huge…
Getting out on the water on a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak is a brilliant way to spend your free time. However, you need to be dressed appropriately to get the most out of your time on the water. Wearing the wrong clothes may well lead to you getting cold quickly…
With the weather warm, the sun coming out, and longer days, getting out on the water on your inflatable craft is looking more and more appealing. Inflatable paddleboards and kayaks are brilliantly convenient. They fit in your car, pump up quickly, and are great family fun on the water. To…
No matter what type of paddling you are doing, and on what type of craft, your Buying your first buoyancy aid is one of the most important bits of safety kit you will carry. Even if you are attached to an inflatable paddleboard, you still need to be wearing some…
We’d never recommend going paddling in a thunderstorm. If the weather looks like it’s going to be stormy, just hang up your paddles and go another day. However, as we know the weather can catch you out by surprise and the weather forecasts aren’t always 100% accurate. So, if you…
As summer is rolling and warming up we all look for ways to cool down and fun things to do in the sun. When the sun is out it is the perfect time to get on the water on your paddleboard or in your kayak and cool down. But it…
The summer is a perfect time to take on a paddling challenge as the days are getting longer, and the weather warmer. Challenging yourself to a distance, time, or number of laps paddled is a great way for you to raise some money for amazing charities. However, it is not…
New for 2022, when you take out a British Canoeing membership not only do you get a waterways license that opens up access to over 4500km of water, but you will also get a map with our top 8 paddle trails on. Spanning across the length of England, these trails…
If you’re a new or novice stand up paddleboarder and want to raise your safety awareness and personal safely, then the SUP Safer course is for you! It’ll help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when on the water. During this award, your instructor will work…
No matter where you are paddling, there is always a list of safety kit you should take with you. From a simple buoyancy aid to satellite radios, what you need is always going to be different based on your location. However, one simple bit of kit you should always have…
Surrey may be the most densely wooded county in England but it’s also home to plenty of interesting waterways to explore. So here we have accumulated a list of our top places to paddle in Surrey and Berkshire. River Wey In 1635 Sir Richard Weston, who spent some of his…
With summer just around the corner, paddlesports are on the rise. However, which craft to use still confuses some people. Each one has their benefits and limitations which are important to understand, especially when it comes to making the most out of your time on the water. So here we have…
Planning to watch the sunrise in Suffolk, home to the most easterly point in the UK, before heading off for a paddle on one of its inviting rivers? Or, looking to spend time in Essex, home to the first capital city of England (Colchester in case you’re wondering)? You will…
If you are looking to get out on your paddleboard, kayak or canoe and think that Yorkshire is the place to do this, then this is the article for you! We have pulled together just a couple of our top places to get on the water and enjoy yourself. Peaceful…
Norfolk, with its 41 Broads and almost 100 miles of coastline, has plenty to offer for paddlers. Cambridgeshire isn’t shy of lovely paddling spots either. Exploring the historic city of Cambridge from the River Cam isn’t just for those in the world famous punts - you can enjoy it under…
Now you have yourself a lovely new kayak, canoe, or paddleboard it’s time to get it out on the water. But how do you take it from your home to the river, lake, sea? Unless you are one of the very lucky ones, you are going to have to drive…
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